Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“Is the boyfriend coming tonight?” Rix asks Tally.
“He’s got a thing,” she replies. “Besides, my dad is super intense about boyfriends so it’s better that I keep him out of things tonight.”
Essie and Rix exchange a look. I say nothing.
Even with my limited knowledge, I know the boyfriend is kind of a dud.
“You know, Brody is a nice guy,” Rix says.
Tally shoots her a look. “I’m aware. I see him all the time in the café. Brody is super hung up on a girl he went to high school with.”
“Wait. What? How do you know this?” Rix asks.
“Because we met her before at the hockey game. Enid—remember the girl in the bathroom who wants to sit with us?”
“Of course! I haven’t seen her around since then.” What a wildly small world.
“Anyway, I overheard her talking to one of the other girls who works at the café. Apparently, she went to the same high school as Brody and she had a crush on him and something happened, but I have no idea what. Anyway, Brody always comes in with Gage and Mac. Gage and Mac always get in line, but Brody mobile orders and does the same hood thing you always do.” Tally points at me. “I think it’s because he’s trying to hide the fact that he’s staring at Enid with utter longing. So I know Brody is nice, but dude is pining hard. Plus, I’m not into guys my own age.”
“You’re dating a sophomore,” Rix points out.
“Yeah, but he took a gap year, so he’s at least a couple of years older.”
“Okay, your eyes are ready for the world.” Essie surveys her handiwork.
“Should we head to the arena?” Tally asks.
“Selfie first!” Rix hops up and we all crowd around her phone.
She takes a photo, tags us all with game ready!, and posts it to her social media.
Normally, I’d be nervous, but with Tally, Essie, and Rix flanking me, I feel pretty damn invincible. And like I belong.
CHAPTER 27
CHASE
My stomach is staging a revolt. I’m halfway dressed for the game and super fucking thankful that I haven’t put on my skates yet, because the way I have to sprint to the bathroom to toss my cookies would have been impossible if I were wearing blades.
“You okay, man?” Brody asks when I return a minute later, embarrassed and a little shaky.
I take a swig of vitamin water and pop a mint. “Just something I ate.”
But I ate the same things he did this morning, so that’s definitely not it. We’re playing one of the best teams in the university league tonight. Last year they handed Tilton their asses in the playoffs, so it’s a big-ass game tonight.
“Don’t sweat it, Lovett. We’ve all been there.” The team captain claps me on the shoulder, then turns to Brody. “You doing okay?”
“Yeah. I’m used to the hype.”
“Bet you are. Can’t be easy. You got this.” He gives Brody props.
Coach comes into the locker room. “I know tonight is a big night for a lot of you. Especially our rookie players. You want to impress your families, and that’s understandable. Remember that you’re part of this team, and everyone has a role out there on the ice. Play your part, do your best, and you’ll make them proud. Let’s get out there and play some hockey!”
The team whoops excitedly and then we’re heading down the hall to the rink.
The arena is packed. Everyone cheers and screams as we take the ice. It’s a serious rush seeing all these people here. The arena is pretty full during regular games, but this is next level.
I scan the seats, searching for Cammie. I spot Tristan first. He’s easier to find because he’s massive and a head taller than most of the people in the arena. He’s behind our bench with the rest of Brody’s family. Mine and Cammie’s take up the rest of the row. Our parents are sitting together, and Cammie is insulated by her friend Tally, her sister, and Tristan’s fiancée. Which is good because Barbiebelle are two rows back; Barbie is glaring daggers and Annabelle looks uncomfortable. Their place on the social hierarchy has come down a few notches now that they’re banned from hockey parties.
“Holy fucking shit.” One of the second-year players almost trips over his skates. “Is your brother here?” he asks Brody.
Brody shrugs. “It’s family weekend.”
Another second-year skates up next to us. “Is that the head coach for the Terror?” He does a chin tip in the direction of Tally.
“Yeah.” I nod.
“Holy shit.”
“Yeah.” I guess this explains why I hurled before we came out here.
There’s some real pressure. I just hope I get some ice time and I don’t make a fool out of myself if I do. Our opposition takes the ice and we warm up. Brody takes his place next to me at the end of the bench. I wave to my family and Cammie, who blushes, but waves back. She’s swimming in one of my Tilton Blaze hoodies, but she looks damn well beautiful.