The scoreboard changes:three-two
We’re winning.
We won?
The final seconds tick away. The other team pushes hard, desperate, but our girls hold the line. The buzzer sounds.
Game over.
We won!
They won!
“Yes!” I’m standing in the sea of people, all doing the same.
“All right,” I say, wiping my cheeks. “I get it now.”
Cara smirks. “Sure.”
“I mean it this time,” I insist. “Hockey is stressful and confusing, and I love it.”
“You love her—and maybe him.” She points with her chin at a very proud-looking Holden, who’s congratulating each girl on the team.
I shake my head. Definitely her. Him, though? I’m on the way. There’s no point in denying it and lying to myself. I can’t take my eyes off him, nor do I want to.
Allie nods solemnly. “She did so good, right?”
Roe laughs. “That she did. Little badass.”
On the ice, Bella looks up at the stands. Our eyes meet, and she lifts her stick. I laugh, waving at my girl. They exit the rink, leaving the coaches behind. Standing there, in the middle of the ice, is Holden, looking so proud.
My heart skips a beat for a different reason.
33
FALLING IN LOVE WITH ALL OF THEM
Best Day Of My Life by American Authors
Holden
“That,back there, was good playing. Not because you won, but because you took everything you learned from our game last week and put it into play in this one,” Liam tells the girls. They’re beaming with excitement, taking his words in.
“I saw teamwork and calculated risks. Less of you were horizontal this time around.” They giggle. “And more of you were focused. I’m damn proud, always, but tonight especially.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to say damn,” Ella mentions, making the rest of them giggle.
“We’ll give him a pass this time,” I add. “Look around. Yes, you won, but you know what else I see in this room? Players with heart, love, and hustle. I see fearlessness, girls who were playing for the name on the front of the jersey.” I tap my chest with my hand. “Not only the one on the back. I knew you would be a special group, but tonight, you proved it to me. I don’t want youto think of the score, though. When you go home tonight, I want you to think of how hard you all worked, together, as a team.”
They nod in understanding. Liam looks surprised, but I continue. “I want you to think about how much fun you had tonight. Think about how it felt to give it your all and lean into your teammates. You all have the skill, you all have the heart, and tonight, you showed you also have the guts. You’re all a triple threat, each one of you, and I’m damn proud to be your coach.”
They giggle.
“What a team!”
“What a team, indeed,” Liam adds. “Now, go! Go celebrate. See you next week.”
They rush out, leaving us behind with giant smiles on our faces. “Way to go, Coach Clay,” Liam says.
