Which means he is holding mine, too.
And I don’t know how much—if any—control I will have over what my dad will do about it.
Chapter Thirty
I can’t stop working on it.
I stare down at my phone at what I’ve created during the second-period intermission of the game. I’m at the arena, and the Manatees are in a 1-1 battle with Houston. But any chance I get, I find myself working on my secret project.
Frozen Edge Photography.
I can’t hide my smile as I study the website on my iPhone screen. I can’t believe I’ve actually done this, but I have. Nobody knows, of course. I haven’t launched it yet, and I still have a lot to do, but I’ve spent all this week developing my new business.
I have pulled my best hockey pictures and displayed them in a cool, artful way. I’ve also built sections where I’ve posted other types of pictures I’ve taken, like soccer and Georgie’s jars. I’ve researched all the business paperwork I need to file so I can begin my new adventure, and I’ve done everything from filling out sales-tax forms to registering my business name. I’ve created a logo. Designed my website. Started social media accounts for Frozen Edge. Booked an appointment with another professional photographer to have some headshots made. I’ve got a million questions to ask Georgie, too, about running your own business, but I’ll wait until after the holidays to do that.
Sometime in this new year, Frozen Edge Photography will open.
And I’m going to share this with Aiden tonight.
I shiver excitedly at the thought. I cannot wait to show him what he helped inspire.
I see Mom coming back down the row, as we’re close to the start of the third period, so I tap out of my website and slip my phone back in my purse. I’m going to share this with my family eventually, but obviously telling them about me and Aiden is the first priority. Once we get through that, I’ll show them my business, and with Dad’s consent, share it with the communications department at the Manatees.
“I’m back,” Mom says, handing me a bottle of water.
“Thank you,” I say as she takes her seat.
The players step back onto the ice for the start of the third period. The music blares and the PA announcer roars about “our Miami Manateeeeeeeeeeees!” Everyone cheers, and my eyes stay riveted to Aiden.
The puck is dropped in the center ice for the faceoff, and the third period begins. Aiden pushes it up the ice, out of our zone, to our first-line center, Brayden Morrow. Beckham is flying up the left hand side of the boards, and Brayden passes to him, drawing all of Houston’s attention. Aiden and the other defender are moving into the open space, so Beckham puts the puck right on Aiden’s stick. Aiden takes the shot, and the puck goes right between the leg pads of the goalie—the five hole—and hits the back of the net.
Aiden has just scored the go-ahead goal.
“Yes!” I scream, shooting out of my seat. The crowd roars in approval, with everyone leaping to their feet and cheering. The goal song, “Ice Ice Baby,” blares through the arena, and Aiden is immediately swarmed by Beckham and Wyatt, who engulf him in a hug, along with Brayden and his defensive partner, Alexandre Cloutier. Aiden’s mouth guard is dangling from thecorner of his mouth, a huge smile on his face. He skates over to the bench, fist-bumping his teammates with his glove.
I can’t stop smiling. I’m so proud of my man! I’m so grateful I got to see him score right in front of me, too.
I sit down, and I can feel Mom’s gaze on my profile. I turn to her, and once again she’s staring at me with that thinking expression on her face.
Deflection is called for, so I grab my bottle of water, unscrew the cap, and take a long drink. By the time I’m done, play has resumed, and I act like I’m oblivious to her staring at me. Eventually, she shifts her attention back to the ice, and I make a point of watching the game.
“Miami Manatees goal scored by number seven, AIDEN WENTWORTH, with an assist by number ninety-two, BECKHAM BAILEY!” the PA announcer roars.
I know I’m beaming. I can’t contain it. I glance at my mom. She’s watching me again. I shift my gaze back to the ice.
Next week this ends. There’s no more hiding being with Aiden. No more hiding my feelings.
I swallow hard as I look at Aiden on the bench, now studying something on an iPad with Alexandre.
I will be able to support my boyfriend openly, with all my heart.
I just pray I will be doing it right here, from this seat, once the dust settles.
* * *
I eagerly bound out of the elevator in Aiden’s apartment building. I can’t wait to celebrate his game-winning goal withhim. It’s the first one I’ve seen him score in person, and I’m so happy I got to be there tonight.
I reach his door and rap on it. Milo starts barking on the other side. I hear Aiden’s voice, telling him to stop, and the barking ceases. Then the door opens, and the first thing I do is throw my arms around Aiden, drawing his mouth down to mine for a quick kiss.
