“We’re really looking good,” Alfie says.
“Must be all that practice,” Jack deadpans.
I laugh at the two of them as the guys hop over the boards for a line change.
This is fun. This is why I love hockey. Now that we’rewinning, the guys are enjoying themselves more and more. It’s amazing what a few wins can do to boost a team’s confidence.
And by the time the final whistle blows, we’ve won 5-2, scoring an easy empty net goal.
I shake hands with their coach before heading back to the locker room. My first thought is whether Liv will be impressed. A win is a win, but I don’t think it’ll get us any closer to being the most popular sport here.
At least according to her.
God, I really do love her. Even if she insults my sport.
Chapter Twenty-Two
OLIVIA
“This is what you had in mind for tonight?”
I tug at the hem of Tag’s sweatshirt I’m wearing. “I figured if we’re doing new and adventurous things, I might as well conquer some fears. And you can see more of London.”
“On a slide?” he asks.
“Yes.”
After another missed connection with my parents this afternoon, I was frustrated. Tag sensed it and suggested we go out.
I didn’t tell him the real reason I was upset. I don’t want to give my parents any more power over me than necessary.
This time, the telephone barely rang before I was being sent to voicemail. What parents send their daughter to voicemail?
Short of surprising them with a visit to get them to talk to me, I’m not sure what else I can do.
So instead of dinner at the pub, I figured we could go for something more adventurous.
“Not exactly what I thought we’d be doing tonight.”
“Are you scared?” I ask, staring up at the red metal that shoots up from the ground and twists all around the building.
“No. Are you? You don’t like heights.”
“Which is exactly why I want to do this with you.”
Tag eyes me with a wary look. “Is everything okay?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“You don’t take risks, Liv.”
“So? Life doesn’t always have to be neat and orderly.”
“No, but it’s a random weeknight, so seems strange to be going down this souped-up slide.”
I throw a thumb behind my shoulder. “I can do it on my own then.”
“No.” He stops me before I get two steps away. “I never said that. Just checking in to make sure that everything is okay.”
