Petar
Hold onto that next time Uncle Ivor tries to get in your head
Cameron
I’m going to try
Zhuri is an incredible help with that
Say hi to Vinea for me
Petar
And you tell your girl I’m happy for her, too
She’s got a good one
I smile as I look at all my teammates spread around my living room. We’ve come a long way since the Comets were formed, and we’re acting like a real fucking team now.
The past month has mostly been spent at the rink practicing. With the preseason starting tomorrow, we needed to make sure we were ready. Coach Balstad was always a great coach, but Coach Leverson has whipped us into shape. I think she finally earned the respect she deserves from all the guys on the team, and we’re going to have an incredible season this year with her at the helm.
Even Michael has come around. He’s not distant with any of his teammates now, and he works incredibly well on the fourth line with Amalia and Aili.
Zhuri and I have successfully hidden our relationship, too. It’s been a month of pure bliss with her beside me, but when we’re at the rink, you’d never be able to tell there’s anything more. We focus on hockey, and that’s it. It makes keeping our relationship a secret so much easier.
She spends most nights in bed beside me, though occasionally we spend the night at her place. No matter where we are, though, she’s wrapped up in my arms, and I’m getting the best sleep of my life.
I’m falling in so deep with Zhuri, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
I think this might be what love feels like.
The thought just makes me smile.
I glance up at my girlfriend and grin. She’s sitting across the room from me tonight between Asher and Lina, but she still gives me a soft smile in return.
Wes nudges me when he sees so I don’t give myself away.
Isla taps her foot nervously in front of her. “I can’t believe the season starts tomorrow.”
Bet and Venda wrap their arms around her shoulders.
“It’s going to be fine, Icy,” Bet promises. “Just play like you always do.”
Isla takes a deep breath before exhaling slowly. “Right. Of course.”
It’s pretty clear to everyone around us that Isla has some anxiety issues. I don’t know where they stem from, but they show themselves from time to time.
My job as one of the co-captains is to uplift my teammates.
“You’ve been looking damn good out there, Icy,” I chime. “You, Nico, and Asher work really well together.”
“Thanks, Cam,” she smiles softly. “I’ll be better tomorrow. My rituals will get me in the right mindset.”
“What are your rituals?” Bruno asks her before popping a tortilla chip covered with buffalo chicken dip into his mouth.
Maybe team dinner the night before our first game wasn’t a great idea. We’re all going to look like shit tomorrow after indulging ourselves tonight.
“I pull my hair into a ponytail. Then I drink a bottle of Gatorade—specifically Cool Blue—before I re-lace my skates. After those, I take out my ponytail and tie my hair off in a braid.”
