I tried to ignore what was going on with the game, but everyone behind the concession stand was now glued to the television. Which meant after a little while I couldn’t stand it any longer, moving behind them.
As things became heated, some asshole tried to trip Steven.
“Hey, he can’t do that!” I yelled before I knew what I was doing. “Can he?”
My fellow coworkers started to clue me in on what was going on. When a fight almost developed, the referees were all over it.
I was glued to the set, realizing there was an argument between coaches and referees. Then whoever was the announcer started talking about how the opposing team’s coach had accused the Tampa Bay Gators, specifically the Beast of cheating by using his shifter abilities.
Now I was hot under the collar.
I had to see them for myself. I rushed toward the same spot where I’d been before, pushing my way through fans who were already on their feet jeering the referees.
So did I, screaming louder than I had likely in my entire life.
“You can’t do that! He’s just a man. A very special man.”
There was no chance anyone had heard me, yet I felt better in joining in the utter chaos that was being fueled. People were stomping their feet, creating a ruckus and I could tell by Steven’s body language how furious he was. I had no idea what a high stick was, but when the call came down and a goal was removed from the board against the Gators, I knew for certain the referee had better have an armed guard when he tried to leave.
Now the two teams were tied two to two with four minutes left in the game.
I’d never heard such comments about any team, but they were heartwarming.
“The Beast is the best.”
“The Beast is a star.”
“Our home boy!”
I stood right where I was, sending subliminal messages to him. And maybe I was crazy, but I could swear he was reading my mind again.
He looked up, while taking several deep breaths, even ripping off his helmet. This time, I didn’t bother ducking. I wasn’t even paying attention to anyone else.
Only him.
As a slow and steady smile crossed his face just like I’d seen so many times, I did the unthinkable. I blew him a kiss.
And he caught it, making a big deal out of capturing something I’ve given him.
After he pretended to pocket the imaginary kiss, the game was on.
And let me tell you, I’d never seen anything so damn exciting in my life. Maybe I’d get fired for spending the rest of the last period watching him play, but wild horses couldn’t drag me away.
The plays were rough, the opposing team on edge and angry.
So was every member of the Gators, who worked seamlessly. As the buzzer ticked down, the fans were on their feet again and in a whirlwind of exchanges, the pucky thing being shifted from one play to another, I had a feeling they were playing down the clock.
Once again, everyone was holding their breath.
Finally, the Beast took a shot that could be heard around the entire arena. In what seemed like minutes but was only seconds, the puck flew under the arm of the dude from the opposite team trying to stop it, hitting the netting with flair.
And the crowd went wild all over again just as the buzzer sounded off, ending the game.
In the next few minutes there was crazy activity as the team celebrated the win, hugging and slapping hands. Then they took a victory lap. That’s when I backed off, refusing to get in his way. Besides, there would be people eager for one last beer to celebrate.
I hurried back to my station, purposely ignoring the celebration.
But my heart was fluttering.
