Page 51 of Full Strength

“You want a hat trick?” I asked as we headed back toward the bench.

“If I get two more, it will be a hundred goals scored since being on the team.”

Nikolay and I met eyes and he nodded. “We’ll make it happen.”

Reese got his high fives from the bench before the third line took our places on the ice.

I headed over to Hartman and Erik. “Murray boy, wants a hat trick.”

Hartman nodded to Erik. “Let’s see if we can make that happen.”

Noah lean forward. “You want a penalty, Reese?”

“Yeah if you can make that happen, I could use two minutes with them shorthanded.” Reese said only half joking.

I laughed and scooted down as the first line went back out on the ice. I watched Noah as he carefully waited for the right moment to make his move. He might be young but he was smart and pretty quick. He had a way of making penalties against him happen. I’m sure other teams hated him but to us it was pretty good entertainment.

Right before his line was going to get called to come back, Noah took his opportunity. He dodged in front of a player on the other team and stopped short just enough to make it look like he was going for the puck but not long enough to give the other player time to react. Noah got hit in the back and went flying into the boards. The refs called a penalty on the other player and everyone on the bench started laughing. Noah finally got up, milking his injury for all it was worth. He limped back to the bench and discreetly gave Reese a high-five.

Reese laughed. “Guess that’s my sign.”

He clapped Noah on the back then looked at me and Nikolay. “Let’s go get point ninety-nine.”

The rest of the game went by in a similar fashion. We were having fun. Luckily the other team decided not to show up for this one so it was almost comical how easy it was for Reese to get his two extra points. A hat trick for the game and a celebration afterward for his hundred points as a Fury.

The second I could, I hurried to my phone. There was a missed call from Addi, but it was from hours ago. I hit her name and held the phone up to my ear praying that she would answer. It rang three times before going to her voicemail.

I debated whether or not I should head over there as the discussion around the locker room turned from the game to the storm. I called over to Olli, “Hey, have you heard from Emma?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know if the cell service is down or her phone died but I can’t get a hold of her.”

Around the room most of the guys were nodding. It seemed none of us could get in touch with their loved ones. I changed as quickly as I could and grabbed my bag.

“I’m gonna go head over to Addi’s and make sure that she’s all right.”

The guys around me nodded.

Hartman stood. “Yeah we’re not gonna do a dinner tonight. Everyone, go make sure your family is okay. If anyone needs anything please let us now. Either come to my place or Coach’s.”

I appreciated that he understood. Even though we’d normally do a celebratory dinner after winning, everyone was focused on making sure that their family and friends and homes were safe. I headed down the hall and up the stairs to the back entrance I used because it was closest to my house. I struggled to push the door open and when I finally got it, I realized why.

At least eight inches of snow covered the ground, and I was in a back corner with a decently wide roof. I stepped outside tentatively. My feet were heavy in the snow but I needed to get home and get to my car. The snow was still coming down, flurrying around me. I continued trying to call Addi but each time it went to voicemail. By the time I got to the garage I’d called her over fifteen times. I was starting to panic now so I jumped in my car and debated whether or not I should head for the salon first or her house. Something in me, maybe an instinct, told me to go to her house first.

I drove the streets carefully passing abandoned cars parked on the side of the road. It seemed most people couldn't make it through the snow. I pushed through until I got to her place and parked in an open stall. I searched through the snow and thankfully saw Addi’s car a few spaces down. I made it to her door, knocked, then listened, waiting to see if I could hear anything inside. The door finally opened revealing Addi with a crying Eli on her hip.

“You’re here.” She sounded so relieved. She handed me the baby, and I took him willingly while peeling my jacket off with one arm before shifting over to the other side.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

She glared at it. “No service. I haven’t been able to get a hold of anyone.”

I pulled her into my arms. “I’ve been trying to call you.”

She rested her head against my chest. “Me too. I’m sorry I didn’t make it to the game.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay and that you have electricity.”

She frowned. “Don’t even say things like that. If you jinxed me, I’m gonna be so mad.”