Page 19

Chapter Nineteen

FLYING HIGH

~~Levi~~

I’m bursting with pride for Junie. I don’t know how she did it, but she pulled it off. Nothing was lacking regarding breakfast and lunch the next day. She’s fully recovered after the ransacking of the food. I’m guessing nothing is as easy as it seems. No one but me knows how much preparation she puts in behind the scenes.

I didn’t go over to her place last night. She was understandably exhausted and ready to fall into bed by the time she got home. I know us. We wouldn’t have slept no matter how tired we were. Besides, I needed a good night’s sleep myself, especially considering today is game day.

Following my afternoon nap, a game-day staple with just about every hockey player I know, I arrive at the Sockeye Arena, fondly referred to as the Fish Bowl by the players. I pull into one of the player spots in the bowels of the building and stride toward the locker room and private player areas. I slide into the player lounge where pregame snacks are set up for the guys. Some guys eat a full meal of pasta, while others nibble on energy-generating snacks. We have options galore. I’m a snacker. I loaded up earlier on carbs before my nap.

I glance around for Junie but don’t see her. Maddie is serving and Milo is busing tables.

“Where’s Junie?” I ask Milo because Maddie irritates me as much as Celeste does, and I make it my mission to avoid both of them. They’re two peas in a pod and about as trustworthy as most politicians.

“She stepped out for a moment to grab a few things for the after-game meal.”

“Oh.” I’m disappointed, but I have a game to play. I’ll see Junie afterward.

I pick out a few snack items and sit down at a table by myself. There’re a few other players in here, but they’re all veterans with letters on their jerseys and appear to be deep in private conversation. I’m a lowly rookie, and I know my place. Well, sometimes I know my place.

And speaking of knowing, or not, your place, Landon joins me at the table. I glance at the time on my phone. I’m surprised. Landon is usually one of the last guys to arrive at the arena or practice. His tardiness has been called out by Coach before.

“Hey, we need to talk.” He uses a breadstick to punctuate his words.

“About what?” I don’t disguise my irritation. I fully expect him to tell me what I need to do differently this game and point out my mistakes during the last game. Landon loves to be the expert, but he’s been taken down enough by the veterans that he’s learned to save most of his “helpful” criticism for his fellow rookies.

“I want to make sure there’s no hard feelings.”

“For what?”

“I’ve been seeing Celeste.”

I gape at him. He’s a clueless bastard, but I never thought he was that clueless. “Why the fuck would I care?”

“I was told you dated her off and on this year. Normally I don’t mess with teammates’ former girlfriends. I do have my scruples.”

I bark out a laugh because this guy doesn’t have scruples. Landon frowns, not understanding what I find so amusing. “No hard feelings. I’m back with Junie.”

“Junie? I don’t get it. Celeste is so much more—” He stops himself in time, which is a damn good thing before I teach him a lesson on bad-mouthing a teammate’s girlfriend.

I smile to myself. Yeah, girlfriend. Junie is my girlfriend .

I like the sound of this and roll it around on my tongue until I notice Landon squinting at me as if I’m an anomaly he’s never seen.

Shit? Had I spoken my thoughts out loud?

“Celeste is all yours. I wish you well.”

By his faraway expression, I can tell he completely missed my sarcasm.

“I’m—” He stops as if at a loss for words. “She’s like no woman I’ve ever known.”

I don’t have a comeback remark for that statement without insulting his choice in women. We lapse into silence as we munch away.

“Levi?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever been in love?”

“What?” I sure as fuck didn’t hear him correctly.

“In love? Have you ever been in love?”

“I don’t know. I mean, what is love?” I’m being brutally honest. I have no clue what love is supposed to be like between two partners. After all, I never saw it from my mom and stepdad growing up, and I’ve never felt it myself. Junie is the closest I’ve come to saying that particular four-letter word, and I’m sure as hell not ready to make that leap yet.

“I don’t fucking know, but I think I’m in love with Celeste.”

I frown and regard him with skepticism. “That’s lust you’re feeling. Not love. How long have you been dating her? A few days?”

“Yeah, but when you know, you know. She’s everything to me. Like she’s the heartbeat of my soul.”

Well, wonders never cease. Landon is a romantic. Who’d have ever guessed.

“Don’t look at me like that. This is serious shit, Widdie.”

I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh that threatens to destroy this touching moment. Landon is a cocky, obnoxious, yet oddly likable guy. Regardless, I never signed up to be his confidant or bestie where we trade stories about falling in love or whether the team captain likes us. Landon and I are teammates, and we hang at times. We’re just not tight.

There’s actually no one on the team I’m tight with, not even my roommates. I’ve always equated good friends with party buddies. Now that I’m not as into that lifestyle, I’m not sure any of these guys I partied hardy with are anything more than convenient. And whose fault is that? It’s not as if I’ve gone out of my way to be a good friend. The only actual good friend I’ve ever had was my brother, and I’ve been a selfish ass lately. I try to recall the last time I called him and make a note to rectify that situation as soon as possible. We text, but it’s really not the same.

I realize Landon is staring at me as if he expects something. What’s he saying? Did he ask me a question?

“I’m sorry. What?”

“Are you and Junie serious?”

“Maybe.” I hedge because I don’t know the answer. We’re serious about sex. We’re serious about having a good time together. We’ve even serious about hockey. So, yeah, I guess we are serious on some level.

“Maybe we could double-date sometime?”

I give him that look.

“I guess not.”

“You guessed right.” Even if I hadn’t dated Celeste, I sure as hell have no interest in hanging out with her. I’ve had all I can take of her self-absorbed attitude, constant concern over her appearance, and her need to be the center of attention, not to mention how she treats Junie.

Landon finishes his meal and stands. “Hey, good talking to you, Widdie. Let’s get ready to kick some ass and even this thing out.” He holds up his fist, and I oblige by bumping my fist against his.

I forget all about Landon’s problems when I notice Junie’s back and standing at the pasta station. At the sight of her, my heart rate speeds up. It’s as if every cell in my body is hyperaware of her presence. I loiter around until the last guy is served, then saunter over.

“Hey, babe.” I give her a cheeky grin.

“Hey, you.” She winks, and that wink is full of promises of after-game activities that almost make me want to skip this game and get to the good stuff. Almost. I love hockey, and this game is the most important game I’ve played in to date. As Ice mentioned earlier, from this point forward, the next game in the playoffs is always the most important game.

“Your meals have been great, especially considering the challenges.”

“Thanks.” Junie glances around before leaning in to speak to me in a voice only for my ears. “If you win tonight, I’ll make sure our celebration is epic.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll have to console you in the best way I know how.”

“Sounds like a win-win.”

“Maybe, but I’d rather you won the game.”

“We’re winning the game.” I speak with the utmost confidence. We’ve got this. We’re committed, and we’re ready. Edmonton won’t keep us down for long. If the last game taught me anything, it’s that we can beat these guys. It may not be easy, but it’s doable. We’re as tough of a team as they are, if not tougher.

“I have to get going,” I say with the utmost reluctance.

She gives me a quick kiss on the lips, and I want to pull her into my arms for a real kiss. The veterans’ table is right behind me, and I feel their eyes on me. I manage to control that urge and merely smile. I don’t want any doubt in those guys’ minds that I’m 100 percent committed to this team and winning. My focus will not stray elsewhere when I’m on the ice. I can’t speak for intermissions.

“Good luck.” Her bright smile sends me on my way with a swagger in my step. I slip down the hall to find a quiet place to visualize and meditate. Something I do before every game as part of my pregame routine. Hockey players are creatures of routine and habit, and some of us are very superstitious. I’m middle of the road when it comes to that stuff, but I do have my oddities, as in getting dressed the exact same way each time.

Once I have myself in the right frame of mind, I head for the locker room. The music is blaring thanks to Yuri, who’s fully embraced country music. I like all kinds of music, so I never involve myself in the team razzing about who’s the best DJ in the group. I’m good with whatever. I do wonder if Yuri understands most of the words of those songs. I did notice the other night he sported cowboy boots. Next thing I know, he’ll be buying a horse.

I sit down in front of my stall and methodically prepare myself for the coming battle. Junie’s promise of showing me a good time after the game creeps into my thoughts, and I allow it. Closer to the game, I’ll banish all thoughts of anything but hockey. That’s what a professional does.

I’m antsy to get on the ice for warm-ups, and finally that time arrives. We file out of the locker room behind Vick, our goalie. Once I step onto that ice, I’m transported into a different world.

I still marvel at the fact that I made it all the way to the pros. I hold that joy close to me and hope I never lose it. Down in the minors, I know guys who’ve been brought up occasionally but have never had a roster spot on a team. Some of them are in their thirties, and the door of opportunity is closing rapidly. In fact, it’s probably already closed, as there’re too many talented young guys salivating for their chances. I glance around the ice at my teammates. Some of them won’t be on this team next year for various reasons. The older guys probably feel the younger ones biting at their heels, waiting for their time to shine. I know I am.

I relish this moment. I’m young. I’m at the beginning of my pro hockey career. God and injuries willing, I’ll play a lot of years and make my mark on this league. It’s what I’ve worked for all my life, and my dream come true.

And now I have Junie to share this journey with me. She loves hockey, and that’s a huge plus for me. Most of my other dalliances don’t know the difference between a hockey stick and a baseball bat. And why am I allowing other women to invade my thoughts right now when all I need is Junie? I kick those thoughts out the door and lock it behind them.

Junie is my future. And I plan on keeping it that way as long as we both want the same thing.

Postseason games are played at an entirely different level than regular-season games. In the first round, I was caught off guard by the intensity and higher expectations. The speed of the game is doubled. Tempers run hot and being slammed into the boards hurts just a little bit more. Guys up their game to a level they don’t realize they have.

I needed a few games to adjust to the faster pace. I recall when I earned a roster spot on the team last fall that I’d been blown away by how much faster hockey is at this level. I didn’t think there could be another level up from that, but there is.

Each playoff game increases in passion and effort. Everyone’s good at this level, and the difference comes down to who wants it the most. A team might have an edge on paper, but there’s no predicting who’ll come out on top, because stats won’t tell the entire story.

The pace of the game wears me down, but an inner, relentless drive keeps me going, as it does my teammates. I’m running on fumes toward the end, but everyone out here is in the same boat. Both teams will leave everything we have out on that ice tonight. Playoffs are a grind, but none of us would have it any other way.

We’re tied one-one in the third period with three minutes left in the game. I’m keyed up and leap over the boards as soon as the third line’s shift ends. Landon’s right next to me. He’s still hogging the puck, but he’s slightly better. Felix and I do a lot of yelling at him to pass the puck. Sometimes he hears us. A couple times Felix curses him out in Swedish. I haven’t a clue what he’s saying, but I know it’s not flattering. I have my hands full without worrying about Landon’s feelings and Felix’s increasing frustration with him.

At center position, I’m expected to play both ends of the ice equally well. There’s no break. I have to be on defense and offense.

Our forward line is out there with Edmonton’s top line this shift. It’s just the way things work out sometimes. Landon fumbles a pass to Ice, and Edmonton pounces on it. Their top center, Kyle MacNamey, takes a pass from his winger, and he’s off to the races. I’m the only one close enough to catch him. I race to the other end of the ice, skating as hard as I can. I ignore the burning in my lungs and my protesting thighs as I push myself to a speed I never knew I was capable of.

I catch him and swipe at the puck with my stick, hoping to steal it. He’s too good for that trick. He turns quickly and takes the puck with him. By doing so, he loses ground, allowing our defensemen to catch up. I’m screening now and careful not to block Vick’s view of the puck. It’s a balancing act, but I do my best.

MacNamey shoots a laser, and I bat it down, turn, and pass it to Felix. He’s off and running. Landon is caught flat-footed and off guard, while I race after Felix in case he needs to pass. Turns out he doesn’t need my help, he slides right up the goalie, fakes left and shoots right. The goalie falls for the fake, and Felix scores. He holds both arms up in the air in celebration as we swarm around him.

The place comes apart. The horn blares followed by our goal song. The crowd’s going nuts and chanting “Let’s Go Sockeyes” so loudly it’s deafening. The guys on the bench leap to their feet in celebration.

A huge grin spreads across Felix’s face. I’m happy for him. If we can hold the line for the next couple minutes, Felix will have the game-winning goal. He deserves it. Felix usually flies under the radar, but he’s probably one of the best skaters on the team, despite being a rookie. He works hard, and he rarely complains.

A few minutes later, the final horn sounds. We’ve tied the series one to one. We’ll be heading to Edmonton next for games three and four.

I trudge down the long tunnel toward the locker room. I’m sweaty and exhausted, but I don’t care. Sockeyes staff lines both sides of the tunnel and hallway wearing huge smiles. I fist-bump every one of them until I come to Junie. She’s ecstatic, jumping up and down and shouting. I love her enthusiasm.

When I reach her, I pull her into my arms and give her a quick kiss, ignoring the expected catcalls from the guys behind me. Now that the game’s over, I allow my mind to wander to Junie and what she might have in mind for tonight. I can’t wait. I should be too tired to think about sex, but my body’s willing to make an exception.

Celeste stands near the locker room, and Landon hugs her. I catch a little of their conversation and don’t envy the guy one damn bit.

“Why didn’t you score the winning goal?” She’s accusatory and irritated. We just won, and that’s what she’s worried about? I’m glad Junie isn’t like that.

I skirt past them and into the locker room. She’s Landon’s problem, not mine. Junie will support me win or lose, even if I happen to be the one who gave up the goal. I know this about her. She’s my biggest cheerleader and always has been, even when our relationship was casual.

After showering and dressing, I’m eager to see what she’s cooked up for our postgame meal. I follow the most amazing smells to the players’ lounge and push open the door. Junie stands at the counter with tongs in hand, and she looks like the best thing on the menu—my private menu, that is. I’m not into sharing.

I stop and savor the moment. The lounge is decorated in Sockeye colors with cardboard salmon dangling on strings from the ceiling. There are Sockeye-themed centerpieces on each table, and so much more. She and her staff have gone all out despite the setbacks they’ve experienced this week.

Excitement buzzes around the room, a completely different vibe than two nights ago when we lost. Guys are upbeat, and Felix is the hero of the night. He’s still wearing his perpetual grin and basking in the attention. He’s not an attention whore like I can be or Landon always is, but he’s enjoying his moment in the spotlight. I have the assist on that play so I’m also being congratulated.

I relish the camaraderie of my teammates. There’s nothing like it, as any hockey player will attest to. We swap stories about the game and trade barbs about Edmonton’s players. We’re flying high and cocky, and we’re aching for the next one. The optimism is palpable, and our confidence runs high.

After the last player files out of the room, I stay and help Junie and her staff clean. I’m riding high and not ready for rest and relaxation, which I’m damn sure I won’t get from Junie anyway. She’s been giving me those looks for the past hour. So much so, I wanted to boot every last one of those guys out of the lounge.

I wipe down tables while Junie’s in the kitchen cleaning up when Maddie approaches. I stiffen in anticipation. I’ve never liked her much. There’s really not much to like, but I don’t have to deal with her. Unfortunately, Junie does. For that reason alone, I don’t go out of my way to be friendly. I know she gives Junie shit every chance she gets, and I don’t appreciate it. I also believe she’s behind the sabotage.

“Why are you doing this?”

I straighten from the table I’m wiping and turn to face her. “Doing what?” I let her hear the full annoyance I feel.

“Choosing Junie over Celeste. Are you blind?”

“Really? I don’t think I’m the blind one here.” I scowl, making my displeasure known loud and clear, but Maddie is either clueless or doesn’t care. I vote for the latter.

“Celeste is everything Junie isn’t.”

“I won’t argue with you there. Celeste is a selfish, gold-digging witch who eats rookies for breakfast.”

“Yourself included?” She sneers, and I’m already done with this conversation. I start to walk past her, but she blocks my path between two tables. I sigh, making it obvious I’m put out.

“At one time I fell prey to her, but like the majority of this team, I figured her out and moved on.”

“She loves you.”

I’m taken aback by this statement, and I snort my disbelief. “Celeste only loves herself.”

“You don’t understand her the way I do. You don’t know what she came from and what it took for her to get this far.”

“No, I don’t. Nor do I care.” I hate being rude to anyone, but these women in Celeste’s circle aren’t easily deterred, and rudeness is required.

“Celeste hates to lose. She’ll make both your lives a living hell. You know that, right?” For a moment, I think she’s trying to warn me, rather than defending her friend.

“Levi, could you help me with something in the kitchen?” Junie calls out.

Reluctantly, Maddie moves aside. With great relief, I skirt past her and into the kitchen.

“Whatdya need, babe?” I’m all smiles now, completely forgetting about Maddie and Celeste.

“Nothing. Just rescuing you.”

“I appreciate it. She’s a shark.”

“That she is.”

“Why don’t you fire her? I don’t trust her.”

“I don’t trust her either, but Rose likes her. Even if I had the power to dismiss her, I don’t have time to find, hire, and train someone else, especially when I can’t guarantee how long their position will last because that depends on how long your season lasts.”

“Yeah, that would be hard. But still, I worry she’s involved in the ransacking. Not that she did it personally but had some hand in it.”

“I agree, but there’s no proof. The cameras didn’t help. That person knew where they were and how to hide their face. They were dressed in such a way it’s impossible to tell their gender.”

“That sucks.”

“Mr. Parker had cameras installed in the kitchen at the SHAC, and I hope that’s enough of a deterrent.”

“I wouldn’t think they’d strike twice in the same place. That’d be foolhardy.”

“It would, but I don’t believe they’re done.”

Behind us someone clears their throat, and we both turn. Milo stands there with his hands in his pockets, clearly uncomfortable, but that kid is always uncomfortable. He’s an extreme introvert.

“Sorry to interrupt. Everything’s taken care of. Do you mind if I leave?”

“No, not at all. Thank you for your help tonight.”

He manages a shy smile. “Hey, it’s my job, right?”

“Yes, and you do it well. Thank you.”

Maddie and Milo leave, and we’re finally alone.

“Damn, that kid is so awkward it’s painful watching him attempt to communicate. I think he’d rather be hiding behind a video game controller.”

“He’s a great worker, though. Doesn’t cause issues and is eager to do anything I ask of him.”

“I’m happy to hear it, especially since you have to deal with Maddie.”

“Yeah, I know. What did she say to you?”

“Just crap about Celeste. Landon thinks he’s in love with her. She’s going to hand him his ass on a silver platter.”

“Yeah, I feel for him. Let’s hope she doesn’t dump him during the playoffs.”

“I’m sure she’ll stick with him that long. She wants to be on the arm of a player on a contending team, and most of the other guys won’t have a thing to do with her. Why are we wasting precious time talking about her when we could be doing this?”

I pull her into my arms, back her up against the counter, and kiss the hell out of her. We barely come up for air the next few minutes. Finally, Junie pushes against my chest, and I back away.

“Let’s get out of here so we can properly celebrate the win.” Her eyes are bright, and her pupils dilated. I know exactly with that means.

“Sounds like the best fucking idea I’ve heard all night.”