Page 24 of Love so Cold

I roll my eyes. Clearly, she knows nothing about hockey or coaching it. "That’s the most untrue statement I’ve ever heard," I reply. "There’s actually a lot that goes into the position."

"Okay! Sounds like you know it, then! That’s great! Should be easy for you!"

"Jenna, you’re not listening to me," I say again. "I’m not coaching."

She lets out a deep sigh. "Well, then I don’t know what else to tell you, Victor. I don’t have another solution. I guess at this point, it’s really up to you what you want the outcome to be."

Chapter Thirteen

Avery

The cold bitesat my cheeks as I push through the arena doors, a blast of noise greeting me. Kids shouting, skates slicing ice, and that sharp, familiar smell of cold metal and concession stand snacks. Samantha and Emily are hard to miss, their enthusiastic waves catching my eye from around the middle front of the bleachers.

"Hey!" I call out, weaving my way through a sea of jackets and team colors. I wish they’d picked seats higher up; it feels too exposed down here. But then again, being visible in this fight against Victor Stone's development plans is part of the game now.

I'm more of a background person, a behind-the-scenes kind of girl. I never thought I'd be the one leadinga charge, but I guess some things have a way of changing you.

"Could've used a flare to find you two," I joke as I reach them, climbing the steps with a bit more effort than I'd like to admit.

"Wouldn't want you to miss all the fun," Samantha grins, making room for me.

I settle into the narrow space between them, the cold metal of the bleacher seeping through my jeans. "I can honestly say I never thought I would find myself here," I admit.

"Olivia's doing great, isn't she?" Samantha says, her eyes softening at the mention of my daughter.

"Her teacher called, you know." I lean in closer, sharing this small victory. "Said Olivia's been... different lately. More open, more herself."

"Joining the team was the best thing for her," Emily nods with assurance. "Look at her now, she's blossoming."

"Like a little hockey-playing flower," I quip, trying to mask the swell of pride in my chest. "Who knew all it took was a stick and a puck to bring her out of her shell?"

"Or a good cause," Samantha suggests, giving me a knowing look. "Sophia claims that the two of them love being better than the boys."

I chuckle as I watch the Zamboni make its smooth rounds, preparing the ice.

"Where's Jessica?" I glance around, expecting to see her bustling figure armed with snacks and enthusiasm.

"Shetexted a minute ago," Emily responds without looking up from her phone. "Stuck in traffic, but she'll be here soon."

"Good," I nod.

"You're not going to start waving 'Save Our Town' signs during the game, are you?" Samantha teases, elbowing me gently.

"Ha, no." I shake my head, my lips pressed into a thin line. "Not today. Today is for the kids. They need to know they're what matters, despite whatever games Victor's playing off the rink."

"Exactly," Emily agrees, her eyes warm with shared understanding.

The conversation lulls as the chatter of excited parents fills the space around us. Then Jessica arrives, breathless and smiling despite the rush, sliding next to us like the final piece of our small community puzzle.

"Made it!" She exhales, cheeks flushed from the sprint.

"Welcome to the chaos," I say, nudging her with my shoulder.

"Okay, so... hockey." I look out at the ice, feeling more out of my depth than I'd care to admit. "I'm still not clear on all the rules. Can someone give me the quick and dirty?"

"Sure thing," Samantha chimes in, her posture straightening with the authority of someone who's livedand breathed the sport. "Five players on the ice for each team—three forwards, two defensemen—and one goalie."

"Players try to get the puck into the other team's net." She points towards the goals at either end of the rink. "Most goals win."

---