I tuck the phone away, trying to breathe through the weird tightness in my ribs.
Because that goal shouldn’t affect me.
But it does.
It makes him feel closer.
It makes the building feel smaller.
It makes me remember what it feels like to be swept into something bigger than your plan.
The rest of the period plays out, fast and physical. The opposing team tries to answer. The Outlaws’ defense holds.
From where I'm sitting in the lower part of Section 114, I catch flashes of Colby between shifts, with his helmet off at the bench, drinking water, eyes sharp.
Once, he laughs at something Bryce says.
Once, he leans toward Gabriel and says something that makes Gabriel elbow him.
Once, his gaze lifts.
Just a fraction.
Like he’s scanning the boards.
Like he’s looking for someone.
My stomach drops.
I look away first.
The horn sounds at the end of the first.
One-nothing.
Good start.
I exhale, realizing I’ve been holding my breath.
In the break, I move.
I check with Dave.
I check with the sound tech.
I check with the security escort.
I check with Raina’s assistant to make sure her jacket is ready and her in-ears are charged.
I do everything I can to make sure the next part of the night runs smoothly.
Because if I keep moving, I don’t have to feel.
***
The second period starts and the energy stays high.
The opposing team pushes harder.
