Page 35 of Hockey 101

Is everyone on the team happier with the hockey coverage now? she asks.

Sure, we’re happy. Right, guys? asks Mats, and everyone nods. Jacob knows hockey better than anyone, except maybe the coaches.

Neko stalks in, tail in the air. She sniffs Andy’s ankle.

Oh, hello. You guys have a cat? This is like a real home. She reaches down and pets Neko, who purrs loudly then snakes through her legs.

Mats volunteers at the shelter in St. Viola, I explain.

Your house is a lot nicer than I expected, Andy says.

This is only the B house, Swanny explains. The A house is next door, and it’s even bigger.

The game’s starting, says Ethan. Mats excuses himself to do homework, but Neko chooses to sit on my lap for the game. Andy pets her, and I can’t ignore how close her hand is coming to my cock. A guy can dream.

Wow. Not just one hockey expert, but four, she comments.

You better believe it, says Bergy. You’re going to leave here full of hockey knowledge.

Hashtag goals. I suspect that Andy is being sarcastic, but on the other hand, she’s already picked up tons more about hockey. I figure I’ve got about a month left until she doesn’t need me anymore.

You sure you don’t want a drink? Not a beer, but maybe a… I scramble to figure out what Andy would like. A cup of tea?

Fancy a nice cuppa? Ethan mocks in a British falsetto.

I’m fine, thanks. Andy pulls out her trusty notebook and one of the black pens she favours. When she settles back in, her thigh rests warmly against mine.

If you’re getting drinks, I’d like a beer, says Bergy.

Don’t see a piano tied to your leg. There’s no way I’m leaving this couch while Andy’s pressed up to me.

We watch the puck drop. Tonight’s game is the Minnesota Wild vs. the Calgary Flames. I chose it because the Wild are favoured to win, and it’s always more fun if the team we’re cheering for wins. I’m actually a San Jose Sharks fan myself, but I’m willing to switch allegiances for tonight.

Have you guys all been to an NHL game? Andy asks. Everyone’s eager to share their experiences. Swanny attended his first game when he was only a baby. His parents took him to a Wild game with those giant ear protectors on. Ethan went to a Colorado Avalanche game when he was ten, and Bergy’s first game was the Wild last year.

You’d never gone to a game before that? Swanny asks.

Nope. My dad was too cheap to take us. It was on my bucket list when I moved here, so I waited until they were playing my team—the Blackhawks. And it was fucking amazing. The arena is so beautiful, and the players were so fucking good.

Just then, the Wild score, and everyone cheers. I use the replay to show Andy how the goal happened.

Right there, Jones skates into the path of the defenceman. That gives the puck carrier a little more room to set up a play. I replay the replay so she can see it slowed down.

Ethan tsks. Shoulda been an interference penalty.

I shake my head. It’s subtle. Ref’d have to be really sure.

More likely to get called when there’s a goal, though. The Flames coach is going ballistic, says Swanny. We watch as the coach yells at the ref, who only skates away.

I’ll never remember all the penalties, sighs Andy. I’ve even got a rule book now.

Don’t worry. There are only about ten that get called regularly, I say.

And most of them say exactly what they are. Like tripping, says Swanny, making the swooping motion with his hand.

Wait, there are hand motions too? Her voice rises in panic.

Relax. Most people don’t know those. I pat Andy on the thigh. Her leg feels warm and firm. I close my eyes and imagine gently parting her thighs, pulling down her silky panties, and getting a chance to—

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