“I can’t believe we actually pulled it off.”
“You don’t have to sound so surprised. I thought you saidthis plan was perfect.”
His eyes glittered in reply. “Well, it wasn’t. But you were. Your dad didn’t have a choice but to pick you.”
I felt my cheeks grow warm at his compliment, so I quickly moved past him to get to my bag. With Parker in here, the room felt far too small. It wasn’t just his body that seemed to take up all the space, it was his energy too. I felt jittery because of it. He was being nice enough, but that was almost more unsettling than the mischievous smirk I’d become so used to seeing since arriving in Ransom.
“Maybe.” I rummaged through my bag. “But you heard him—it’s only on a trial basis.”
He nodded. “The next three games are against some of the best teams in the division. And the third one? That’ll be the homecoming game against our biggest rivals, the Sunshine Hills Saints.”
“Great, so I’m doomed.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“My dad will be looking for any reason he can find to kick me off the team. The first time I slip up, I’ll be gone.”
I glanced up at Parker, suddenly panicked. He’d gotten me this far, but what was I supposed to do now?
“Parker, I’ve never even played in a real game.”
My vulnerability surprised both of us, and I immediately wished I could take the words back. I didn’t want Parker doubting my skills or my confidence.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” he replied. “Just play like you did tonight.”
I nodded, somewhat grateful he had shrugged my worriesoff so easily, but not so sure I could do the same.
“Well, whatever happens, I wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” I said. “So, thank you, Parker.”
A flicker of pride crossed his eyes, but it was instantly replaced by mischief. “Wait, did you justthankme?”
Ugh. “Yes, but don’t get used to it. It was a one-time thing.”
“Good,” he said, still smirking, as he started for the door. “I’m not sure I liked it. Then again, youaremy biggest fan, so I guess I’ll take it.”
And then he was gone. He truly had a talent for making me not totally hate him one moment to wanting to throw him out the closest window the next. I guessed now that I was on the team, our little truce was over. It was probably for the best.
I changed out of my gear and made my way to the parking lot where Jaz was waiting for me. She was picking up Owen and had offered to give me a ride too. After the way my dad had reacted today, I was grateful to avoid an uncomfortable car trip home with him.
Jaz was looking down at her phone, but the moment she spotted me she pushed off the car and rushed toward me. “How did it go?”
I couldn’t stop the smile from forming on my lips. “I made the team.”
“I knew it!” she squealed with excitement and pulled me in for a hug.
I laughed as she squeezed me. “Don’t breathe in while you’re hugging me, I smell.”
“I have two hockey-playing brothers.” She laughed too as she stepped back. “I think I’m immune to the smell now.”
“Well done, Mackenize.” Owen appeared beside us. “You were brilliant out there. I’m still getting over the shock of you removing your helmet, though.”
“Oh, I wish I’d been there to see it,” Jaz said.
“It was very dramatic,” Owen told her. “The whole team forgot how to speak. The coaches did too.”
“It wasn’tthatdramatic,” I said. “And my dad did have a few things to say. I’m on the team, but only on trial.”
“I’m sure you were incredible,” Jaz gushed as she unlocked her car. It was old, small, and a bright shade of pink, but I was beyond jealous. My parents let me borrow my stepmom’s car when they needed me to drive somewhere. But it wasn’t the same as having my own wheels. “You’ll have to tell me all about it over dinner.”
