“She’s right, Coach.” All eyes turned to him. “Mackenzie was the best player to try out, and we all know it. Even you.” I knew Parker wanted me on the team, but I was still surprised he’d spoken up for me. Especially considering my dad looked close to exploding. But that didn’t stop the Devils’ star player.
“There’s nothing prohibiting a girl from playing in our division,” he went on. “Especially when the high school doesn’t have a girls’ team.”
There were a few murmurs and whispers from the other players, who had all been stunned into complete silence until now. The boys looked to Parker and then to me, and a few began to nod in agreement, as though Parker’s words had released them from their initial shock.
I suspected if Parker jumped off a cliff, most of his teammates would fight over who got the privilege of following him over the edge first. But even with Parker’s approval, I never expected others to start speaking up.
“Yeah, Mackenzie was awesome,” Seth shouted.
“She’s got hands like glue,” Owen said.
“Some of those other kids couldn’t even skate,” another guy added. “No offense, Brent.”
“Screw you, Cullen!”
“She is a girl…” Someone sounded unsure.
“So’s your mom!”
A few of the guys laughed.
“Who cares if she’s a girl?”
“It’ll make us a laughing stock.”
“Not if we start winning some games.”
The chatter and debate grew louder, but the person who mattered most was still quiet.
My dad’s arms were firmly folded, and he was glaring at his players. I stepped to the front of the group and moved toward him. “Please, Dad. Just give me a chance.”
He glanced down at me, and then back at his team, who were still debating amongst themselves. My dad was hard to read, because he almost always had the same stern crease across his brow. But right now, he looked defeated.
He let out a heavy breath. “Fine.”
“Really?”
“You haven’t given me much choice, have you?” he gritted out. “You’ll join the team on a trial basis. You’ve got three games to prove you can keep up.”
I swallowed as I nodded. “I’ll keep up. You can count on it.”
He turned to the players once more and raised his voice to address them. “Mackenzie will join the team, but she’s on probation. Anyone have any issues with my decision, you know where my office is.” Without another word, he turned and stalked off the ice.
Coach Rainer clapped to get our attention, then started wrapping up the session. But I was still focused on my dad’s retreating figure. I’d never seen him this angry before. Didn’the realize he was the one who betrayed me first?
Only after the team was dismissed and I was walking out through the tunnel did what I’d achieved start to sink in. I’d made the team—even if I was on thin ice. After spending my entire life longing to play for a real hockey team, I was finally going to get that chance. And it never would have happened if not for Parker.
As I followed the other players back to the locker rooms, a few of the guys congratulated me or gave me encouraging slaps on the back. Plenty of frowns and concerned glances were also directed my way, but I supposed I had to expect some resistance.
I peeled off from the rest of the team to go change, but when I entered the small referees’ room, I was surprised to find Parker waiting there. I quickly closed the door behind me. The last thing I needed was for my dad to see us together.
“What are you doing here?”
“You did it,” he said with a genuine smile. “Congratulations.”
He closed the small distance between us and my stomach dipped. Was he going to hug me? If so, was I going to let him? I imagined his strong arms pulling me close and the thought sent adrenaline pulsing through me. It was probably just a natural fight or flight response. He must have had a similar reaction, because he suddenly stopped, a brief look of confusion appearing on his face, before giving me an awkward pat on the shoulder.
“Uh, thanks,” I replied, just as awkwardly.
