As I pass my teammates, I smack their shins with my stick, something I always do before each game. I weave between everyone, stretching my spine by turning my torso back and forth. I don’t allow myself to look out into the crowd yet. I need to do my regular warm-up before I get distracted by Celeste and Jaylin. I know they’re here; I can feel them. Or I’m just really excited that they’re here and are going to watch me.
I drop to the ice, stretching my legs out and open before bringing them all the way back to go into upward dog. Evan drops beside me, doing the same pose as he lets out a long breath.
“Are we sold out?”
I nod, still not looking at the crowd. “Yup. Should be a loud game.”
I glance at him, and he looks terrified. “Hey, it’s all good. You’ve got this,” I remind him, changing positions. “Didn’t your parents come to town?”
The fear is all over his face, and it’s killing me. “Yeah. They’re up in the owner’s box since Mom is friends with him.”
“Okay. Have you seen them?”
I watch as he looks up, and he tips his chin. “Yeah, my mom is waving her arms and has our jersey on. So does my dad.” He grins. “I can’t believe they’re wearing our jerseys.”
“Of course they are. They’re proud of you,” I insist. “Evan,” I say, and he looks at me. “Play only for them. Play as if they’re the only ones watching you. Have they ever been anything but supportive?”
He swallows hard, shaking his head. “No, not at all. I put the pressure on myself.”
“Okay, so then play for them, knowing they’re proud, no matter what.”
He takes in a deep breath, letting it out in a whoosh, and looks back at me. “Okay.”
I nod, smacking his arm with my hand. “Attaboy.”
I get up then, digging my skates into the ice and hopping twice.
Then I look out at the crowd. Everyone is so excited, all rocking their IceCats jerseys and holding encouraging and sometimes very inappropriate signs. Like “Puck me, Miklas!” Leave it to Dart, and he just might.
Of course, he’s eating it up, sending grins and winks to everyone. Lord, he is going to get himself in so much trouble. Though, I can’t help but want to let him go wild. I did. Before Celeste, I was rowdy, loud, and had my fun. Things are different now, way different.
I only want Celeste and Jaylin.
When I find them, I’m breathless.
Jaylin holds Celeste in her arms so she is able to look out on the ice, her back to Jaylin’s chest. Both of them are wearing IceCats jerseys and jeans with fluffy boots. I’m guessing this was Jaylin’s doing. She looks incredible, her makeup done so sensually, with bright-red lips to match the accents on the jersey. Her hair is up in a tight, sleek ponytail, while Celeste has a smaller pony with a huge red bow. I’m completely taken aback at the sight of them. I skate toward them, flipping a puck on the blade of my stick and tapping it up and down to show off.
I throw it up in the air, catching it before skating to where they’re standing behind the glass. Celeste is opening and closing her palms at me, and I think she’s babbling “dada” or maybe “mama.” Either way, she is excited to see me. Jaylin’s smile is unstoppable and so damn pretty. Her eyes are bright, her lashes long as she gazes down at me. I press into the glass, and Celeste leans in, so Jaylin brings her closer. Jaylin’s eyes shine with love as she yells for me. I tap the glass with the puck, grinning at her, and she returns the smile.
“Are you excited, CC?”
She squeals as Jaylin grins. “I am! It’s loud in here!” she yells, and I nod. “And cold! I’m freezing!”
I laugh and yell back. “You’ll get used to it!” She doesn’t seem convinced. “Are you guys having fun?” I look over at her parents and Jean, and they’re all nodding enthusiastically.
Jaylin nods as Celeste screams with joy. She then tries to get out of Jaylin’s arms, but she holds her close, turning her so she’s on her hip. Jaylin points to me, whispering something in Celeste’s ear, which makes her smile brightly. She then mocks Jaylin, waving at me, and I wave back.
“I love you two. I love you, CC!” She waves both arms, opening and closing her palms, and I blow her a kiss before I look at Jaylin. “I love you too!”
Jaylin beams, her face warming with color, and she mouths, “Same, Kirb.”
I send her a wink and then toss the puck up and over the glass. I have to say, I’m surprised when Jaylin catches it. I grin widely at her as she hands it to Celeste. But of course, she goes to put it in her mouth, so Jaylin stops her, laughing happily. In my chest, my heart is going crazy at the sight. It’s so normal. So perfectly fluid, like she is meant to mother Celeste. I swear, I have never experienced this kind of feeling, and I sure as hell have never felt so completely loved in all my life.