The thought of playing in the game tomorrow night has me working harder. My muscles and lungs burn. I’m ready to win.
Hunter whoops from the bench. “Cross is back, baby! Devils had better watch out!”
Callan catches up to me at center ice, both of us breathing hard.
“Channel that energy for tomorrow night.” He taps his stick against mine. “Lock it down for the playoffs. We need you focused, not suspended again.”
“That was a onetime thing.”
Callan almost smiles, which for him is practically a standing ovation. “Keep your head straight. Whatever’s going on with you lately, put a ring on it.”
I smirk. “Shut the fuck up.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He skates off before I can argue.
Is it written across my forehead?
We run drills for another hour, and it’s clear that the break I got has made me untouchable. Every line I join clicks, and our plays work flawlessly. When Coach blows the whistle and waves us in, Smiley skates up beside me and shakes his head.
“Bro, maybe you should get suspended more often.”
“Not my style,” I tell him with a shrug. “Can’t stand to watch you lose.”
“Oh, fuck off,” Callan says. “I knew that would get to your head.”
The locker room is loud with the usual post-practice chaos. Gear is being stripped off, smack is being talked, and several Bluetooth speakers are playing clashing music. I peel off my jersey and pads and do some more stretching.
In less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be back in a real game with the playoffs around the corner. My relationship with Kendall is waiting for me on the other side of this.
Coach appears in the doorway. “Reminder, portrait dedication at three. Dennis wants everyone showered and looking professional. Local news is covering it. Don’t embarrass the organization.”
A few guys groan.
“Three o’clock,” Coach repeats. “The concourse at the main entrance. Be there.”
I take my time in the shower and allow the hot water to beat down on my shoulders. Steam fills the stall, and I realize I don’t have any tension in my body. I’m completely relaxed.
I think about how she kissed me goodbye this morning and told me she loved me. I dry off and pull on the dress clothes I brought. Navy slacks, white button-down, and a midnight-blue tie she said she liked last week. I knot it, checking the mirror to make sure everything sits right.
My phone buzzes.
Kendall
Can’t wait to see you. Now, remember, please no eye-fucking.
Patterson
No guarantees.
Kendall
Best behavior, Pattycakes.
Patterson
Only for you.
Kendall
