Turnabout is fair play
It’s a good thing I like you
Good thing
See you after the game
Will you be watching?
Yes
Then you’ll be my good luck charm
I’ll try
Idon’t think I’ve ever had a harder time concentrating on a hockey game than I have tonight. It’s late in the third period, but my mind keeps drifting back to the conversation with Quinn.
I’ve never wanted a game to end faster than I have this one. Boston is a decent team this year, but we’re crushing them. The crowd is electric, keeping us motivated all night.
But there’s only one person motivating me, and I can’t wait to see her.
“Hayes, you’re up,” Coach Andrews calls out, slapping me on the back.
Hopping over the boards, I fly down the ice toward the action. Noah does a good job blocking an errant shot and I scoop up the rebound.
Boston’s on me, but I dodge their defenders and take aim at the goal. Pulling back, I fire the puck at the net and it clangs off the crossbar before sailing in.
“Fuck, yeah!” I pump my fist as the crowd goes wild.
We’re up 4-1 now with only a few minutes left.
“Great job, man,” Noah congratulates me.
“Felt really fucking good.”
I skate back to center ice for the puck drop as the fans keep cheering. Games like this are fun. We’re playing well and the crowd is into it. I wish we had more years like this—being on a team that plays well together. Sucking? Never a good time.
The line changes and I skate back toward the bench. Coach and the guys clap me on the helmet as I take my seat.
“Way to not fuck that up, Hayes,” the fan behind me chirps.
The downside to season ticket holders…always the same people around us. I get a goal and that’s how they react? I don’t know what it would take to impress them at this point. Hell, they’d probably be happy if I never laced up my skates again.
Swigging my water, I ignore them and watch as the rest of the game ticks by. We’re able to close it out with no more points scored.
After the customary shaking of hands, I head back to the locker room. With the game over, all of my attention swings to Quinn.
Damn, she really must be a good luck charm for me. After I’ve taken a quick shower and changed, Coach Andrews calls all of our attention to him.
“Great game tonight, men. I like what I saw out there. Working as team, knowing where everyone is going to be on the ice. I love it. Let’s keep this momentum going. I’ll see you all tomorrow for practice. I know we’re leaving for a road trip soon, so after practice, take the afternoon off then we’ll head out.”
After he’s done speaking, guys start to disperse. Thank God. I’m ready to grab dinner and head to Quinn’s. I don’t know if going over to her place qualifies as a date, but I’m bringing dinner, so in my book, it does.
“Anyone up for a drink tonight?” Graham asks.
“I could be convinced,” Bode says. “The grandmas have Caleb, and Stevie was going to have a girls’ night, so I’m on my own.”
“I’m out,” I say, grabbing my bag.
