Page 28 of Blocked Shot
NATALIE
So why The Martian?
JAKE
I am very attracted to Matt Damon.
NATALIE
Seriously?
JAKE
Seriously. It’s also one of the few books I’ve read recently that I liked. Surviving the odds and all that.
NATALIE
Makes sense. Well, thank you. That was thoughtful.
JAKE
One of my best qualities.
NATALIE
Goodnight Jake.
The next day, Natalie busies herself in Jesse’s kitchen, the clatter of pots and the sizzle of butter filling the air as she prepares more meals to store in his freezer. Since her last visit three weeks ago Jesse has cleaned them out.
Cooking keeps her hands moving, keeps her mindfrom drifting where it shouldn’t. But no matter how many vegetables she chops or sauces she stirs, she can’t stop thinking about last night.
She exhales sharply, shaking her head as she slides a pan of lasagna into the oven. This isn’t about her. She’s here to help Jesse. Not to dwell on things that can’t happen.
But when she looks at the containers of food stacking up on the counter, a thought creeps in. Jake said he cares about his diet, didn’t he? She hesitates for a moment before grabbing another container and scooping some of the food inside.
It’s not for him. Not really. It’s just… a kind gesture. That’s all. A ‘thank you’ for helping Jesse. That’s what she tells herself as she seals the lid and sets it aside.
Natalie stands outside the player’s entrance, the crisp night air nips at her exposed skin. The distant roar of the crowd still echoes in her ears, the electric buzz of victory lingering long after the final whistle. The game had gone exactly as she predicted. Jesse had opened the scoring, and the team rode the momentum to a well-earned win.
She tucks her hands into the pockets of her coat, glancing toward the arena doors for what may be the hundredth time. Other players trickle out in pairs and small groups, laughing and slapping each other on the back. Their faces are flushed from exertion, their damp hair curling at the ends, suits jackets thrown over their shoulders. Jesse and Jake are still inside.
The longer she waits, the more restless she becomes. She hates that she’s waiting for him. Not Jesse of course, she’s always here for her brother. But Jake. She doesn’t want to admit how badly she wants to see him, even if it’s just for a second, even if it’s from a distance.
Finally, the door swings open, and Jesse steps out, grinning ear to ear, his eyes alight. He spots her immediately and jogs over.
“Nat!” he calls, practically bouncing on his feet when he reaches her. “Did you see that?”
She laughs, reaching up to ruffle his damp hair despite his protests. “Of course I saw it. I was in the stands, screaming my head off.”
Jesse beams, his energy infectious. “Man, it felt so good. Mac set me up perfectly. He told me to go hard to the net, and then—bam! Right in the five-hole. It was insane.”
“I’m proud of you,” she says, and she means it. No matter what complicated feelings she has swirling around, wanting to see Jesse happy is the one thing that remains steady.
They start walking toward his car, gravel crunching beneath their feet. “Coach was pumped,” Jesse continues, still high on adrenaline. “And the guys went crazy in the locker room. Mac saved me the puck. See?”
He shows her the black rubber puck with masking tape circling the edge. Across the tape is scrawled ‘Mitchell 1st goal’ and the date. Natalie laughs, listening to him ramble about every second of the goal, the pass, the shot, the celebration. She nods along, absorbing his excitement.
Then Jesse abruptly stops.
