Malik: Also, are you hype for the game tonight?
Asher: Always hype, and, no, just bring yourself.
I make it to class just in time, trying to brush off the interaction with Cirella, but there’s something about it—abouther—that I just can’t fully shake.
Not during class or the bike ride home.
Not while doing my routine that I do before every game.
Not as we’re stepping on the ice for warm-ups.
And not even when we obliterate the Pirates.
We end up beating them seven to two. I’m pretty sure half of them left the arena in tears.
Griff got into a fight after one of their guys blew through the crease, practically tackling Finny. Finny didn’t help himself after the fact, only egging the guy on even though he knew he wouldn’t do shit without starting an all-out war.
Griff took care of him though, and Finny was a little schoolgirl, thanking him for having his back.
Fucking goalies, man. They are the weirdos of the world, but you’ve got to love them.
Dean and I have a few texts waiting for us when we get back to the locker room—some from our girl and some from our dad.From good and from evil. What a stark comparison.
I open my dad’s first to get them over with.
Dad: We need to talk about the plans for next week when Adrianna and I get back. We have the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. I need you both to be fully prepared and rehearsed.
Dad: Let’s not fight, please. I love you both.
Thelove youcatches me off guard. He’s always been an affectionate father, but less so since our mom passed. He’s isolated himself, which I can understand, but if that side of him is surfacing again, maybe the normal version of him is too.
I love you too. See you soon. Travel safe.
Now on to my girl.
Her messages are in the group chat with Dean and me.
Princess: You guys kicked ass tonight!!! I’m so proud!!! I was cheering from my bedroom!!!
Dean: We could hear you, loud and clear, baby.
Next time, we’d love to hear you in person.
Princess: I promise I’ll be to a game soon.
My impatience gets the best of me, and I ask the question I know is haunting Dean too.
When can we see you again?
Dean: We miss you.
Princess: Soon. I promise. I just have to deal with a few things first before I can get away. I’m hoping this weekend or next at the latest.
Dean: Can we help speed it up at all?
Better make it quick, or we’ll track you down ourselves.
Princess: Both of you are ridiculous, but I love it. I’ll be with you again soon. I promise.
