Page 100 of For the Win

It’s not a pretty game, with lots of skirmishes and quite a few penalties.My insides are knotted.The Condors are coming out hard, but I hope they aren’t goingtoohard and risking the game with their physical play.They have to feel the pressure of this third game.

They come through with a win, though, the score four–three.

I throw myself back into the couch cushions and blow out a long breath.“Whew!”

“Pulled that one out of their asses,” Taj says colorfully.“Wasn’t sure they were gonna do it.”

“I know!Now we have hope again.”

“They play again in Vancouver, right?”

“Yeah.”I catch my bottom lip between my teeth.I wish Harrison wasn’t so far away after I screwed up.

We watch some of the post-game coverage, interviews with players I know, like Jimmy and Bergie and Eddie.I’m proud when they replay the first goal, and one of the TV guys talks about how well Harrison has been playing for the Condors since being called up.

Then Taj changes to the “Disasters at Sea” episode he’s recorded.

I give my phone a long look.I refill my wine glass.I try to watch “Disasters at Sea.”

I don’t hear from Harrison that night.I don’t hear from him Sunday, or Monday, the day of their next game.

I do hear from Everly.

She texts me an invitation to come to her place to watch the game with her friend Lacey, who I’ve learned is Théo Wynn’s girlfriend.

I don’t know if I want to go.I know Harrison’s angry and/or hurt.I talked to Taj about it, but I don’t think I want to tell Harrison’s sister how I screwed up.Except, she knows why I freaked out.

The fact that I haven’t heard from Harrison (although the text message now shows that he’s seen it...) makes me feel sick.

Of course, heisbusy.And that’s an understatement.I have no idea what it’s like to be in his shoes, with that much pressure.I should just go to Everly’s and cheer him on, and we’ll figure things out later.

Taj is out with Ziggy so I can use his car.I drive to the address Everly gave me.It’s a beautiful complex of townhomes.

She gives me a big smile and a hug when she opens the door.“Hi!Come in.”

“Hi.I brought wine.”I hold up the bottle for her.

“Perfect!Come and sit.You know Lacey.”

I smile.“Hi!Nice to see you again.”

“You too!”She pats the cushion next to her on the sectional.

“Would you like red or white?”Everly asks, heading toward her kitchen.

“White, please.”

The TV is on, although the game hasn’t started.

“Do you get nervous watching?”I ask Lacey, sitting.

“Oh my God, yes!”She bounces a bit.“I’m a wreck!I’m scared as a rabbit in a fox hole.”

I hear Everly snort from the kitchen and I smile, relaxing a little for the first time since Harrison left my place.

Everly hands me a glass of wine in a big, beautiful glass with a delicate stem.I swallow a giant gulp.

“I haven’t met Théo,” I say.“You have to point him out to me.”

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