“We’re leaving in the morning for New Jersey and then face the Islanders on New Year’s Eve.”
“You have back-to-back games?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “We have them a few times during the season.”
“I don’t know. What if something happens to my grandpa? I’m already so far away.”
“Hey”—I spun him to face me—“he’s in excellent hands. If, and I meanif,something happens, I’ll get you on the first flight out of JFK or LaGuardia.”
“I don’t know …” He looked down at the wet tiled floor.
I lifted his chin with my finger. “I want to ring in the new year with you.”
His gaze moved back to mine. “I’d like that too.”
“Then come. I’ll get you a ticket to the game and afterward, you can come out with me and the guys.”
Ford’s eyes widened. “You and the guys?”
“Yeah. Butcher and them are going to some club after the game.”
“And you want me to party with your teammates?”
“It will be fun.”
“Are you sure you want me there?”
“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t.” I draped my arms across his shoulders.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” I grinned.
He nodded. “Yeah.”
I kissed his lips quickly. “Great. I’ll book you a flight to JFK, and you can stay with me in my room.”
“Do you think I can wear the Coop jersey you wanted to give me?”
I chuckled. “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Two days later,the team and I were on our way to the Islanders’ arena from the Garden City hotel. We’d beat Jersey and now needed one more win to have a successful road trip.
Once on the bus, I pulled out my phone and texted Ford, who was landing at any minute at JFK.
I left a key for you at the front desk and your ticket will be at will call. Can’t wait to kiss you at midnight
As I stepped off the bus, the crisp air hit me, and I shivered. We hurried into the visitor’s locker room, and as we got ready for our mid-afternoon game, everyone was amped for not only the game but also going to the club to ring in the new year.
So we didn’t have to find rides to the club with everyone else in New York City, we’d ordered a stretch Hummer limo to take us from our hotel. We’d also secured a VIP section of the nightclub.
With a deep breath, I slipped into my gear, and then once it was time, we walked through the tunnel and out onto the ice.
The crowd noise and loud music blended into a dull hum as I circled the rink, my eyes scanning the first-row seats, searching for my guy. And there he was, in a sea of blue and orange wearing my black and gold jersey with pride, a grin lighting up his handsome face. I couldn’t help but smile in return, a surge of affection flooding my chest.
I skated over to him during a break in the warm-up, and gave him a subtle wink. Having him there, witnessing the game, drove my determination to play harder than I normally did.
It was almost time for the puck drop, so with one last glance at Ford, I took a deep breath and refocused on the game ahead. I skated away from the glass, ready to give my all on the ice, fueled by the one person who mattered most.
