That’s when I see him.
Helmetless, Mattias’s straw-colored hair catches my attention, a flash of gold among black helmets on the bench. He’s down there with them, wearing his jersey and slacks, one leg crossed over the other. My breath catches. I didn’t expect to see him before he was fully recovered. He’s smiling a crooked smile at something Westergren’s said and my heart practically stops.
Then, he turns and his eyes lift to mine. His smile fades. I raise a hand and wave at him slowly, unsure of what to do. He doesn’t wave back. He just holds my stare for a stuttering heartbeat, before turning back to the game.
I deflate.Really, Freddie? A fucking wave?
I wish I could kick myself.
“Who was that?” My father asks.
“Nobody,” I murmur, though my eyes linger on the back of Mattias’s head. I wonder what he’ll do if I fail. Who he’ll play for next. In what city. What women he’ll meet.
That way lies ruin.
“You look ready to murder,” Grace says the afternoon of the premiere. I’m standing in front of her full-length mirror, turning profiles in the slender black dress I’ve chosen. It’s sleeveless with a halter tie that spills down my back. A little sexy for the rink, but technically this is my directorial debut.
Grace, Margot, Ryan, Parker and I are all crammed into Grace’s bedroom. Margot even brought a bottle of champagne, and I take a sip from my flute to settle my nerves.
“If anyone bothers you, let me know. I have lawyers for my lawyers,” Margot adds.
“You scare me,” Ryan says flatly.
“Good.” Margot winks.
“Not me,” Parker drawls, leaning against the doorframe with their scrappy arms crossed over their chest, looking at Margot with raised brows. Margot opens her mouth, then closes it—seeming suspiciously intrigued. I’ll have to ask her about that one later.
“I couldn’t have done this without all of you,” I say, raising my glass to them all. Taking another sip, I realize my hands are shaking.
Parker pulls me into a one-armed embrace.
“You should have told me we were fixin’ to take down a PE firm, Fred. I woulda done this for free,” they say, making me laugh.
“I don’t know about free, but this is going to put my cinematography on the map. Plus, I got front row seats to a hockey season out of it. Although the Bears fan in me will deny I enjoyed any of it. Can’t complain too much,” Ryan adds, standing there awkwardly, like he’s not sure if he should hug me or not.
“Shut up, ya douche,” Parker replies, pulling him into our hug as well. The three of us share a tight squeeze. I swore I wasn’t going to cry, but my eyes sting.
“You’re doing the right thing, Fred. Not just for yourself, but for everyone,” Grace says.
Margot nods. “The community deserves to know it’s being strip-mined.”
I draw a shaky breath and nod, pulling away from Parker and Ryan. Grace offers me a refill, but I decline. I want to remember tonight in perfect detail.
“Car’s almost here. Any last words?” Grace says.
“No.” I take one last look at myself before my life changes forever. “Roll sound,” I say, like we’re setting up a take.
“Sound speed,” Parker replies, grinning.
“Camera rolling,” Ryan adds.
“Action,” I say. They all follow me out.
My father’s rented an actual red carpet for the event. It’s like watching him prepare his own funeral and he doesn’t even know it. There are a few photographers outside, but I don’t stop for them. With my head held high, I go in.
The rink’s transformation steals my breath. The ice has been converted into a theater with a large silver projector screen standing in the center. The stands have been alphabetized and numericized for ease of seating. There’s even a small concession stand offering wine, beer, and candy. I’m early, and the seats are only about twenty percent full. I don’t see any of the streamer reps I’ve invited, and I shift nervously at the prospect they won’t come. Well, at least KDLA Sports is here. If nothing else, they’ll be enough to get the word out.
A few minutes later, a string of curses to my left tells me the players have started arriving, and my heart falters. I’ve been so wrapped up in planning the premiere that I’ve hardly had time to think about their reactions.
