I bite down on my lip to keep from grinning like a maniac.
The announcers arestillgushing about Nat’s play too.
“This is a man who wasmadefor the game, everyone! That’s pure, natural talent.”
I shake my head, knowing that they’re wrong. They weren’t there when Nat was waking up early every morning to head to the rink. They didn’t see him training longer and harder than anyone else on the team. They didn’t see him at night, watching hours of game play, taking notes and thinking of ways to push himself harder.
He fought for this.
He earned it.
Chris smacks me on the arm. “Riley, I think Nat’s trying to get your attention.”
I focus on the ice again. The hockey players have dismantled their pile up and Nat is smiling in our direction.
When he sees that I’m looking back, his eyes glitter even brighter than before and he waves. He reminds me of an excited kid unwrapping his present on Christmas morning. I can only imagine how hyper and excited he’ll be when he leaves the ice.
One of his team members gestures to Nat, indicating that they’re gathering for the handshake line. Nat distractedly nods and then looks at me and points to the tunnel. He makes a walking motion with his fingers.
I flash him an ‘okay’ sign.
“That was so fun!” Gordie exclaims as the rest of our section starts packing up to leave. “Nathan Campbell is almost as good as daddy!”
April and Rebel laugh.
Cordelia gives the little girl a hug. “Almostas good.”
I disagree with Gordie and Cordelia, but I have no plans to argue about it. The other Lucky Strikers’ players are great too.
Just not as amazing as Nat.
Cordelia turns to me and her short black hair swings behind her. “So neighbor, what are you guys doing after the game? My mom is inviting all the players to her house for dinner if you’re interested.”
“Your mom?” I give her a surprised look.
“Oh, she’s the team sponsor,” Cordelia says casually, as if her mother partially owning a sports team is akin to buying a purse or a watch. “And she likes…” Cordelia traces a circle in the air as if searching for the right word, “making a fuss.”
“Grandma hasthe bestparties!” Gordie exclaims, throwing her hands wide. “Plus, she bought me a telescope so I can look at the stars.”
“That sounds like fun.” I bop Gordie’s nose.
“You don’t have to attend if you have other plans,” Cordelia says with a sly grin.
“I mean… I’d love to come. We didn’t have any concrete plans. I have my brother and Nat’s agent here and we were probably going to hit The Tipsy Tuna.”
“Oh cool. Your brother is here?” Cordelia’s eyes widen and she lowers her voice. “Did you tell him that you and Nathan Campbell are…” She presses the tips of her fingers together.
“He knows.”
Cordelia winces. “Did he object?”
“Surprisingly no. We had breakfast this morning. Chris and Nat were joking around as they always do and Nat wasbeing attentive and sweet—although I will say he gets an extra enjoyment from hugging or touching me in front of Chris. My brother is vocal about finding it disgusting.”
Cordelia laughs. “I’m glad that worked out then.”
I glance over my shoulder at where Chris is texting someone—probably his girlfriend Nicole—and Renea is on the phone, fighting to have a conversation with whoever is on the other end of the line. I don’t know how she’s hearing anything with all this noise though.
Rebel scoots over to us. Her blonde hair is shiny under the arena lights and she’s done something with her blush that makes her beautiful face even more striking.
