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I whip a look over at her, but she doesn’t pay attention as she shakes my mom’s and then my dad’s hands.
Did she just say girlfriend?
For the first time in over a week, Penelope's introduction gives me the smallest amount of hope. Although it's possible that she's just using the title to help defend me against my father.
“You work for the franchise?” my dad asks.
“She’s getting her master's in sports management. She wants to become the GM when Sam retires.”
I don't know if that's completely true, but I am making the assumption to brag about Penelope. She's sure as hell smart enough and capable.
“A woman who understands the importance of higher education. I like that. Will you speak some sense into my son and tell him to take his future seriously and go to medical school?” my dad asks.
“Mr. Matthews, your son is one of the best hockey players on our team. He was offered an unprecedented contact amount for a rookie coming into the NHL, not to mention that his contributions to this team have unarguably contributed to why we are playing for the Stanley Cup tonight,” my dad lifts a finger to interrupt, but Penelope doesn’t stop. “And if you spent any amount of time on any of the sports networks on television right now, you would know that Slade is predicted to possibly become one of the greatest centers ever to play the game." Penelope looks up at me, a glimmer in her eye, and I could fucking kiss her right now. “You should be very proud of your son; I know I am.”
My dad doesn’t know what to say back.
He stares back at her, then at me, and then back at my mom.
My mom smiles at Penelope and then reaches out her hands. "I'm Lisa Matthews, and this is my husband Chad. It's lovely to meet you. I see that my son has picked well."
“Slade,” I hear Seven say, poking his head out of the locker room door. “You’re out of time.”
I turn my head to give him a nod and then look back to my parents.
“I’ll see you later… or I won’t. Thanks for coming,” I say without any enthusiasm.
And then turn away from them and face Penelope.
They didn’t tell me they were coming, and it’s just as well because I would have told them not to. But knowing they’re here and my dad will be watching me play in person gives me a little more incentive to win this Stanley Cup right in front of him.
They take the hint and turn back for the main part of the stadium, leaving us alone.
“I really have to go,” I tell her even though I want to stay and talk about whatever Toby told her but I have an entire team and a championship game to win.
“I know… go,” she says.
“Will you be right here when I get out?”
“Yes, I’ll be here.”
I want to bend down and kiss her but I still don't know what she knows and if she's still pissed at me. And with Seven standing at the door waiting on me, I can't use up any more of his patience.
"I’ll see you soon," I tell her.
I turn and run to the locker room door grabbing the door from Seven.
“Good luck,” I hear her call out.
I turn back one last time. I want to remember what it looks like to have Penelope waiting outside of the locker room for me.
It’s the image I’ll have in the back of my mind for the rest of this game and the motivation to make sure that I don’t show back up empty handed.
I’ve dreamed of winning a Stanley Cup since I could walk. And now… I want to win it to prove to her that I’m all the things she told my dad that I am.
Then the door closes finally, cutting my vision of her completely.
It’s time to win a championship… and a girl.
