Page 16 of The Love Penalty

I flip through and see the game of twenty questions we’ve played over the last week over text and realize how much I’ve already learned about him. I know that he prefers black tea over coffee because he gets too jittery from it, that his favorite movie isKill Billbecause he has a big crush on the main actress, andthat his favorite song isAOK. Now that he knows my favorite show isSchitt’s Creekand my favorite food is tacos, he’s starting to ask more important questions.

Why did you get into hockey?

While it’s an easy question for him to answer—he loved the game ever since he was little, and his parents made sure he got the best training and education—how do I summarize my answer without unpacking all my childhood trauma. Not because I don’t want to tell him, but if I’m going to lay my soul bare, I’d rather do it in person.

I text him back.

How about I tell you in person?

His reply comes immediately.

I thought you weren’t officiating this weekend?

It’s kind of cute that he looks up my schedule.

One of the refs has food poisoning, so they asked me to take his spot. I’m at the airport, getting on a plane to Chicago shortly.

Tonight’s game is an hour north of Chicago and I’m actually excited to do some sightseeing. While the AHL covers my travel and stay for tonight, I paid extra and had my flight back changed to Sunday afternoon. That should give me two days in the city to explore. I tell Robbie all of this and he’s immediately excited.

Okay, I have so many ideas and recommendations.

I see the three dots appearing and reappearing a few times and now I’m a little nervous. After a minute or two, I’m surprised by an incoming call from Robbie.

“Hey,” I say, a little flustered. “Hi,” he says in that deep voice of his, “how long until you board?”

“Oh, another 20 minutes probably. Why?”

“So, I was thinking…”

“Uh-oh. That’s dangerous.”

“Ha-ha. Very funny,” he says, and I swear I can hear his eyes rolling. I smile to myself. “I was thinking that I have the whole day off tomorrow since there’s not a second game against the Bobcats and if you want, I can show you around the city,” he says all of this rushed, like he’s nervous I’ll say no or something.As if.

I let him stew for a moment and say with a smile, “And what makes you qualified to show me around?”

“I lived in the city for two years while I was in the NHL. You know, before I got injured and tanked my whole career, of course,” he says with a laugh that has just a small hint of sadness in it. I knew about his past in the NHL even before he told me. I may have googled him in a moment of weakness.

“Okay, I think that could be fun. As long as you take me to all the best food spots, I’m in,” I say. I may have told him of my love of food and exploring new dishes.

“What am I, an amateur? Of course we’ll hit up all the good food, maybe a speakeasy. How do you feel about crappy rental hockey skates?”

“Love them, of course.”

“Perfect. We can skate at the ribbon. I know it’s not even the middle of November yet, but they open the rink early.”

“Ice skating, good food, and speakeasies. Sounds perfect,” I chuckle.

“Good. Can’t wait to see you, Olivia.” The way he says my name has me catching my breath.

The gate attendant calls out that boarding is now open for my flight, so I say, “I gotta go, Robbie. See you tonight!”

“Have a good flight.”

I don’t getto see downtown Chicago since the airport is outside of the city. The hour train ride north of the city is packed with people, some wearing Bobcats jerseys who are clearly headed early. The game doesn’t start for another two hours, but my travel arrangements were made last minute so I can’t complain—I’m just glad to be here. My hotel is within walking distance to the arena, so I quickly check in and head over to get ready.

My pregame ritual includes some much needed stretches and ample time to put on all the equipment. Most fans think anyone can do my job, some even make comments about it, but the truth is, it’s really hard. Unlike most players that get a few minute shifts on the ice, the officials don’t get to take breaks or rotate. We are on our skates the whole time. And unlike the goalie, we have to skate around the players and keep pace. Lots of times we have to dodge pucks and even jump out of the way to avoid collisions with players.

I stay in shape by playing hockey, keeping up with cardio exercises, and doinglotsof leg workouts. While I am a tall gal at 5’8”, the rest of my body is fairly average. My legs are strong and toned, but my stomach is soft and I’m not exactly flat-chested. The uniform hides most of my curves though. I’m glad I chose tobe a referee, but even with my size, I don’t think I could break up fights among all these giant hockey players.

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