Both Jerry and Angie say yes. We all head out and walk down the street. Blake and his dad walk a few steps ahead while his mom and I follow.
Angie loops her arm in mine as we stroll down the block. I can’t help but smile. She’s always been so kind and welcoming to me, ever since high school when Blake and I became friends.
“You’re coming to Blake’s game tonight, right?” she asks.
“Definitely. I try to go to all his home games, if I’m not working.”
She beams. “That’s wonderful. You know, he’s been so happy ever since you transferred to Hollis. He really missed you when you were going to different colleges so far away from each other.”
I smile down at the sidewalk. “I missed him too.” I glance up and see his broad back in front of me. “It feels good being close to my best friend again. Chicago was nice, but I like Denver a lot more.”
I brace myself for her to ask why I transferred, but she doesn’t. She just gives my arm a soft squeeze and smiles warmly at me.
A second later, Blake and his dad start laughing.
“What are you two laughing about?” Angie asks in a teasing tone.
Blake turns around to his mom. “We’re just placing bets on how much of dad’s popcorn you’re going to eat at the game tonight, even after telling him you’re not hungry.”
Angie smacks Blake in the back. She’s laughing though.
She gives Jerry a knowing look when he turns around to her.
“You know that’s part of being married, right? You share your food with your wife, always, no matter what.”
Jerry winks at his wife. “You know I love it when you steal my food, doll.”
Angie chuckles and shakes her head.
“Don’t worry. I’ll order extra, and you can share with me,” I say.
She pats my hand. “Oh, Briar. I’m so glad you’re here.”
* * *
I sit down next to Blake’s parents in the stands right before the Hollis U men’s hockey game starts.
I set a giant container of popcorn on Angie’s lap. “I got the biggest size,” I say.
She pulls me into a side hug. “Thank you, Briar.”
She digs into the popcorn. Jerry flashes a thumbs-up at me.
“Does this mean that if I go and order a hot dog later, you won’t eat half of it?” he jokes.
Angie tosses a popcorn kernel at him, and I laugh.
“I’ll eat a third of it, tops,” she teases. He chuckles and pats her leg.
We watch as Blake gets into position for face-off. They’re playing Colorado State College, their biggest local rival.
The ref drops the puck. Instantly, Blake is all over it. He manages to grab it and hit it over to Nick, who takes off across the ice.
We watch as a Colorado player races after Nick. He checks him, but Nick is able to pass the puck to Blake.
Blake snatches it up and heads for the Colorado net. He pulls his stick back like he’s going to hit it, but at the last second, he holds back. The goalie dives, leaving the net open. Blake smacks the puck, and it sinks into the back of the net.
The entire Hollis crowd cheers. Blake’s teammates surround him as they celebrate.
