I kept checking out the door, hoping to see beautiful Fern enter like a model walking down the catwalk in a show. MY show.
I skated over to the DJ booth just off the ice and grabbed the mic. I put it to my mouth at the same time Fern and Sharon walked through the door. It was like she had a spotlight shining on her as I watched her talking to her mom. Her eyes lifted, and when she saw me, I swear I almost felt her sigh.
“Hi there.” It came out oddly airy, and it took me a moment to remember I had a live microphone in my hand as the entire place chanted hi there back to me.
“Welcome, everyone. I’m Gabe Wolkowski, and it’s my pleasure to have you join me and some of the Wild team here tonight. On the ice you will find Ed, Dave, Andrew, and Dan.”
Applause as Fern and Sharon took a seat in the first row off the ice.
“If we could get all the kids out here, we’ll start out tonight by showing y’all some drills and hockey moves. Everyone received a number when you arrived. We’ll break into those groups and have some fun in ten minutes. Any adults who would like to join, we have adult skaters over in section B.”
I gave a wave before cautiously skating over to Fern and Sharon.
“Hello, ladies. Glad you could stop by.”
“I wouldn’t miss it!” Sharon clapped her hands together.
Just then, Novots approached. “Mom, Fern! I didn’t know you’d be here.” He stepped off the ice to give each a hug.
“I heard something about this and had to come.” Sharon motioned to Fern. “Fern and I had an afternoon of errands so we were right down the street.”
He nodded and seemed to accept the well thought out answer. Sharon Novotny was one smooth cookie.
Dave pointed. “I expect to see you out there, Fern.”
Sharon dramatically threw her hands in the air. “What about me?”
Dave stepped back on the ice and skated backwards, facing her. “The last thing we need is a broken hip, Ma. Then it would turn into a whole thing, and Fern would have to save you, blah blah, blah. No ice for you!”
“Stai zitto, figlio!”
Dave laughed as he pointed at her, “Watch it, Ma!”
Sharon took Fern’s hand in hers. Endearing was the only word that sprung to mind when I watched the two. How they leaned in close when they spoke to one another, looking as if a fascinating topic was secretly being discussed.
How was it that looking at Fern made me feel as relaxed as a Saturday afternoon lying on the sofa? That her being the person I come home to would make every day light? Having that body against me and waking up next to her wearing one of my Minnesota Wild T-shirts, was consuming me.
I yanked my brain out of Stalkerville and got the group through drills, a mini game where, of course, they won. Now it was time for the speed skating contest. Age groups for kids, teens, and adults.
I wasn’t surprised to see Fern in skates lined up with the other grownups. I was, however, a little surprised to see her thoroughly stretching out, that perfect ass in the air, and what appeared to be possible trash talking with the dude to her left. My girl knew intimidation had wheels.
“So, adults, when I blow the whistle, it’s on.”
Fern looked at her competitors, and the second the whistle blew, she was off, initially looking like a baby giraffe while getting her footing. After a few seconds, she was neck in neck with the guy beside her.
He was taller and pretty good on the skates. Just when I thought she would take home the silver, she put her head down, leaned forward, and shot her arms straight in front of her. And I’ll be damned, she won.
Like a true champion, she pointed to the losers behind her and shouted, “That’s how it’s done!”
Dave skated over, grabbed her wrist, and threw her arm in the air.
As I watched her skate toward the wall, I caught Novots staring at me with narrowed eyes. I needed to play it cool. First off, get rid of the I think Fern is the best human in the world smile before clearing my throat.
“That was great. Congrats to all. Now, our last event has turned into a pretty popular contest, and we have a prize for all winners.”
All eyes in the arena ran to Fern as her arms were back in the air. “Oh yeah, I’m ready to win!”
“Here’s how this goes. We all know Dave Novotny is no goalie, but he will be for tonight. Each age group picks one person, and that person will bring down the puck and attempt to win the shoot-out. Depending on how you do, a prize is an option. Let’s have each age group get together and choose their player.”
