Page 31

Day by Day

I scanned the arena and felt warmth flow through me as over two hundred teens, foster children and their families were buzzing around. Ed, Andrew, Dan, Novots, and I were on the ice, helping the little tikes skate around.

These events invigorated me and made me know I was more than hockey. I had a purpose. I had a job to do, and it was a pretty amazing one.

I kept checking out the door, hoping to see beautiful Fern enter like a model walking down the catwalk in a show. MY show.

I skated over to the DJ booth just off the ice and grabbed the mic.

I put it to my mouth at the same time Fern and Sharon walked through the door.

It was like she had a spotlight shining on her as I watched her talking to her mom.

Her eyes lifted, and when she saw me, I swear I almost felt her sigh.

“Hi there.” It came out oddly airy, and it took me a moment to remember I had a live microphone in my hand as the entire place chanted hi there back to me.

“Welcome, everyone. I’m Gabe Wolkowski, and it’s my pleasure to have you join me and some of the Wild team here tonight. On the ice you will find Ed, Dave, Andrew, and Dan.”

Applause as Fern and Sharon took a seat in the first row off the ice.

“If we could get all the kids out here, we’ll start out tonight by showing y’all some drills and hockey moves. Everyone received a number when you arrived. We’ll break into those groups and have some fun in ten minutes. Any adults who would like to join, we have adult skaters over in section B.”

I gave a wave before cautiously skating over to Fern and Sharon.

“Hello, ladies. Glad you could stop by.”

“I wouldn’t miss it!” Sharon clapped her hands together.

Just then, Novots approached. “Mom, Fern! I didn’t know you’d be here.” He stepped off the ice to give each a hug.

“I heard something about this and had to come.” Sharon motioned to Fern. “Fern and I had an afternoon of errands so we were right down the street.”

He nodded and seemed to accept the well thought out answer. Sharon Novotny was one smooth cookie.

Dave pointed. “I expect to see you out there, Fern.”

Sharon dramatically threw her hands in the air. “What about me?”

Dave stepped back on the ice and skated backwards, facing her. “The last thing we need is a broken hip, Ma. Then it would turn into a whole thing, and Fern would have to save you, blah blah, blah. No ice for you!”

“Stai zitto, figlio!”

Dave laughed as he pointed at her, “Watch it, Ma!”

Sharon took Fern’s hand in hers. Endearing was the only word that sprung to mind when I watched the two. How they leaned in close when they spoke to one another, looking as if a fascinating topic was secretly being discussed.

How was it that looking at Fern made me feel as relaxed as a Saturday afternoon lying on the sofa? That her being the person I come home to would make every day light? Having that body against me and waking up next to her wearing one of my Minnesota Wild T-shirts, was consuming me.

I yanked my brain out of Stalkerville and got the group through drills, a mini game where, of course, they won. Now it was time for the speed skating contest. Age groups for kids, teens, and adults.

I wasn’t surprised to see Fern in skates lined up with the other grownups. I was, however, a little surprised to see her thoroughly stretching out, that perfect ass in the air, and what appeared to be possible trash talking with the dude to her left. My girl knew intimidation had wheels.

“So, adults, when I blow the whistle, it’s on.”

Fern looked at her competitors, and the second the whistle blew, she was off, initially looking like a baby giraffe while getting her footing. After a few seconds, she was neck in neck with the guy beside her.

He was taller and pretty good on the skates. Just when I thought she would take home the silver, she put her head down, leaned forward, and shot her arms straight in front of her. And I’ll be damned, she won.

Like a true champion, she pointed to the losers behind her and shouted, “That’s how it’s done!”

Dave skated over, grabbed her wrist, and threw her arm in the air.

As I watched her skate toward the wall, I caught Novots staring at me with narrowed eyes. I needed to play it cool. First off, get rid of the I think Fern is the best human in the world smile before clearing my throat.

“That was great. Congrats to all. Now, our last event has turned into a pretty popular contest, and we have a prize for all winners.”

All eyes in the arena ran to Fern as her arms were back in the air. “Oh yeah, I’m ready to win!”

“Here’s how this goes. We all know Dave Novotny is no goalie, but he will be for tonight.

Each age group picks one person, and that person will bring down the puck and attempt to win the shoot-out.

Depending on how you do, a prize is an option.

Let’s have each age group get together and choose their player. ”

Fern nearly speed-skated to her group and waved her hand in the air as the adults circled around her. While I knew I should’ve check in with the kids, I had to see how this was going to go down as competitive Fern was clapping as others in her group stared at her.

“Okay, everyone. I’m your girl.” She waved her hands. “We can pretend someone else can do it, but I think we all know I can bring it home.”

The dude she beat crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know.”

“Did you see me just win out of all of you?” I could see her trying to control herself.

“I mean, you all were amazing out there in the race, and I’m sure many could win this challenge, but only one of us can represent.

” She looked around. “There’s a prize on the line.

Is it hockey tickets or a Chick-fil-A gift card?

Who the hell knows, but I can get this for all of us. ”

A woman in her twenties, wearing a Tweedy Bird sweatshirt that was a little weird in itself, raised her hand. “I’m good with whoever.”

“There you go.” She looked at the guy she beat. “She picked me.”

The guy shook his head. “She didn’t pick you.”

“Okay, I’ll let you all in on a secret, and no matter how I say this, I’m afraid it may sound harsh.”

Another woman in her thirties laughed. “You? Harsh?”

“Well, here’s the deal. I’m just genetically superior when it comes to adults and sports.” She pointed to Dave. “I’m Dave Novotny’s sister. I grew up playing hockey with him so if anyone has a shot here, it would be me.” She nodded her head. “Shall we take a vote?”

She started at center ice, her face stone cold serious, as she assessed her path to victory. (Yes, in my head, it was a sports announcer’s voice)

I stood near the goal and loved her expression as she started to skate and shot a glare at Dave who laughed. “Bring it!”

Her face broke into a grin as she skated toward the goal.

Dave stretched his legs as wide as he could, ready to block what was coming his way.

She took a little path to the right, toward the very edge of the goal while Dave’s hands flew up, but at the last second, she flipped the puck lightly allowing it to sail high and over Dave’s leg, yet under his arm. Score.

The grown-up group rushed the ice and surrounded victorious Fern Novotny as they whooped and hollered. (Again, announcer’s voice)

I put the mic to my lips. “And we have a champion! We also have a hockey ticket for the charity hockey game in a few weeks from tonight for everyone who came out today!”

The place erupted into applause as Fern came into sight. I wanted to grab her competitive ass and take her to the locker room.

Dave gave her a hug, and I felt a pull of guilt at the secret I was keeping from him.

I wanted more than two weeks with her. Much more. But I couldn’t tell him until I made sure Fern wanted it too. I already freaked her out at the cabin. The last thing I wanted to do was bring up the future too quickly. Yeah, I’d likely see a Fern-sized hole in the wall at that.

Once the crowd settled down, I motioned for Dave, Dan, Ed, and Andrew to join me on the center of the ice. “Now that you all have crushed hockey tonight, please join us in the banquet room upstairs for a little dinner to celebrate the mentoring program and all of you.”

Forty-five minutes later, families sat at tables talking and laughing. I sat next to Novots, Fern, Sharon and the guys, not being able to keep my gaze from Fern. Her eyes sparkled as she laughed and visited with everyone. I was so enthralled with her I almost forgot I had to say a few more words.

I walked to the podium at the front of the room and after a moment let out a sharp whistle, and everyone quieted.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I started this organization because an event similar to this one changed my life. I was a kid who spent several years in the foster care system, and I was blessed with some wonderful families who cared for me.”

I tried to look at as many of the children as I could because I wanted them to feel my words.

“I was an angry kid and pushed away the people who were there for me. I got in some trouble, and my attitude was bad. Instead of focusing on the people who wanted to help and be there for me, I was not a nice person. But then I ended up in the foster home of Kim Wolkowski. A single mother who loved me, disciplined me when I deserved it, and told me where you come from has nothing to do with where you’re going.

She made me realize that my family wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be; it was her.

She adopted me, held me accountable for my choices, and got me into hockey.

I had amazing coaches and teammates who were there for me and showed me that every one of us chooses the kind of person we want to become. Their past does not.”