Page 34 of Snowballed

“He doesn’t like when people judge him on his appearance. I think he’s having father issues. And he likes to eat.” So far, food is my only weapon in the battle to get him to stay. “Oh, and he doesn’t like if I’m too nice to him.”

The game has started, so Rocky doesn’t even respond to that remark. But why would Noah be wary when people are too nice? Maybe he’s been burned before by people wanting something from him. Like access to his famous parents? Or access to that incredible body? I shake that sex thought out of my head.

Tonight, Derek is on a defense pairing with Noah, which makes it even easier for me to pretend I’m only here for my brother. Derek is playing really well tonight. I watch him making silky passes and moving the puck quickly. Through the din, I hear Noah’s familiar deep tones and realize that he’s directing Derek. A new night, a new Meyers defenseman to boss around.

My brother is a better player than me, but he lacks focus. He trains hard for a month, then slacks off. I’ve already heard that Derek was one of the guys called out for not reporting in shape. If work rate counts, I should be better, but I’m not.

“Why are you sighing?” Rocky asks me.

“Am I? I wish I were a better hockey player.” I’m sick of the seesaw of being scratched. And now I’m a senior, so it’s my last year of competitive hockey.

Rocky watches Noah strip the puck off an overeager McGill forward.

“Get him to help you,” she says. “It worked at the mixed squad game.”

But that wouldn’t count as something he enjoys. Or would it? I remember his words to me at the game:it’s my turn to be competent.

A light bulb goes on. Even perfect Noah likes to feel good about himself. He’s a natural teacher, that’s his major. And it’s not some made-up ask, I could really benefit.

“That’s a good idea. I will.”

She smiles. “You like him. You keep denying, but I know.”

I ignore this. Maybe I’ll get a chance to ask him tonight. Unless he goes out. “Is there a party after the game?”

Rocky looks at me. “You even have to ask? The most scoring at Moo U hockey happens after the game.”

Derek must be loving life in the hockey house. Does Noah wish he lived there? Other than the beautiful girlfriend on his social media, I don’t know what kind of woman attracts him. Most guys are pretty obvious about their interest in women, but Noah is very discreet.

Moo U wins easily, which is a good sign for the new season.

I drive home along the dark highway. Now that Noah has his own vehicle, I’ll see him less and that makes me oddly sad.

My mother is still up when I return, reading in her nightdress and robe.

“How was the game?” she asks.

“Good. Derek played really well. He was partnered with Noah.”

“Oh, that’s great. I’ll have to go to a game soon. I can watch both of them.”

That stings. My mother doesn’t come to my games, but she has good reason. Once, she got a pair of tickets, brought her friend, and I was a last-minute scratch. A waste of time and money.

“I’m going to have a snack. Do you want anything?” I ask.

“No, I’m off to bed. Goodnight, dear.”

I decide to make hot cocoa. As I’m heating the milk, I see the swing of headlights in the driveway.

A thrill shoots through me because Noah didn’t go to the party afterwards. He came home instead. I watch through the front window as Katman runs up to greet him. Noah squats, makes his hand into a claw, and brings it towards the cat. Katman pounces and wrestles Noah’s hand with all four paws. I can barely make out Noah’s face, but he seems to be smiling. It’s all so adorable that I smile too.

Which is the real Noah? Arrogant heartbreaker or sweet cat wrestler?

Noah stands and walks towards the house. I hurry back to the kitchen and stir the cocoa into warming milk.

He comes in the side door and sees me.

“Hey,” he says.

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