“I will.”
His coach gives him a reassuring pat on the back, signaling the end of the conversation as he skates onto the ice to join the rest of the team. I can’t read his lips, but I’m sure he’s apologizing to the guys.
I find myself unable to take my eyes off of him. Like if I look away, he’ll disappear… or maybe I just want him to give me a sign that he’s okay.
Zeke says something, and Declan shakes his head, but it causes him to finally smile like the old Declan’s back and ready to play hockey. Zeke playfully shoves him as the guys skate off the ice, and as they do, Declan’s eyes find me.
I want to wave, but I don’t know if he was even looking for me… for anyone. He did ask me to come tonight, though. But whether he was looking for me or not, my cheeks still blaze red, despite the cold air surrounding me.
He gives me a sly smile and then a wink. A wink that made me cringe just a few months ago but is suddenly causing my insides to flutter. He waves off Brinley with a laugh once he notices her middle fingers on full display.
“What was that about?” Brinley pokes her index finger into my ribcage.
“What was what about?”
“You blushed.”
“I did not,” I lie. “It’s just cold in here.”
“Your cheeks didn’t turn red because you’re cold; they turned red because you’re inlove.”
“Brin, I’m not into your brother.” I roll my eyes, but her smile grows wider. “What?”
“I never saidwho.” She doesn’t look at me again, but I can see the sparkle in her eye. And even though we’ve only known each other for a few months, I know it’s her,I’m right, sparkle. “You did that all by yourself.”
“Fuck off.” I shove her and almost knock her off the bench. “You suggested it.”
“Ember Bowman knows how to cuss?” She gasps. “I’m shocked. I have to tease you more often if it means getting this side of you.”
“Don’t even think about it.” I roll my eyes and direct my attention back to the ice. The game is getting ready to start, and Cam is at the goal stretching his legs.
Our first line consists of Cam, Jeremy, Brooks, Zeke, Jaxon, and Declan. The only person who isn’t first line is Fletcher, but if seven players were on the ice at the same time, and he didn’t play the same position as Jeremy, I have no doubt Fletcher would be on the ice with them. Fletcher’s a great player, but I don’t think anyone is as strong as Jeremy on the ice.
Jeremy’s had eyes on him since high school and even got drafted that summer, but he decided to play in the NCAA first, so he could go to college. A backup plan. I remember I thought he was so stupid to put off playing in the NHL, but once Cam explained that nothing is guaranteed, I knew he made the right choice.
“I’ll be right back,” Brinley says, getting up and dropping her jacket onto the seat, “I have to grab Tate.”
“Tate?”
I’ve heard the name but don’t think I’ve ever met them.
“Oh, you haven’t met her. You’ll love her, trust me!”
She gives me a quick wink before heading up the stairs. And it’s funny that even though Brinley and Declan look the same when they wink at me, I get two completely different feelings when witnessing them.
Right before the first period begins, Brinley drops back down next to me, accompanied by another girl. She’s taller than Brinley, at least 5’9, or at least it seems that way because her legs seem to go on forever. But that’s not the thing I already envy about this girl—it’s her confidence. It’s like her face lit up the whole arena, and it’s just because she exudes confidence.
“Em,” Brinley begins, “this is Tatum, or Tate, as we call her. Tate, this is Ember.”
“Hi.” She waves, and I notice the number on her jersey—ten.
“Oh, you’re Fletcher’s girlfriend?” I question, and Brinley laughs, but Tate’s cheeks turn a rosy red. A feeling I know too well.
“No.” She shakes her head. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. He’s my best friend, but we, um, that’s not, it’s not like that.”
I nod, and the start of the game saves us both from trying to figure out how to continue this conversation.
“I thought this team was supposed to be easy?” I question, watching the puck fly back and forth between the teams.
