Let’s go Sun Kings! Let’s go Sun Kings!
The puck zings back my way. I take the shot, sending itunder the opposing team’s goalie before he can bounce down to block it. The crowd’s roar is almost deafening and many are jumping up and down in front of their seats as the guys and I make our pass by the players’ bench, bumping gloves.
I do a sweep of the perimeter, just in cast Sophie’s at one of the camera holes. When I don’t see her, I try to catch a glimpse of her up near the press box, but still no sign of her. My heart thumps even harder, anxious to prove to her I’m making better choices and taking steps for a future I’m desperate for her to be part of.
I want to make her proud.
That thought gives me pause as I take a turn on the players’ bench. My mother was always the one I wanted to make proud. Kins likes to pretend she couldn’t care less, but I always know she’s rooting for me. And now my father is too.
But Sophie’s the one I want cheering for me. And I want to be there for her too, encouraging her to keep reaching for her dream and celebrating when she does. Because I know she will. The people she works for are fools if they don’t see how talented she is.
Gabe pats my shoulder. I shoot a grin his way. With only minutes left in the third period, I climb over the wall to take another turn on the ice. The score is tied, and I’d prefer this didn’t go into overtime for obvious reasons. I’ve rehearsed what I need to say to Sophie so many times that if I don’t get it out of my head, I’ll explode.
Payton flies after the puck, steals it, and does a breakaway. Ethan and I have his back as we skate after him. The opposing team can’t keep up, so Pay makes an easy shot two seconds before the end. The horn sounds, announcing our goal, and the crowd goes nuts almost drowning out the whistle blow signaling the end of the game.
Wade flies down the ice to join the celly along with the rest of the team as we exchange hugs, pat backs and helmets, and grin like we just won the Kelly Cup. We’re one gamecloser in our winning streak and feeling good about the future.
All the bad press about the Sun Kings is a thing of the past, thanks to how these guys have joined together as a team, and Sophie’s articles. Kind of symbolic when I think about it. We’re moving forward too, as a team united.
I can’t wait to share that with Sophie, too.
That, and few other things…
I check my hair and suit one more time in the mirror.
Wade bumps me on the back. “Great game, my friend.”
I chuckle at his exaggerated drawl as I adjust my tie. “Yes, it was.”
“You joining us over at the Turtle Tide to celebrate?”
“Maybe later. There’s something I need to do first.”
“Does that involve a certain brown-eyed news journalist that has a love for pink?”
I temper my reaction to Wade’s keen observations. I know him well enough that he wouldn’t do anything but still, that he noticed Sophie elicits something primal in me.
“Most definitely.”
“I’m rootin’ for ya, bro.”
I meet his gaze in the mirror. “Thanks. I’m gonna need it.”
He pats my shoulder, then rests his hand there. “She’d be a fool to not want to be with you, don’t ya think?”
“I’m hoping.” I shoot Kinsley a text to let her know I’m about to walk out—our plan to time things so that I have a moment with Sophie before they show up.
With a deep breath for courage, I head toward the exit, but I hesitate when my doubt makes an appearance.
What if she’s not there?
But what if she is?
I push the door open…and there she is.
Her smile is tentative at first, then widens some. “Hi.”
I close the gap between us, but leave some space so she won’t feel like I’m pushing her too fast. She said she needed time, and I plan to honor that, but I want her to have all the facts before she makes a final decision about us.
