Page 100 of Hockey 101

He rubs his ribs and winces. Yeah, I noticed. But you’re right. If the other team has to gameplan against me, I must be half-decent.

Again, I feel that glow of accomplishment. Now I understand enough about hockey for Jack to discuss it with me. Hockey is really important to him.

He smiles and reaches across the table to take my hand. It’s good to get caught up. I know it’s only been a short time, but I missed sharing things with you.

While our sex life is incendiary, talking is the part of our relationship that I missed the most. Sharing what happens in my life is so much better when Jack is here to be amazed or shocked or proud. And I get to listen and be his champion too.

EPILOGUE

Six weeks later

JACK

HOW DO I look? Andy pirouettes in front of me.

You look great, I reply. Yes, it’s an automatic reaction to that question, but it’s also the truth. Andy is wearing a fuzzy white turtleneck with dark jeans, and she looks adorable.

I’m lying on Andy’s bed as she tries on a variety of outfits. Hey, I’m always up for seeing her undress. I’m a big fan of this pretty bra and panty set she’s wearing, and I really wish there was time to give her a good fucking. But Andy’s on a mission. I sigh and adjust my jeans.

She holds out her purple scarf. I’m wearing my white coat, so should I wear this too? Or will that seem like I’m trying too hard with the Monarch colours?

I’ve never seen Andy fuss so much about her clothes before. Well, maybe once before. When my parents and Amelia flew down here to celebrate my birthday and watch my game, Andy was really nervous about that first dinner. But she aced it, of course. My parents loved her, and Amelia gave me two thumbs up. She’s a smart one. She’ll keep you in line, my sister told me.

I smile at Andy encouragingly. I think the Monarch colours are a nice touch.

She nods and takes one last look in the mirror. Okay. This is it.

I pick up the paper on her bedside table. This is the final schedule, right?

Yes. Everything is all arranged for Jim Hargreaves’s visit.

It’s the itinerary for this guy from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He’s going to give a talk to the Messenger staff and go on a campus tour with Andy and Jaz. Jaz is in charge of the newspaper now, and she and Andy are pretty tight. This extra face time with Star Trib staff is a bonus for Andy. After all, Jaz has another year before she has to worry about getting a job.

Not that Andy has to worry either. She’s already had virtual interviews with a media company in Los Angeles and a technical writing site. But her real dream is to work for a newspaper, so today’s tour is a huge deal for her.

Come here. I make Andy sit on the bed so I can massage her shoulders. She’s managing her anxiety a lot better these days, thanks to the work she’s been doing with her counsellor. Andy’s never going to be someone who shares all her feelings, but she’s getting more comfortable at expressing love and emotion. Besides, I don’t need to hear the words every day—her actions show how much she loves me.

The counselling has also helped her grow in other ways. She’s even tackled conversations with her parents about issues from her childhood. It’s difficult for Andy, but she’s hoping to forge a better relationship with her family. And she’s always got the support of her Monarch family.

Andy stretches her neck as I work my thumbs into her traps. I know I’m being ridiculous, but I really want today to go well. They have an available position, and I’ve made the initial cut. If I impress Jim Hargreaves today, maybe he’ll put in a good word for me.

I don’t see how someone can meet you and not be impressed. You’re smart, organized, and you have great social skills.

You’re sweet. She turns and gives me a quick peck. Then she jumps up and finishes getting ready. She puts on her coat and scarf and twirls in front of the mirror one last time as I put on my shoes and get ready to head out with her. We walk down the stairs together.

We’re meeting for dinner tonight, right? she asks.

Yup. I’ll see you at Peggy’s. Peggy’s is a casual place in St. Viola with great food. When we want to talk without getting interrupted by friends or teammates, it’s the place we like to sneak off to. Then you’ll be able to tell me how everything went.

She holds up crossed fingers. Ugh. I hope it goes well.

The January wind is bitingly cold, so we hurry along. When it’s time to split up, I hold out my arms for one final hug. Andy curls into me and she fits perfectly, as always.

You’ve got this, I assure her. And then I head off too, because I have plans of my own.

ARE YOU SURE it’s safe up here? Bergy’s voice is higher than normal. We’re standing on the arena catwalk, high above the ice.

I told you not to come if you don’t like heights, I reply. Bergy hates missing out on anything fun, even if he’s afraid of heights. But I wouldn’t volunteer for something in a broom closet, even if that was the scene of my first kiss with Andy. It’s totally safe though. Andy and Jacob watch the games from up here sometimes.

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