Page 37 of Hockey 101

I could read a few more entries and then decide? I offer. Maybe I’ve even been featured in her journal. Then I could find out what she thinks of me now. Or maybe that’s too dangerous.

Andy’s laugh cuts through the chilly night air. Dream on.

We walk in a comfortable silence, leaves crunching beneath our feet.

Actually, I’ve read every story you’ve written for the Messenger, I say.

Now I have her full attention. Really? That’s surprising.

They were all interesting, and I could see your writing getting stronger. At first, Andy’s stories were short and more factual. Her later opinion pieces were the best—original and challenging.

Oh, thanks, Jack, she replies softly.

We turn onto the main boulevard that cuts through the Monarch campus. With the stone buildings lit up, it looks like the setting for a picturesque college movie. And we’re the main characters. Once in a while we brush up against each other, and I feel the warmth of her body against mine.

Andy is deep in thought, but eventually says, I have this idea. What if I wrote profiles on some of the school’s athletes? I heard about this player on the women’s hockey team who suffered a serious injury last season and she’s been rehabbing for almost a year. That could be inspiring to read about. And maybe there are players on your team with human interest stories too.

I’m sure there are. But no one on my team comes to mind right away. Let me ask around and get back to you.

It’s okay, Jack. That’s the kind of research I like to do myself. But what do you think of the idea? She watches closely for my reaction.

It’s a fantastic idea. I enjoy reading about athletes. And I think fans would love it. It gives them a more personal reason to support the team, a deeper connection.

She nods. I got the idea from those sports writers you and Mats suggested to me. I think I’ll give it a try.

Now we’re at the steps of Humphrey Hall. Before she can say goodbye, I ask, Can you skate?

Well, not to your level, but sure.

I try to keep the eagerness out of my voice. How about a hockey lesson at ice level?

She scowls. Is this about ‘educating your woman’? Because I’m not here for that sexist B.S.

Of course not. It’s about being the best sports editor the Messenger has ever had. You’ll learn a lot out there. It’s also about getting her on the ice with me in a kind of stealth date. The rink is the one place I feel most at home.

She considers my offer, then nods. Okay. Let’s do it. Message me the details. See you later. Then she runs up the steps and into her residence.

Once she’s safely inside, I do my fist-pumping goal celly. I’m definitely making progress with Andy.

11

SOFTER SIDE

ANDY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR Candace. Happy Birthday to youuuuu, we all sing in various keys. Candace winces at our lack of musical talent, then blows out the candles on her chocolate layer cake. Joy, Candace’s girlfriend, starts passing out slices.

This cake is really good, Dawn says. Joy beams. She shopped, decorated, baked, and herded us all here. It’s a sure sign of her devotion.

I can give you the recipe if you want, she offers.

You’d have to give me your baking skills too, Dawn replies. Give it to Andy instead, then she’ll have to make it for my birthday.

Baking is all about following instructions exactly. Which is not Dawn’s forte, I explain.

You two are so well matched, Joy says. Too bad you’re not into each other.

This party is half made up of Joy and Candace’s lesbian friends, so there’s a low-key sexual vibe that most girls’ nights don’t have. Still, the female energy is welcome after all my time either hanging out with the men’s hockey team or editing articles about them.

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