Page 29

Ruben

Max was in the net guarding it with everything he could. We were playing the Blades who were hellbent on revenge since we’d beat them that first game. Their big center Leon skated around the net like a lion stalking his prey. Other members of his team were there to assist him, but he didn’t need any help. He was ruthless and would go through any of our players to score. Including Max.

A puck hit the plexiglass of the players’ box near where I stood making me flinch and duck away. I wasn’t sure I could ever get used to that sound. “It’s all good, Doc,” one of the players said who was seated nearby hoping for his chance to play, said. I nodded and went back to taping Griffin’s wrist.

“That fucker is going to pay,” he grumbled under his breath. He and Leon had already been going at it, and we were still in the first period. Which is when Leon had hacked him in the wrist with his stick. His glove had taken most of the force, but he’d still been injured.

“Try not to kill each other,” I said, and wondered how many more would be injured.

“You should be more worried about Leon and his gang of goons,” Griffin said and went back to sitting on the player bench.

It was the last game of the season, and I suppose it was poetic justice that we were playing the first team we’d played this year. Not to mention they wanted a chance at payback. I thought of how bruised Max was the first time and hoped he didn’t have that this time.

“Guys, this is supposed to be a fun game,” Coach said before focusing back on the game.

“Tell that to those assholes,” Wright said and tapped his stick on the floor. The play shifted and now the offense was out on the floor with Randall in control of the puck as he drove down the ice to their goal. Leon skated in front of him, but he dodged a player and passed the puck to Griffin and went around him before powering straight for the goal. At the last second, he faked a pass before taking the shot himself. The horn blared, signaling a goal and the end of the period.

Max skated over to the box and took a seat as Vanel took his place on the net. He glanced at me with a smirk, and I smiled back at him and squeezed his neck as I walked behind him. I was relieved he’d made it off the ice with no injuries this game, and it wasn’t that the Blades were playing any less aggressively. It was that Coach had changed the way the Titans defended the net, and it worked in more ways than one.

We had less injuries, but we also were now an impenetrable wall of bodies that most teams had a hard time scoring against. Which was also part of the reason we’d nearly made it to the playoffs. Not bad for a new team.

“Edwards,” Coach bellowed at the new goalie. He raised his head and with wide eyes looked around like he was making sure Coach meant him. “Get over here.” He hurried over to where Coach stood, looking nervous but excited. “You ready to go play?”

“Hell yes, Coach,” he said, and shoved his helmet on his head. When play switched to the other side Coach shoved him out on the ice while signaling Vanel to come back to the box. This was something else that had changed, now instead of just the starters playing, all of the players had time on the ice. Coach felt it helped them get ready for the day they’d be needed, and he didn’t want them to be unprepared.

As soon as Edwards was in the net and the puck was in play, Leon raced toward him. He passed to his wing who passed it back and Leon guided it behind the net before speeding around front. Swinging his stick high he sent the puck sailing right at Edwards, who reacted instantly and dropped into a split before reaching out his glove and catching the puck.

“Fuck!” Leon yelled while skating off to the side. Edwards dropped the puck in front of Randall who skated down to the other net. Max and Vanel both shook their sticks at Edwards who did the same to them. His face was fully covered by the mask, but it was obvious he was smiling under it.

The game ended in a tie with no injuries other than Griffin’s wrist which I was thrilled with.

“Since it’s the last game of the season I’d love for everyone to meet for dinner,” Coach said. He’d tried to keep the tradition of the team going to dinner after every home game, but the past month had been tough. “We’ll send you a text with details. It’s been a great season and I’m excited to see how we do now that we halfway know what we’re doing.” Everyone laughed before changing out of their uniforms.

“Can you believe this is sort of how we met?” Max asked as we walked up to the same restaurant we’d eaten at when he’d been injured my first week with the team.

“No, and I’m glad you’re not on crutches this time.” I squeezed his hand, and he kissed my cheek.

It was a great evening. Over the season we’d all become a team, and even the new players were truly part of the club. Everyone now knew about the two of us being together and if anyone had an issue with it, they kept it to themselves, and we kept our relationship between the two of us. Which reminded me. “I have a surprise for you,” I whispered as everyone else was busy talking.

“You do? What is it?” Max asked and leaned his elbow on the table as he turned to face me.

“I’ve booked us a little getaway.” His eyes widened in excitement.

“Where are we going?” he asked because that was just Max. Always ready to jump in headfirst.

“You’re using my cabin,” Jarin said and looked between the two of us. “You’ll love it, and you’re welcome.” He turned back to Joe and continued whatever they were talking about.

“Is he serious?” Max whispered.

“Yes, I asked a few of the guys for suggestions of places to go for a weekend away and he offered up his cabin. It’s across the street from Lake Tahoe,” I said and hoped he liked that idea.

“Oh wow, I hope it snows while we’re there,” he said.

“We might be stuck inside if that happens.” I hadn’t made any plans outside of us going. I thought we could decide once we got there. “Not that I’d mind being stuck in a cabin with you.”

“I could think of a few things to keep us busy,” he said directly into my ear making me shiver.

“Hey, save that for later,” Griffin said, making both of us laugh.

“That’s what you get for eavesdropping,” Max said.

“I can’t wait to go,” I said.

“Me either,” Max replied.

A few hours later we were at my house lying in bed facing each other. “Is there anything you would have changed about how we met?” Max asked.

“No, because I don’t think we would have met any other way,” I said.

“You’re probably right. You could have worked at a hospital and the only way I would have met you is if I happened to go in while you were working,” Max said.

“You’ve really thought about this,” I said and kissed his nose.

“I never thought I’d meet someone I’d love as much as you.”

I thought about how things had changed between us after I’d been injured and the look in his eyes when he told me he loved me the first time. I imagined my life years later, and Max was there, he was always there. “I’m so glad we found each other.” I rolled him over and kissed him like we hadn’t just made love, and I hadn’t been with him all day. I wanted every second of every minute and every hour of every day with him and I never wanted us to end.

The End