"That's months away. It will be a temporary blip on our road to the cup," Sully states naively.
"You think I can risk that."
He takes a seat on the bed, too. "Or you could just not tell anyone."
"What? Sneak around?"
He nods. "Till the season is over."
I stare at him. "You think that's fair on Jo?"
He shrugs. "You're in a pickle."
"Don't I know it."
I'm lying in bed when my phone buzzes, and I'm surprised by who it is.
Joelle: I'm sorry about the elevator.
Emmett: You have nothing to be sorry for.
Joelle: I just wanted you to know I heard what you said in there. But let's get through these next two road games and talk when we get home.
My stomach sinks. I don't know if this is good or bad.
Emmett: Of course. We can talk when we get home.
Joelle: Good. Now get some sleep. You have a big game tomorrow.
Emmett: Yes, ma'am.
Joelle: Goodnight, Captain.
Emmett: Goodnight, Trouble.
I set my phone down, my mind is running through a million and one different scenarios.But maybe. Just maybe. I can hope.
Game day. The arena is packed, and Boston fans are loud, rowdy, and ready to see their team destroy us. They're in for a disappointment, because I am in the mood to unleash. We're in the locker room. Coach is giving his pre-game speech. The usual stuff about playing hard, staying focused, winning battles. I tune him out, my head is already in the game.
"All right, Cap," Coach says, turning to me. "Anything to add?"
I stand and look around at my team. "We're on a winning streak. Four games. Let's make it five. Play smart. Play clean. And for fuck's sake, don't give them any power plays." The guys laugh. "Let's go," I finish.
We break and head out to the ice. The crowd roars when Boston skates out. Boos follow us as we skate out. I don't care. I feed off it.
Puck drops.
Game on.
First period is brutal. Boston comes out swinging. They're fast, aggressive, playing like they have something to prove. We match them hit for hit. Pierre takes a shot five minutes in. Misses. Felix gets checked hard into the boards shakes it off and keeps playing. Sully blocks a shot that would have been a goal. The save of the game.
We're tied 0-0 going into the second.
In the locker room between periods, everyone is amped.
"They're getting tired," Coach says. "Keep the pressure on."
I grab my water bottle and take a long drink. Joelle is standing by the door with Sarah, watching, making sure the boys are all healthy. I wink at her. She quickly looks away, but I seethe blush that blooms across her cheeks, and somehow, that's enough.
