It’s our power play offense, and he immediately moves to the right. Pascal slaps the puck to me, and I pass to Javier, who dribbles the biscuit left, then right with his stick. Just as Tae gets in position to block one of the Tornadoes, Javier slaps the puck into the net.
The horn sounds, and I throw my hands in the air. That’s an assist for me and Pascal, but more importantly, points on the board.
After that, we’re on fire. We make two more goals before the first period ends and intermission begins. When we’re back from our rest—which is really the coaches giving us tips while we all try to keep the aches from catching up—we play even better.
At the end of the third period, we’ve won six to nothing. A complete shutout. Coach slaps me on the back. “Way to give it your all, Crank. Almost couldn’t tell you were rusty.”
I huff out a laugh. I only played twelve minutes because I couldn’t hang the whole fifteen, but I played. Better than that, I made a goal and witnessed Val cheering me on in the stands. Thank goodness my body can rest a little until we have to do this again on Monday. It’s a feel-good hurt versus one centered around regret.
“Crank, you and your girl coming to celebrate?” Trevor asks.
“Nah. We’re going to her dad’s place for dinner.”
“Oh, meet-the-folks time?”
More like a redo, but he doesn’t need to know that, so I simply nod.
Trevor daps my fist. “Good luck, man.”
I honestly don’t think I’ll need it. Yeah, I want Don Elliott to respect me, maybe even like me, but all that matters is that Jackie is no longer giving Val grief over our relationship. Val’s happiness is what matters. If getting Don to respect me will make her pleased, I’ll try my best. But I also know that Val won’t dump me just because her family’s hesitant. We’ve already crossed that bridge and haven’t looked back.
I quickly shower, then change back into my game-day suit. When I walk into the family waiting room, Val and Fran stand off to the side, talking animatedly. I come up behind Val and wrap my arms around her waist, kissing her soundly on her cheek.
She squeezes my hands, then turns so she’s facing me. “You were amazing,” she says breathlessly.
“Had my good-luck charm watching over me.”
“You two are starting to get a bit mushy.” Fran gazes at us pointedly.
Val blushes.
“You know I’m your favorite hockey player, Fran. Don’t pretend like you’re not happy about us.”
Fran looks away, a swallow visible. “Maybe I’m happy.”
“Aw, Fran, do you want me to get you your own hockey player?”
The scowl on her face has me doubling over.
“Not on your life,” she grits through her teeth.
As we walk out of the room, Val whispers to me. “Her baby’s father is a hockey player. I don’t think she’ll look twice at them again.”
Crap.I feel like a heel now. “Who?”
“Derrick Slade.”
Ugh, that guy’s a smarmfest. I’ve never liked him, and now this gives me a reason to make sure I slam him into the boards the next time we play.
I glance at Fran. “Do I need to have a talk with him?” I murmur.
“That’ll just cause problems.” Val squeezes my hand. “But thanks for wanting to help.”
Of course I want to help. Because one day, Fran will officially be a little sister to me.
“Let me know if you ever change your mind.”
Val snorts. “Please, I know you’re already planning on roughing him up the next time you see him.”
