This can’t be happening.
“And this is his father.” She leans back, indicating to the man next to her.
Troy is the spitting image of him. Same dark brown hair. Brown eyes, so dark, they’re almost black. He has more wrinkles around his eyes, but the smile he gives me is kind.
So unlike every story I’ve heard growing up about this man.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Derek.”
“Hi.” I take his extended hand. “Angie.”
“So you’re the young lady we’ve heard so much about.”
“Uhh…”
I’m turning into a bumbling idiot around these people. What exactly has Troy told them about me?
Do they know who I am? Who my dad is?
There is no way they’d be smiling at me like they are if they knew my dad was Alex Young.
Could this be any more of a nightmare?
“Don’t worry, all good things,” his mom tells me. “We’re so thankful you’re helping him with his studies. It’s very important to us that he graduates before going pro. Playing professional sports only lasts so long.”
“I’m glad I’m able to help him.” I wish I had something to clear my parched throat. My voice sounds different to my own ears. As if I weren’t stressed enough about coming to the game tonight, I’m meeting Troy’s parents. “I know he wants to make you two proud.”
“I don’t know why he’d be worried about that. We’re already proud of him. No matter what happens.” No truer words from a mother.
“Sutton, let her be. I’m sure she doesn’t want to spend the night with you talking her ear off.”
“Oh, it’s okay!” I squeak out.
Get it together, Angela. You’re acting like a crazy person right now.
It’s at that moment the opposing team skates out onto the ice.
Maroon and gold jerseys clash with the red and white of SDU. The team name is splashed across the front.
Boston Gophers.
I wish I couldn’t pick Kyle out, but there he is. A headtaller than everyone on his team. There’s a cockiness to him that I can sense even from here.
He hasn’t changed a bit.
I don’t miss the way Troy skates by him during warm-ups. No doubt he’s assessing him, seeing if he can psych him out.
It makes me fall for him that much more.
“I really hope we beat them tonight,” Sutton says from next to me.
Me too.
And I wouldn’t mind if the captain takes someone out.
I’d love it in fact.
I can’t wait for this game to start.
