We did.
We won.
thirty-seven
Tate
It took everything in me not to run into Fletcher’s arms and kiss him.
This win is something we’ve been talking about since we came to Rockford, and every year, they worked their asses off but fell short. Not this year. We all went into the season knowing something was different. I’m not sure if any of us have figured out what changed between sophomore year and this year, but I’m glad it did.
“I never doubted you guys.” Brinley grins, throwing an onion ring into her mouth. “I knew it from the first period that the championship was going to be yours.”
“You literally leaned over to me during the intermission and said it was good while it lasted.” The words roll off Alex’s lips, and Brinley’s eyes dart to him.
“That was not something you were supposed to share with everyone,” she whispers. “Alex is lying, I never lost faith.”
Alex wraps his arm around Brinley and kisses the side of her head. “She’s right; my girlfriend never lost faith in you guys. In fact, she told me you could be losing by five goals and would still find a way to win the game.”
I don’t think any of us were surprised when Brinley finally admitted she was dating Alex during the semi-finals game a few days ago. Even if she felt like they were hiding it well, we all knew it was only a matter of time.
“Exactly.” Brinley perks up.
“You’ve learned well.” Declan lifts his beer and clinks it against Alex’s.
The whole crew isn’t out together tonight, but a good chunk of them.
Zeke is out celebrating with his parents because this is the first game his mom has gotten to watch in person in ages, and what a game to witness.
Brooks is out with Liv because if she can celebrate with just him and avoid the rest of us, that’s typically the route she’ll take.
Jax is here… but he’s not reallyhere. He studies Brinley and Alex’s every movement. The way Alex’s hand rests on Brinley’s shoulder. Every time, Brinley pats Alex’s leg when she’s telling a story.
If I’m being honest, I’m surprised he even showed up tonight. Brinley and Jaxon have pretty much avoided each other since Alex came into the picture.
Actually, I guess it was before that.
But Brin decided to take a step back from Jax in an attempt to move on from her feelings for him, and it seems to be working.
She deserves this. After everything she’s been through this year between Jaxon and her parents, she deserves this happiness.
“How did it feel to get the winning goal?” Fletcher takes a swig of his beer, turning toward Jere, who’s celebrating with water since he can’t drink on his pain meds.
“My goal wouldn’t have happened without the exceptional players on the ice. From start to finish, every person played their fucking hearts out.”
“I can cheers to that.” Declan raises his glass. “What a season.”
“So, you guys are planning on back-to-back wins, right?” Ember rests her head on Declan’s shoulder. “Because I think it would be pretty cool to brag to everyone I know that my boyfriend and my brother were a part of a team that won back-to-back championships.”
“Obviously.” Cam grins. “I didn’t know a win could feel like that.”
“We wouldn’t have tonight’s win without Cam’s fantastic saves,” Fletcher begins. “I have no idea how you kept that puck from going in with ice in your face and a hockey player knocking you off your feet.”
“Yeah, that save was fucking insane.” Brin shakes her head. “I almost ripped Alex’s arm out of its socket when that play happened.”
“That’s true. My shoulder is still a bit sore.”
It still doesn’t feel real, and I wasn’t even on the ice tonight. Fletcher and I keep stealing glances at each other, and every time it happens, I think up a possible excuse that would allow both of us to ditch this celebration and have one of our own.
