Louder cheers.
“Who’s here because you just came for the merch and vibes?”
The loudest cheers yet.
Dex clutches his chest. “Honesty. We love to see it.”
He launches into the explanation, charm turned up but words clear.
“Hearts on Ice is all about charity, fun, and reminding everyone that hockey players are people too.” He pauses. “Large people. On skates. With feelings.”
More laughter.
Dex gestures toward the finalist section. “Tonight, we’ve got some incredible women joining us. Give it up for our finalists!”
Spotlights sweep over us.
I smile because that’s what you do.
Paige screams my name like she’s trying to summon me.
Nancy presses her hands together, eyes bright.
Dex grins. “All of these women earned their seats tonight by donating, entering, or being brave enough to raise their hands in the first place.”
Dex grins. “Now, how do we choose who joins us onstage?”
The crowd leans in.
He holds up a large clear drum filled with numbered heart paddles. “Each paddle matches a seat number one of the finalists is sitting in,” he explains. “No favorites. No volunteers. Just luck. We let fate and charity decide.”
My stomach tightens.
Dex spins the drum dramatically. Hearts clatter inside.
“Remember,” he says, “you don’t volunteer. You don’t campaign. You don’t bribe me.” He points at a woman in the crowd. “Ma’am, put the hundred-dollar bill away.”
Laughter.
He reaches in.
Pulls a paddle.
“Seat number…” He squints. “Seven.”
For half a second, nothing registers.
Then Paige screams.
Nancy grabs my hand.
The woman beside me gasps.
My seat number.
Dex looks right at me. “Seat seven! Come on down!”
The crowd erupts.
