Page 64 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
The announcer’s voice breaks through the chaos, booming over the speakers.
“The Avalanche win it with a final score of 4-3! Incredible teamwork and precision in the final seconds!”
I exhale, lowering my camera just as the Avalanche players start to gather by the boards, throwing their gloves into the air and raising their sticks high. I snap a few more photos as the team piles on Liam and Alex, lifting them up in celebration. Their smiles are wide, their energy impossible to miss.
After a while, the announcer's voice booms through the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, now that the first part of the charity event hosted by the Avalanche team and NextPhase Performance Technology has been completed, it is time to head to the second phase, at Lakeview Park! Get ready to have loads of fun, and of course, please remember to donate generously to support the ‘Hope for Kids Foundation,’ which helps underprivileged children access sports programs in Autumn Cove and across the country. Let’s make a difference today!"
As the crowd starts to disperse, I stand beside Landon and Brooke, feeling the hum of the game still vibrating in my chest. My shoulders ache from holding the camera for so long, but the adrenaline of the game is enough to keep me from caring. People shuffle past, their voices rising in excited chatter as they head toward the exits.
“Great game,” Brooke says, grinning at Landon, “was that last-second goal intense or what?”
Landon just nods, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips. “Definitely. Always a thrill to finish strong.”
“Yeah,” Brooke adds with a grin. “I was holding my breath the entire time.”
I laugh, adjusting the camera strap on my shoulder. “Same. It was insane. Honestly, I was scared they were not gonna pull it off at the end.”
A familiar voice calls out, and I turn to see Grace, Maya, and Luke making their way toward us. Grace waves enthusiastically, her auburn curls bouncing with every step, while Maya gives a sly grin.
“Finally!” Grace says as they reach us. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
“Been here the whole time. Hey, remember these two? Lydia could not make it. She has the flu,” I say, gesturing to Landon and Brooke with a grin.
Maya’s eyes light up as she looks at Landon, a playful smile curling on her lips. “Who forgets a hottie like this?” She winks at him, her tone teasing. “Good to see you again, Landon.”
Landon chuckles, flashing a grin in return. “The pleasure’s mine.”
Luke, standing next to Maya, playfully shoves her with a grin. “Don’t mind this flirtatious lady. She’s like this 90% of the time with everyone. It’s embarrassing,” he says, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
Maya just rolls her eyes, unbothered. “Hey, I’m just speaking the truth.”
“It’s no issue,” Landon says, shrugging casually. “It’s good to see you all again, too.”
I laugh, shaking my head at Maya. “Did you guys enjoy the game?” I ask.
“It was amazing,” Grace says at once, her face lighting up. “That last play? Unreal.”
Maya’s about to say something - probably something equally dramatic or flirty, knowing her - but before she can get a word out, I hear my name.
“Hazel!” Katie’s voice cuts through the noise, and I turn to see her waving me over from the edge of the rink.
“Hold that thought,” I tell my friends before walking over to her. Katie’s expression is her usual mix of professionalism and playful energy.
“You’ll be riding with the guys in the bus,” she says without preamble.
I blink. “Wait, what? Why?”
Katie grins. “Because I need you to get pictures of them on the bus. Especially James. I know he is going to fall asleep with his eyes and mouth wide open, and I need those shots. I want it documented for posterity.”
I cannot help but laugh. “Say no more. I am on it.”
“Good,” Katie says, nodding approvingly. “By the way, well done today. The pictures have been fantastic so far. The destination shots came out beautifully. We will need to schedule the next round soon.”
“Thanks,” I say, a warm sense of pride bubbling up at her words. “Just let me know, and I’ll be ready.”
With a satisfied nod, Katie gives me a quick pat on the shoulder. “Alright. Let’s head out, then.”
