Page 36 of Facing the Line

I swallow. “How did you know that was bothering me? Everyone treats undecided students like they are lackadaisical for not knowing what they want.”

He shrugs. “I’ve seen it on campus. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it, but I have faith in you, Hadley. Whatever you choose will be right for you. Do you have a favorite class? Something you can see doing and feeling good about?”

“You know…” I trail off, thinking about it. All the career seminar stuff phrased it as finding my passion or at least picking a career that fits my strengths. But feeling good about it...that resonates. My computer science class is challenging but fun. I don’t dread it. There’s a lot of math involved, more than I would have guessed, but it’s straightforward. And the design elements allow for creativity. It’s a versatile career, too. “There might be something.”

His smile spreads across his face—not just the closed-mouthed grin but the full-fledged version that sends my heart swooping to my toes again. “I can’t wait to hear more.”

I shouldn’t take any more of his time, though, especially not when it’s cold outside. I shift my feet and gesture towards my dorm. “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate you.”

Unwrapping his jacket from around my shoulders, I brush a quick kiss to his cheek. I shove his coat into his arms before I can overthink that move and hurry into the warmth of my building.

When I chance a look behind me, he stares off into space, rubbing the spot my lips hit his jawline. The dreamy gaze on hisface is enough to undo me, and I hesitate, about to turn around and run after him.

Thankfully for me, a pack of girls cross the lobby at that moment, blocking him from my view. By the time they pass, he’s gone and my resolve returns. I remember all the reasons he has to stay just a friend.

But I pull my phone out of my pocket.

Hadley: Thanks for making me feel better tonight.

Jonas: I didn’t do anything.

Hadley: Well, keep not doing it, then.

I bit my lip, unable to keep from smiling as I walk to my room, texting him the whole way.

Chapter

Sixteen

April 2023

JONAS

Hadley: So proud of you for making it to the Frozen Four again this year! Good luck!

Jonas: You coming to Tampa Bay to cheer us on?

Hadley: Wouldn’t miss it. Plus, I have Daddy’s credit card. I’m taking Natalie and Jasmine with me. Go Griffins!

Quinnipiac is a Cinderella story. They’ve never won a Frozen Four; Harrison has nine championships. Tied for the most in college history. But Quinnipiac has made a historic run. They’vewon every game at home this season, something we can’t boast. We’re playing in Tampa Bay and not their home ice of Connecticut, but they have the better record, so they have the home team advantage tonight. This is a Disney movie waiting to happen—and if they are the Mighty Ducks, we’re the Hawks. The team everyone is rooting against.

Okay, not everyone. I glance at our cheering section, decked out in navy and orange. My mom and dad painted their faces, and my sister Emma made a sign. Maybe I should be embarrassed, but I love they went all-out to support me.

Jasmine, Natalie, Hadley, and a few other girls have matching shirts and a big Harrison flag to wave. And we’ve given them lots of opportunities to unfurl it and cheer. The score is tied two to two in the third period. It’s anybody’s game right now, I tell myself.

But I made the mistake of checking out footage on ESPN earlier. And the sports analysts have picked Quinnipiac to win. I know better than to listen to talking heads, but their words still ring in my ears, drowning out the crowd.

Quinnipiac is the stronger team.

The Bobcats have momentum on their side.

Harrison is not as sharp this year as they have been in the past.

Taking off my helmet, I flip my sweaty curls out of my eyes before putting it back on. I adjust my helmet strap and wish I could shake those negative thoughts out of my brain as easily.

Quinnipiac is good. They play quick, sharp hockey. Every time we’ve made an error, they’ve taken advantage. But we’ve held on, kept the game close, and we’re good, too. I desperately want this for my team.

The clock is ticking, but we still have a chance. Gripping my stick, I hop over the boards with the rest of the first line and get in position for the face off.

---