Page 36 of Hockey 101

Score, yells Bergy.

Already? My eyes fly open and I watch a beautiful coast-to-coast play by the Wild’s defenceman. That’s my favourite kind of goal to score—even though it’s showboating, it’s so much fun.

Unfortunately for the Flames, it’s not their night. The team looks flat and slow, possibly because they played in Winnipeg the night before.

When the Wild score their fifth unanswered goal, Andy comments, It doesn’t appear that hard to score in this league.

The four of us stare at her, slack-jawed.

What? she asks.

The NHL is the toughest league in the world, Swanny says.

And the Flames are on the second of a back-to-back, says Bergy.

Andy giggles. Sounds dirty.

Of course, that immediately has me picturing Andy’s naked back as I take her from behind. I blink and try to clear my dirty mind.

Like to see you score a goal, scoffs Ethan.

Well, I’m not a hockey player. But the Wild seem to be scoring at will, she says.

Ethan scowls at me. Educate your woman.

I’m not a possession, and certainly not Jack’s. She doesn’t sound angry, more like she’s setting the record straight. Of course, she’s right, but there’s no need to remind her. These Unger guys are ruining my life.

She stands up, and I immediately miss her warmth. This game seems to be decided, so I think I’ll get going now. Thanks for all the info.

No problem. Feel free to come over anytime, especially with cookies, Bergy offers.

I walk into the front hall with Andy. As I put on my coat, she looks at me curiously. What are you doing?

I’m going to walk you home, I say.

You don’t have to do that. Our campus is very safe. I walk around at night all the time.

I want to. Andy is so cute I can’t believe she doesn’t get hassled constantly. Besides, I like spending time with her.

She frowns. It’s so unnecessary.

Instead of arguing, since she would win any debate, I say nothing and put my shoes on. It’s cold outside, and as I shut the door behind us, Andy shivers and pulls on a toque. I wish I could wrap an arm around her to keep her warm. We start off down the street.

Can I ask you something? I begin.

You’re already doing it, she says.

The sports section is humming along now. But are you unhappy that you don’t get to cover the hockey games anymore? Andy seemed to want to keep writing, even though she was doing a crappy job.

Wow, I can’t believe you picked up on that. She gives me a look that’s almost…admiring. You’re very perceptive.

Not this guy, I scoff. However, I did notice that you’re avoiding my question.

She smiles. Oh, it’s kind of selfish. Of course it’s better to have experts write the sports coverage. And I really enjoy editing. But right now I’m not writing anything at all, so I have nothing new to show prospective employers.

That’s too bad. You’re such a good writer, I reply.

She looks up at me from under those long lashes. You know, I’m not sure that a few pages of my journal are a fair evaluation of my writing skills.

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