My turn for an epic eye roll. “I talk about her all the time.”
She snorts. “No, you don’t. You listen to me talk about her and grunt in agreement.”
She’s right. It’s been too hard until now. I’m not sure what shifted, but now I want to talk about her. And remember.
I divert my gaze down the row of rose bushes displaying their last bursts of color, waiting for dormancy toprepare for a new season. Maybe that’s where Kins and I are finally at—leaving the weariness of grief to step into a new season of life and living.
I unclench my jaw. “Guess I just needed time.”
“Yeah…”
We climb the steps to the front door. Might as well say what I’ve been holding back and get it over with. “You’re not quitting school.”
She lets out a long sigh. “I know. Brandon’s picking me up Sunday after your game.”
“You had that planned all along, didn’t you?”
The soft shadows on the porch dance across Kinsley’s features as she turns around, and I’m struck by how much she resembles our mother.
Then she dons a satisfied smirk and shrugs. “Just in case.”
I grin. “Brat.”
I asked Sophie if my sister could sit with her during the game. That way, I know she’s not getting into trouble or running into Jayce. I still haven’t figured out how to reach that kid to help him understand the dynamics and importance of working as a team.
Most guys get this pretty quick. Usually, a few slams against the boards help reinforce Coach’s instructions do the trick. But so far, nothing’s getting through.
We head down the tunnel to the ice for the first line to be introduced by the announcer. Judging by the cheers and shouts, the place is over half full. I guess we have Sophie’s profiles to thank for that. Mine is due to print next week, and I’m not dreading it as much as I was after seeing what she’s done so far.
After the singing of the national anthem, we get into position for the puck drop. Things move fast after that—too fast forme to scope out where Kins and Sophie are sitting. When I take a turn on the bench, I search for them, but still can’t locate them.
At the end of the first period, we’re tied. Coach gathers us for some strategizing during intermission. First line starts again, and I score a goal within the first two minutes with an assist from Ethan. I feel like I could stay on the ice longer but rotate so I don’t wear myself out. My blood is pumping hard, and I’m revved up to get back out there.
I don’t know if my sister being here with Sophie is fueling me, but this is the best I’ve felt on the ice so far. More like things used to be before…
Nearing the end of the second period, I break away and fly toward our opponent’s net. I’ve got their goalie in my sites as I estimate when to make a slapshot. I know the other team’s defensemen are coming for me, but I also know Mathéo and Payton have my back.
I take the shot and score another goal as one of the other team’s players and Mathéo go down in a tangle of legs and sticks. The ref blows his whistle, signaling the end of play.
But Mathéo isn’t getting up. I immediately skate over to see what’s going on. His grimace is my first indicator that he’s hurt, so I track his arms to where he’s holding his left ankle. Once we help him up, it’s obvious he can’t finish the period and needs medical attention.
The doc and his team lead him off the ice, leaving the rest of us to hope it’s just a sprain. If we have a chance at the Kelly Cup, we’ll need Barbie Man to help get us there. He’s one of our best. But more importantly, we’d rather not see him struggle with a career-changing—or ending—injury.
We finish the period holding the score in our favor. I pat each player on the back as they leave the ice, giving them reassurance that Mathéo will be all right and so will we. Do I know this for sure? No, but I want to believe it with everything in me.
Just as I’m about to follow the last one in, a wavingmotion catches my attention. Kinsley and Sophie are standing by the plexiglass. I lift my hand to wave but then notice they’re both wearing Sun King jerseys.
I skate over and smile at them. Kins nudges Sophie, then turns around. At first, Sophie hesitates, her cheeks a deep shade of pink. Kins points her thumbs over her shoulders while Sophie pulls her ponytail over her shoulder.
My name blazes across both shirts.
Sophie does a slow turn, giving me a hesitant smile. Our eyes lock, and something thrums between us.
She’s wearing my name…
I’ve seen other guys’ girlfriends and wives do this and figured one day it might be me too. Never in a million years did I expect it would be Sophie, considering we didn’t exactly hit it off in the beginning.
Coach yells for me to get moving, so I wave and skate back to the tunnel. Kinsley said I like Sophie, and I do. But I suspect what I’m feeling for her goes beyond like. Could Sophie have caught feelings for me, too? Something’s definitely sparking between us, but I’m still not sure if it’s anything more than animosity and grudging attraction.
