“We’re going to win it all,” my alternate captain said. “We’re going to take this team to the finals. Wait and see.”
Coach Byers announced the lines and gave us a last-minute strategy session. We were flying high, with an electric current zinging through all of us. “Line up for opening night introductions. Captains at the end.”
They all waddled out as I waited in the hallway, the music thumping and energy pulsing through the air. The crowd was roaring as the introductions were made. I couldn’t wait to get outthere to find Luca in my seats. I just needed to meet his eyes to know this was real.
The announcer’s booming voice over the music was invigorating. And when he got to the end, it was all I could do not to roar.
“And now for your Nigthhawk captain, number two, Axel Hughes.”
I hit the ice in a surge of adrenaline. The lights were flashing, music blaring over the roar of the crowd. As we skated around the ice, my eyes searched the crowd. There in the third row across the ice from our bench, I found him. Luca was wearing my jersey, losing his mind, cheering all alone in the crowd. Our eyes met as he grinned. I waved, content that I’d found him, and went back to skating. This was a proud moment in my life, and it made me wonder if he was here. It was a dangerous thought, but the little boy in me, wanting my father’s approval, still lived deep inside me, no matter how much I tried to push those feelings down.
Shaking that train of thought, I made my way to the bench. After the opening fanfare of the national anthem, we were ready to go. “Hughes, faceoff.”
Skating to center ice, I waited to face off with a smile on my face.
After three hard-fought periods, we held off our opponent for a 3-2 win. I’d given Luca instructions on where to meet me after the game. “Where are we going to celebrate?” Karlsson asked as we cooled down.
“Pick a place. You’re in charge of that now. Home and on the road.”
He grinned. “I know just the place when we’re home.” He turned and announced the location to the guys. “Drinks at my house, boys. Pick up your after-game meal and bring it over. Families are included.”
I liked the way he thought. We could keep the youngsters from going nuts and allow the families to celebrate. “Good call. What can I bring?”
“My wife has it all taken care of. Even if I hadn’t been chosen, I was going to invite everyone over.”
When I walked out after showering, dressed in jeans and a polo, I found Luca waiting in the hallway. He’d taken off my jersey and had it draped over his shoulder. “Great game, Captain.”
I breathed him in before leaning in for a kiss. “Thank you. I didn’t expect it.”
“Why? It’s obvious out there on the ice that they love you.”
“You can see that after one game?”
“I know it after one game. You look like you’re having fun out there. It’s good to see you smile.”
I pulled him in for a hug and kissed him properly. He ended it before I was ready. His eyes darted around as he spoke. “Are you sure you want to do that with so many people around?”
“Of course I do.”
Heath walked out of the locker room and clapped me on the shoulder. “Great game, Ax. It was just like old times. See you at Karlsson’s,” he said, before walking out the door. When he turned, he looked back at Luca. “Good to see you again.”
“You too,” he replied.
Leaning in, I took his hand. “We have a party to attend. Then we’re going to my bed. I have some adrenaline I’d like to wear off with you.”
A shiver ran up his spine. “Can’t we go there first?”
“If we do that, we’ll never leave. And as captain, I need to keep an eye on the youngsters.”
He sighed. “Duty calls.”
Taking his hand, we made our way outside. My phone vibrated, and I pulled it out. Checking the screen, I was surprised to see my father’s name.
Davis: Great game. I’m so proud of you. Making captain is a big deal.
I stopped walking and stared at his message.
Luca noticed. “What’s wrong?”
