“Trust me, we’re gonna fuck something up.” Payton grumbles.
“At least you can say you tried,” Callie shrugs. “And if it doesn’t go to plan, we always have Prims on speed dial.”
“Oryoucould cook Grandma’s meatball recipe, and the three of us can observe.” Payton suggests.
Rolling her eyes, she walks out of the kitchen. “I’m going to get my pajamas on, and when I come back, we’reallmaking the recipe…capiche?”
“Can’t wait.” Payton sarcastically smiles.
Once Callie leaves the kitchen, I turn my attention to Payton. “Mr. Tiddles, huh?” I bite my lip, trying to hold in the laughter.
“Stop!” She groans. “I can’t believe my mom took that speech out of the trash.”
“Hey, do you think her mom also videoed it?” Nina teases. “Because I’d love to hear the speech—especiallythe part about Mr. Tiddles.”
“I fucking hate you both.” She slouches down into her chair and hides her face.
Chapter 27
Greyson
I’m dying.
I usually wouldn’t play all three periods on my own, a sophomore would take over for the second period while I rested for the final. But unfortunately, he broke his leg over the summer break, and Coach decided to sit him out the rest of the semester. So, ultimately, I was left to do all three periods by myself because although we got five new freshmen this year, none of them were goalies.
It seems that goalies are slowly going out of fashion, and most players are gravitating toward the other positions. I understand that my position is more difficult and demanding than the others, and I don’t want to be biased…but it’s more fun.
Glancing at the digital clock on the wall, there’s only five minutes until we have to be back on the ice. Groaning, I pull my phone from the side pocket of my bag and smile once I see the multiple messages from Lilly.
Lil-Bug:Hope you win your game!
Lil-Bug:Isthere any way to watch it?
Lil-Bug:I ate all the popcorn in the house and now I’m sad.
Lil-Bug:Managed to find a stream online! That save was fucking sick!! How does your body move like that?????
Lil-Bug:Update—Payton got me some popcorn when she went to the store??
There’s a dozen more messages, and my lips tilt up in a smile as I continue reading them. I’m about to respond until Coach shouts for us to get our gear back on.
Quickly typing a message out to her that I’m about to head back on the ice and I’ll respond after the game, I throw my phone back into the side pocket of my bag before grabbing my gloves and helmet from beside me.
“Alright, listen up!” He shouts, gaining everyone’s attention. “These last twenty minutes will make or break us—we’re up by four points, let’s try keep it that way.”
“Got it.” We say.
“Fox, Kingston, and Hernandez—you guys have been solid all evening, but I need you to be better. Push. Push fucking hard. Show those Cats that us Dragons are here for the win.”
“Hey, what about me?” Theo whines.
“You got sent to the penalty box within the first two minutes of being on the ice.” Coach stares at him.
“Not my fault that number twelve is a grade A jerk.” Theo snorts.
“Jenkins!” Coach scolds him.
“What? I’m just stating facts…back me up here boys, he was a jerk, wasn’t he?” Turning his attention toward everyone, we remain silent. “Oh come on! He literally shoved me away because he said number seven was an unlucky number and he didn’t want me to be in eyesight to him.”
