Page 92 of Hockey 101

I don’t hold back. I lift her up and squish her so tightly that she lets out a little oof.

I’m so happy to see you, I begin. But how did you get here? Why did you come? There’s so much I don’t understand.

Andy’s arms encircle me like she doesn’t want to let me go either. I’ll explain everything later. But there’s one important thing I need to say: I’m ready to be all in now. The risk is worth what we have.

Of course, now I have a million more questions, but who cares? I don’t have to worry that I forced her into anything, I can relax and be happy. Besides, who needs explanations when Andy looks this radiant?

Sinclair. Move your ass, Coach Greene calls out. I look around and I’m the only player still out here.

Coming. I release Andy and turn her around. Emily hands me a Sharpie and I sign the top of the number eight using the signature I’ve practised since I was nine years old and dreaming of hockey greatness.

What says commitment better than spending over a hundred bucks on a new jersey? asks my sassy girlfriend. I kiss her on the forehead and run into the arena.

Andy calls out, Have a good game.

Oh, I will. I’m feeling it right now.

ANDY

EMILY AND I wander around the arena since we have oodles of time before the game. I spot Alex setting up a video camera and realize I can take care of a little newspaper business while I’m here. Emily opts to hunt down snacks instead. I greet Jacob and Alex with a big smile.

What are you doing here? Jacob asks, with his usual frown.

Good to see you too. I want to know if you’d like to cover hockey games again.

What happened to The Pornstache? he replies.

I choke down a laugh. Joey Vincent does have some very unfortunate facial hair. Well, he won’t find out until Monday, but I’m back. And I want to reunite the A-Team.

Jacob ponders my request for so long, I worry that he’s going to turn me down. Finally, he comes up with his answer.

I’ll do it, on one condition.

My own words coming back to haunt me. I crinkle my nose. What is it?

I start tonight. So, you have to fire The Pornstache now. And I get to watch.

Yikes. I’ve never fired anyone. Besides, it’s up to Jaz…isn’t it?

It’s not—I mean, I don’t actually… I stammer.

Come on, Robson. Have some balls, he taunts. Unless you want to do the game write-ups yourself? We all know what a success that was.

Clearly Jacob has never heard the saying about catching more flies with honey.

Okay, I’ll try. But I have to clear it with the editor-in-chief first.

Jacob sniffs. The guy that fired you? Good luck.

I smile as I tap out a message. Nope. New editor-in-chief too. It’s a real house-cleaning.

Five minutes later, I have both Jaz’s blessing and detailed instructions. Jacob directs me to a so-called press box, where Joey is sitting on the edge of a table, chatting with a few guys who I presume cover the other teams in the tournament.

Joey spots me, and his lip curls. His gaze travels over Jacob with zero recognition.

Surprised to see you here, Andy. Didn’t you learn that a woman’s place is not in the hockey rink? He laughs at his own dumb joke.

I have something to tell you… I curse the quaver in my voice, but this is tougher than I anticipated. I don’t like hurting people.

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