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I want to scream, to unravel in the middle of this crowded office in front of all these people who would love to see me fall apart. But I resist, putting on a smile, ensuring my posture remains upright as I stride out of here as though I’ve just won the lottery.
Standing before the elevator doors, I watch the numbers climb until the chime signals their opening to an empty box. I step inside, feeling numb as I lean against the gray and white wallpaper adorning the interior. I glance to my left and catch my reflection in the mirror. My golden hair flows in loose curls, impeccably styled as always, a result of the early morning routine I never skip. My physical appearance stands in stark contrast to the woman inside, which is why I take the time to do my makeup. It's the one aspect of my life I can control, even when everything around me is falling apart. My lips are never without my favorite pink nude lipstick, my soft smokey eyes and winged liner are perfect as always. But the green orbs gazing back at me feel hollow and lifeless.
I don’t recognize the person standing in front of me.
If I could go back in time, would I have made different choices? Stayed away from Greg?
The sad thing is, I’m not sure I would have. Burning things to ash is my favorite pastime. I ruin everything before it has a chance to settle in my heart and grow roots.
Because when you love something, when you allow someone inside your soul, that’s when they hold the power over you. That’s when they can break your heart over and over again. And I’ve broken my own heart more times than I can count.
Hope and love are things I have no interest in obtaining.
Taking a deep breath and releasing the negative thoughts, I place the box between my feet and pull out my cellphone. I glare at Aaron’s name on the screen for a long while before summoning the courage to tap the phone icon.
The elevator doors open right as he answers the phone.
“Zozo, everything okay?
“Hey, bro. Guess who’s coming to see you in New York?”
CHAPTER 3
DOMINIK
Sweat drips down my back as I skate off the ice, stepping onto the plush floor and shuffling for the already-crowded dressing room. Pulling off my helmet, I run my other hand through my sweaty, disheveled hair. The black strands are longer than I like to keep them and my natural waves are starting to annoy me as they grow out. Many of us grow our hair longer close to playoffs; it's become a tradition, and our fans seem to enjoy it.
In more ways than one.
The familiar scent of sweat and stale ice wafts through the locker room alongside the laughter of some very happy hockey players. We’ve really been coming together as a team in the last couple of months, and I’m grateful to be leading the New York Slashers into the playoffs this year. First year as captain, and the team has never been stronger. I’m not saying it has to do with me, because hockey is all about teamwork, but I’ve never given up on these guys, and they know they can count on me.
Hockey has always been my top focus in life.
I’ve worked so hard to finally get here, and my journey is far from over. This is the time to prove to everyone that the title of captain belongs to me and that I’m worthy of it. There is no room for any type of distraction in my life right now.
I peel off my damp gear and toss it in front of my locker before plopping down onto the cushioned blue bench. Stealing a glance at my nameplate in bold letters, now sporting the newly added "C" for captain, still makes me smile. It's a small detail, but I love seeing it every time. It's a daily reminder of the hard work I've put in to get here. Everything I have today is the result of my efforts, not out of obligation, but because hockey is my life; it defines who I am.
It’s everything I know. And I’m on cloud nine right now because I truly believe we have a genuine chance at winning the Cup this year.
“Great practice today, boys,” Coach Bradley charges in, shouting cheerfully as he plants his feet in the middle of the dressing room. “With Lewis leading as our new captain, I’m confident we will bring the Cup home this year. No, scratch that. WE WILL BRING THE CUP HOME THIS YEAR!”
The room fills with screams and shouts, including my own. Coach glances at me, winks, and gives me a reassuring thumbs-up.
The boys begin chanting my nickname over and over.
DOMINATOR! DOMINATOR! DOMINATOR!
Out of all the nicknames they could have given me, this one has to be the best. And the most fitting since I’ve been dominating every game this year.
Fucking unstoppable.
Has it gotten to my head a bit? Sure. But it’s because I never lose.
Axel Vines, my assistant captain, looks at me from across the room and smiles, reminding me that it’s my turn to give a little speech. I love pumping the boys up, especially after a killer practice like today.
I rise to my feet, offering a playful bow and flipping my hair as the guys burst into laughter. I can be the joker when I want to be, but when we hit the ice, it's all business, and everyone understands that. The team has a deep respect for each other, and we genuinely care about one another, both on and off the ice. These guys are my family. That's what fuels us, and it’s what's going to secure us the Cup this year.
“All right, assholes. Settle down.” Chatter quiets down almost instantly as every eye lands on me. “You guys are putting in the work, and it’s really starting to pay off. We’ve got this. Go in with that mindset every time you hit the ice. It doesn’t matter if we’re practicing or at a game, we need to go all in. Take a page out of my book and DOMINATE each game. We’re all winners here. And don’t forget, there is no stopping the Slashers until that trophy comes home with us.”
