Maybe I can find a quick fuck just to forget about him. We’re not actually together, and hey, it would be great payback for everything he’s done to me. It’s too bad I don’t want anyone else.
Jesus Christ, I really am a lost cause.
A familiar excitement washes over me as I make my way down toward the ice, where family and friends of the team have assigned seating. The Vancouver arena is like the New York one, a bit smaller but with a similar feel. The sound of excited chatter, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, and the sea of fans dressed in team colors create the perfect pre-game setting.
The game finally kicks off, and the arena erupts into a symphony of loud clapping and hollering. The game’s rhythm syncs with the pounding of my heart. Dominik focuses intensely, and I follow his every move, jumping to my feet with every near miss and holding my breath whenever he has the puck. The infectious energy in the air is electrifying, rapidly spreading amongst the fans. I suppose that includes me now too, since I’m on the edge of my seat.
While my intention to help Dominik and uphold our agreement remains unchanged, I truly wish for his success. He’s incredibly talented, and I know how hard he has worked to win the Cup this year. How much it would mean to him and all the boys to bring the Cup to New York. I can imagine every player on every team dreams of that moment. So to actually achieve it, to chase and grasp the one thing you’ve wanted for so long, it must feel completely surreal. Something they’ll never forget. Not to mention, it’ll boost their careers instantly.
Minutes turn to hours, and the score remains deadlocked. The tension is palpable as the final period begins. The crowd is frenzied, and the Vancouver fans are loud, booing us whenever the puck ends up with the Slashers.
I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. Although I’m engrossed in the game, I could use something to distract me from Dom.
Sammy
You look so cute, boo! And like the perfect, supportive girlfriend.
Me
What?
I alternate between watching the gray bubbles and the game.
Sammy
You were on TV a little while ago. They were talking about Dom’s performance, and the camera switched to you sitting there all pretty and cheering on your man.
Me
Yep, that’s me. But you know I’m just playing the part.
I might have shared more with Sammy than I initially planned to, but it happened after I discovered Dom’s hidden secrets in his closet. With no one else to confide in, I was going insane, pacing back and forth in my room. Even two workouts a day weren’t enough to ease my mind, until I finally opened up to Sammy about what had happened.
Sammy
Sure, babe. Keep telling yourself that. But I know you, and if you want my opinion…
Me
I don’t.
Sammy
I think you’re being too hard on the guy. I wish someone wanted me enough to pull all that shit. Besides, he’s apologized in a hundred different ways. Forgive him.
Me
Is he paying you to say all this?
Sammy
Oh, stop. You’re being dramatic.
Me
You’re supposed to be my friend.
Sammy
