But the antics don’t seem to hurt us.Everyone is in a festive spirit, the fans flowing into the seats singing carols that fill the stadium.
From the opening tip-off, we’re dialed in.Our opponents are too, and all of us throw everything we have into the game.It’s playoff-like energy against a strong Boston team, and we scrap the entire way.
During a timeout, we’re catching our breath when I see Miles looking up at the stands.
Halfway up the first section are Brooke and Nova and Mari.
It’s good to see my girl in the stands.I like knowing she’s there while I do what I was put on this earth to do.
All the way through the end of the second quarter, I focus on the fact that my girl is here.
I play my mind out.
The crowd hollers and swells, and anytime I look up to see her, she’s on her feet.
“Go, Clay!”
The voice hollers at halftime when we’re heading back to the locker room via the tunnel, and I look up into the crowd and see Kat and Daniel and Andy.
Andy bounces on his feet as he sees me noticing.Kat waves, and I grin.
Sneaky sister.
I didn’t expect her to surprise me like this.
Looking between her and Nova and my guys, I can’t remember the last time I was this happy, on the court or off it.
In the second half, we're even more dominant than in the first.
There are some tricky spots, but we couldn’t play any better.
When I look back up toward Nova, she’s smiling at me.I give it right back to her before I realize it’s not only the girls in those seats this time.
Harlan’s next to them, watching me steadily.
I shove down the discomfort and concentrate back on the huddle.
We get the win, and the building erupts in red and green and gold streamers.They don’t go with the Kodiaks' purple, but no one cares.
NOVA
“Get in!”Mari nods toward the passenger side of the car as we bounce into the parking garage after the game.“Harlan will meet us at home.”
Today might be a holiday, but there’s a lot at stake.
I haven’t had Christmas with my sister in a few years, plus Harlan and the entire team are involved.
Including the guy I’m secretly dating.
But no big deal.
I eye the back seat filled with wrapped gifts, but I squeeze into the passenger seat.“That was an incredible game.You a fan yet?”
“It’s growing on me,” she admits.“It helps that the team is having a good season.”
“Harlan relaxing a few notches?”
“Never.”She grins as she backs out of the spot.
