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“I found it!” The announcement does nothing to ease my neighbour’s horror-stricken expression.
I have a feeling I’ll be getting a new neighbour next class.
Chapter 18
Wes
Cody barrels towards me at full speed.
Think of what would happen if a 5’10 brickhouse got access to Vin Diesel’s personal supply of nitrous oxide. Now, throw in a set of wheels and some killer abs, and you’ve basically created the equivalent of Taber Tigers’ finest defenseman. Also known as the obstacle standing between me and the net.
Keeping an eye on the blonde fauxhawk approaching at an alarming rate, I scan the field to assess my options. If I can deke out Cody at the last minute - fake right then go left - I might be able to make a corner shot, although my shooting angle wouldn’t be ideal… A rapid blur hits my peripheral, so I risk life and limb to turn and see Hunter making a breakaway. Sprinting up the left side of the field, he makes the signal for me to pass. I yank my stick back and fling it as hard as I can towards the open section Hunter is sprinting to. The ball hits the ground, and Hunter swoops it up mid-bounce. Ever the die-hard defenseman, Cody changes trajectory even though it’s too late. With a pivot and a beautiful arm swing, Hunter secures our win with a perfect corner shot.
Cheers erupt along the field as the ball hits the back of the net. Even my teammates wearing red jerseys walk by to smack Hunter on the back for that spectacular shot.
That’s my favourite thing about rallies: no matter which side wins, a good performance is a good performance for the whole team. And given the fact this is our last practice before our showdown with Silverwood this weekend, an outstanding play was just what we needed to get one last confidence boost before game day.
“Hell of a shot, Hunter.” Sweat trickles down Cody’s forehead as he claps my fellow rookie on the shoulder. I watch the tension dissolve from my fellow rookie’s stance.
“Thanks Cap,” Hunter smiles tentatively at the compliment, no doubt waiting for the criticism that typically follows. I’m prettysure Cody is over the whole tongue-down-Stella’s-throat-situation but that doesn’t change the fact the man can hold a grudge.
In other words: Caveman no like Hunter.
The funny thing is Cody’s constant nagging has caused Hunter’s skills to improve by leaps and bounds. He’s still a little weak on the passing front, but his shooting has gone from embarrassing to semi-impressive.
Am I concerned about Hunter stealing my rookie of the year award? Hell nah. To be the best you have to beat the best. The hardest competitors are the ones you learn the most from. Not to mention, I’m never one to back down from a challenge.
Just ask Trip.
“Wes, your assist was risky, but it paid off. A safer bet would have been to throw the ball atHunter rather than in frontof him. Most forwards slow down to anticipate the catch, you assumed Hunter would keep his momentum going.” Cody pauses to wipe his brow, “That was either a lucky guess or seriously impressive intuition.”
“It was neither,” a sole eyebrow raises. “I’ve watched Hunter struggle to catch long shots during practice and the common denominator is he always overruns the pass. Like you said, most players slow down to anticipate the catch and make it easier for ball handling; but for Hunter, once he gets some momentum, he can’t seem to slow it down. So, I figured by overshootingthe pass, it would counteract Hunter’s overrunning.” I finish off my spiel with a casual shrug, hoping my modesty does not go unnoticed.
“So you’re saying that your assist was strategic, not risky.” There’s a challenge in Cody’s tone as if he’s testing to see if I remember who I am talking to.
Hey, if my captain can’t handle strategic plays and strong opinions, then maybe I’m playing for the wrong team.
“That is exactly what I’m saying. I have taken stock of all our players’ strengths and weaknesses, so if you want, I’d be happy to sit down and help you create plays for our game Saturday.” Shit, now I sound like I’m vying for the man’s position.
To my relief, Cody nods thoughtfully, “I’ve drawn up some plans, but I would love your take on it. You’ve played with some of these rookies more than I have, so it would be good to get a different perspective.”
Resisting the urge to pump my fist in the air, I play it cool. “Sweet. Awesome. So, ya shoot me a text when you want to meet up. I’m looking forward to it.”
I promise it sounded cooler in my head.
Cody smirks at my fanboy moment and I decide now is the perfect time to help dismantle the nets.
“Have you invited Trip to watch the game?” The question stops me in my tracks, and I choose to ignore the warm feeling unfolding in my chest.
“No, but I’m thinking of asking her to hangout tomorrow, so maybe I’ll invite her then.”
Man, psychology class has never been so fun. I didn’t take a single note last class and there’s no way I’m passing this next essay, but teasing Trip was one hundred percent worth it. The way her body clenched at my touch? Oh man. I almost ate her out right then and there; jean shorts be damned. The only downfall of Operation Desk Down Under was I couldn’t see her face from my vantage point. And seeing her misty eyes roll back in pleasure is steadily creeping to the top of my bucket list.
Here’s the kicker: I genuinely love hanging out with her. Not because there’s a chance we might fool around – although that is a welcome bonus - but because in the last few weeks Trip has somehow become one of my favourite people.
Have you ever had that out-of-body experience where youthink you’re about to exhale but end up inhaling instead? No? Well, I should probably get that checked out.
My point is the action takes you by complete surprise even though your body knew it was coming all along. That is Trip to me.
