Page 94 of Unrivaled Love
“You’re a role model, Killer.” Bryson says with a wink. “If they only knew how you took out your rivals.”
I pinch his side and he barks out a laugh before settling back in to finish the route to the park where the festival takes place.
Chapter 30
Bryson
Two Left Skates
Islideintothefront seat of the car and slump back.
My arm aches from waving at the parade and my cheeks feel tight from smiling constantly. But I made it through relatively unscathed.
I did it.
It’s over.
The parade was a blur of faces but Jo’s touch on my arm kept me steady.
The rally was noisy but I kept it together with Jo standing just offstage.
The hour of talking with friends and family at the party was tough. It felt like being trapped on a penalty kill in your own zone and not getting an opportunity to change lines. I started to keep my eyes on the exit like it would flash a sign telling me it was time to go.
Jo got pulled away by her sister at the end of the party and I watched them leave together. She sent me a text saying Al was giving her a ride home. And while I want to be alone, I want to be alone with Jo. Somehow she’s an added presence that would ease my over-stimulated nerves.
A knock on the passenger side window startles me and I look over to see Crosby motioning for me to unlock the door.
"Hey man," I say as he sits down.
"Wanna take me back to the hotel?" He asks as he looks over his shoulder.
I turn and see Duncan chatting with a group of people and Felix approaching with Aiden and Harper not far behind him.
"Sure, you sick of the crowds, too?"
"Yeah, and I want to see if there are any single rooms open. Felix booked us in doubles and I don't really want to hang at the bar while Dunc hooks up."
"Fair." I say with a chuckle and pull away.
"How'd it feel being the center of attention today?" Crosby asks. The way he says it makes me wonder if he's worried about his day with The Cup next week.
"It was exhausting to be honest. My face fucking hurts from smiling."
He laughs. "Yeah, that's why I'm glad I'm not doing a big thing."
"You're not?"
"Nah. There’s a photo opp with my dad at the LA Arena in the morning and then I get to take The Cup to a local rink that has grown the sport of hockey in an underserved neighborhood. I rented it out for the day and The Cup will sit on the rubber while I get to skate around with kids."
"That sounds awesome."
"You can do it next time."
"Next time?"
"When we win again." Crosby says it like it's a sure thing.
"Right." I mutter.
