Page 29 of Game Misconduct

It was tough to keep my composure and not break out in a giddy grin. Brandon and I had pulled off a perfect play that ended in him scoring, with me getting a point for the assist. Jason might as well have not even been out there.

“Keep it up, Garrison.” Hartman commended from down the bench.

I nodded, reveling in the praise from my captain and teammates.

I hadn’t done anything I wouldn’t have normally, but I guess showing my intention and taking the initiative with Brandon was what pushed us and helped us score so quickly. I couldn’t wait to test my theory on our next rotation.

By the end of the game, I had not one point but two. I wasn’t sure I won the bet, though, since my second assist was with Jason, who scored.

Either way, the team won, and that was what mattered.

“Nice work out there,” Coach Romney said as I passed him on my way into the locker room.

“Way to go, Garrison,” a voice called.

“Not bad,” another said.

“Two points on your second game. I’m impressed,” Schultz said on his way to his locker.

Suddenly, I wasn’t just the new guy. Not only were they calling me by my name, but commending me. Most of these guys were three-time champions. I thought it would take months to earn their respect.

I turned to Jason and eyed him. “Thanks, man.”

“Don’t thank me. I’m not giving you a dollar. That was a tie.” He ran his towel over his sweaty face.

“I know, but still. Thanks.”

He paused before finally nodding. He knew what he did, even if it was under the guise of a bet. He found a natural way to push me to show off and prove myself to the team. I appreciated that more than he would ever know.

“Hurry and clean up, boys! We’re going to the Pie tonight!” Hartman called.

Cheers broke out, and I looked around for someone to explain.

Murray must have seen my confusion. “It’s the best pizza place in town. On game nights, especially the ones we win, they know to keep their back room reserved for us. You in?”

I was being invited. To their celebration. “Of course.”

“Cool, let me know if you need a ride.” He left for the showers, and I caught Mitch.

“Hey, are you going?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I don’t normally.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. He was my ride. Would it be rude to tell him I was going with someone else? Maybe I could go home and get my own car.

“But you did have a great night. What kind of roommate would I be if I didn’t go celebrate with you?”

I grinned. “Thanks, man.”

By the time we were showered, dressed, and through the press waiting for interviews, the women of the Pride had made their way down to the tunnels. I tried to be discreet while looking for Viv, but it didn’t take long to see her running up to Mitch. She threw her arms around him, and he caught her.

“That was amazing! You were so great out there.” She looked up at him with adoration I couldn't explain. Just how close were they? I thought they only met two times.

“Thanks, it was a pretty good night.” He paused and turned around with his arm over her shoulders. “Right, Garrison. You had a pretty impressive night.”

“Thanks.” I tried to smile, but my focus was on where he was touching her.

“You were really great.” Vivi focused on me. “I can’t believe how fast you are. It was almost as hard to keep track of you as it is the puck.”