“What do you think the nacho line looks like?” I ask, turning in my seat only to forget to breathe when I spot Nathan coming down the steps, heading straight for me. My fingers curl around the seat, but he doesn’t slow or hesitate, and there’s no room to pretend like I didn’t see him by the time he reaches the row in front of me.
“Hey you.” There’s an easy grin on his lips, one I recognize as he knows he’s done something wrong, but hopes that he can smile his way out of it.
“Hey, Nathan.” I smile but throw a glance over my shoulder, either because I’m trying to maintain distance, or because I don’t want him to think everything is fine; I can’t decide.
“I never thought I’d see you at a hockey game.”
“Savannah’s dating Noah,” I blurt out, and then grunt when she elbows me. “Oh, and she’s interning with the team this year.”
He leans against the plexiglass wall, turning his attention to my best friend, and muttering something before looking back at me. His eyes move to my lips, down to my chest, and I squeeze my legs together, feeling the heat of his gaze on my lap. “You look really good tonight, by the way.”
My traitorous heart stutters, and suddenly, I’m right back in an all too familiar place. It takes one sentence and a half-hearted smile, and I’m already re-writing the history of the last two weeks. I know that if he wanted me right now, truly wanted me, I wouldn’t fight it.
“Thanks. So do you.”
His lips quirk again. Then with such ease, he pulls his eyes away, checks his phone, and says, “This is hard.”
I sit up straighter, adrenaline rushing through me, confident that an apology is finally on his lips. The one that I’ve imagined so many times, I swear I have it memorized now. All he has to say is that he needed time, and he’s been confused, but he’s ready now.
I wait, holding space for him, but when he doesn’t continue, I gently coax him. “What is?”
“Seeing you tonight. I haven’t seen you since that party last week, and I don’t know…”
He trails off and I can’t stop my mind from spinning and filling in the blanks with everything I’ve so desperately longed to hear him say. He noticed me leave, and he’s here now. I know most people would call me reckless, but I’ve never given up before, and that tiny mustard seed of hope I’ve been carrying makes everything feel worth it now.
“I just wish I could take you out on a real date.”
I swallow, digging my nails into Savannah’s jean-covered thigh, opening my mouth to respond, but he speaks up first.
“It’s too bad you’re dating Maverick.”
If Savannah stopped breathing and fell over beside me, I wouldn’t know. My pulse thunders in my ears loud enough to silence the entire arena.
I blink, sure I misheard him, and after what feels like forever, I finally speak. “I’m sorry?”
“Yeah, I talked to him the other night. I’ve got to say I was a little shocked, considering…”
Considering I’m not. Considering I’ve only had eyes for you for almost four years. Considering I was with you only a few weeks ago.
“I’ll be right back.” Savannah pats my leg, taking off with her camera in hand, and I’m left staring dumbfounded at Nathan.
“Umm,” I stammer, unsure of how to respond.
The crowd roars, signaling the players are back on the ice, and green and gold lights begin to circle overhead.
“I’m—”
Nathan looks up toward the entrance and nods his head with a wave. “I gotta go, but hey, give me a call when it doesn’t work out, though.” He bops my nose with a smirk, and I must still be in a state of shock because I don’t even flinch.
8
maverick
I fly downthe ice on one leg, punching the air in excitement. This is my last year playing with this team, and to win our first game back is a high I’ll never forget.
Coach Alvarez claps every helmet as we make our way over the boards and off the ice.
“Shower and change, but don’t leave yet. I’ll meet you in the locker room in fifteen,” he calls out.
