The game doesn't start until seven. That gives us hours to kill. Team meal, more meetings, the usual pre-game routine. I try to get my head in the game, but all I can think about is Avery watching the game. Hopefully, this time goes better than the last.
At six-thirty, I'm in the hallway outside the locker room, doing some last-minute stretches, when she appears.
“Hey,” she says quietly, glancing around to make sure we're alone.
“Hey, yourself.”
“You ready?”
The corner of my mouth curves with a smirk. “Always.” I step closer, keeping my voice low. “Where will you sit?”
“The press box. I have to monitor social media and manage coverage.”
“Good.” I reach out and brush my fingers against hers, quick enough that anyone passing wouldn't notice. “You're my good luck charm.”
Her smile is small, but there. “That’s a lot of pressure.”
“You can handle it.”
She opens her mouth to respond, but footsteps echo down the hallway. She steps back immediately, the professional mask sliding into place.
“Good luck tonight, Mr. Novak,” she says formally.
“Thank you, Ms. Carter.”
She walks away, and I watch her go, already counting down the hours until we're alone.
The game is brutal.
Toronto comes out hitting, physical and aggressive, trying to throw us off our game. But I'm locked in and more focused than I've been in weeks.
Every time I'm on the ice, I'm aware of Avery somewhere above, watching. Every shift, every play, I'm skating harder, thinking faster, playing like my life depends on it.
Midway through the second period, I set up Jake for a goal with a perfect cross-ice pass. The arena erupts, though it’s mostly boos from Toronto fans, but I'll take it.
Third period, I score on a one-timer that beats their goalie clean. The red light goes off, and I'm swarmed by my teammates. But instead of celebrating with them, all I can think is, did Avery see that? Was she watching?
We win 4-2. It’s a solid performance with everyone contributing. It’s the kind of road win that Coach loves. Especially after such a brutal loss last game.
The locker room after is loud with everyone riding the high of victory. Someone is already pulling up club recommendations on their phone, though the team only has a couple of hours before we have to leave.
“Celebration at The Rake Hotel,” Ryan announces. “They've got a club upstairs, VIP section waiting for us.”
“I'm in,” Jake says immediately.
“Me too,” Ethan adds. “After that win? We deserve it.”
Road wins mean going out and celebrating together. Except, I’m locked on Avery, and this time we have together.
“I'm out,” I hear myself say.
The locker room goes quiet. Everyone turns to stare at me.
“What?” Ryan looks confused. “You’re passing on a celebration? Since when?”
“I'm exhausted,” I say, which isn't entirely a lie. “That game took everything I had. I just want to sleep.”
“Sleep?” Jake is grinning now, the asshole. “You?”
