Unfortunately, Ford’s words followed me onto the ice and messed with my focus. I knew I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to perform, but there was still no sign of Coach Foster changing his mind about me. I wished I didn’t need his approval, but I couldn’t help feeling like no matter how hard I tried, I’d never get it.
As practice finished up for the evening and I made myway off the ice, Mackenzie caught my eye only to glance away instantly. Was this how it was going to be between us now?Awkward? I didn’t do awkward. Mostly because I didn’t usually care. But Mackenzie and I still had a hockey game to win this weekend. I couldn’t have her avoiding me. Before I could work out how to fix it, she had disappeared to the girls’ locker room.
“What was up with you tonight?” Seth asked as we walked out to the parking lot.
“Nothing was up with me.”
“You barely said a word to anyone all night.”
“Aw, Walker, you keeping tabs on me?”
“Someone’s got to,” he replied with a smirk. “Mackenzie did well.”
I shrugged.
“Don’t pretend you didn’t notice. I saw you watching her.”
“We both know I’m herrealcoach. Of course, I was watching her.” It had nothing to do with this morning. Absolutely nothing.
“Well, I think your hard work is paying off.”
“I hope so. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”
When we reached my truck and started loading our bags in the trailer, I caught sight of Mackenzie in the distance. She was lugging all her gear toward the road.
Seth paused at my side and followed my gaze. “She usually catches a ride home with Owen and his sister, right?”
“No idea,” I grunted, despite the fact I was well aware she always climbed into Jaz’s waiting car once practice was over. But Owen had missed today’s session because he was sick, and that meant Jaz wasn’t here to drive Mackenzie home. Shewasn’t actually planning on walking with all that stuff, was she?
I tossed my keys to Seth. “Want to take my truck for the night?”
A knowing smile started to form. “Nice night for a walk, huh?”
Hardly. It was freezing.
“Yep.”
He released a breathy laugh, like he didn’t have it in him to question my decisions anymore. “Okay, I’ll take your truck home. I can swing by yours in the morning and drop it off.”
“Thanks, man.” I was already jogging after Mackenzie.
I probably could have offered her a ride with me and Seth, but I kind of preferred the idea of walking with her. I hoped a little time together might help dispel any awkwardness still lingering from this morning. I needed us to be good, especially with a game tomorrow.
As I caught up with her, she glanced up and pulled the headphones from her ears, leaving them hanging around her neck. “Parker?”
“What are we doing?” I asked, tucking my hands into my pockets as though I was out for a casual stroll.
“I’m walking home. I’ve no idea whatyou’redoing.”
“That’s a long way to go with all your gear.”
“It’s not that far. I’ve been walking here for our morning sessions all week.”
“You what?”
She rolled her eyes. “No need to overreact. It’s fine.”
It wasn’t even close to fine. “Why didn’t you ask me for a ride?”
