Page 70 of Broken Hearts
“Sure.” I know he said he’s not going anywhere, but I try not to get too hopeful just in case.
“Good luck.”
He winks. “Later, angel.”
* * *
Monday morning,I go to the yoga studio. I’m not teaching any fitness classes today, but Coach gave us the next two days off practice and with Rhett still gone, all my homework done, and my friends busy, I’m bored.
The hockey team won their first game and tonight they play again. It’s the last game standing in the way of them going to the Frozen Four. I talked to Rhett when they were heading to the arena for their morning skate and he was so excited and talking so fast. It was adorable.
I’m taking a break and sitting on my mat when the door creaks open.
“Hello?”
The door swings open and Dakota and Reagan appear.
“I thought that was you,” Dakota says. “What are you doing?”
“Hey!” I smile as they walk into the room. “Messing around, mostly. What are you two doing here?”
“She made me do a spin class.” Reagan sits beside me and drinks from her water bottle.
“Made is a strong word,” Dakota says and joins us. “We missed you last night. What time did you get back?”
“After eight,” I say. “I watched the end of the game in bed and then crashed. Thanks for the invite though. Me and Josie were planning to watch at The Hideout tonight.” From what I’ve heard, that’s where everyone will be. I look to the girls. “Do you want to come with us?”
They look to each other and then me.
“We’re going to the game. You have to come with us,” Dakota says.
“To Troy?”
Reagan nods and smiles and her dimples appear. “We’re surprising the guys.”
Dakota leans forward. “We’re leaving this afternoon and staying overnight. You have to come. Rhett will be so excited to see you.”
“Yeah, you absolutely have to come with us,” Regan says.
“I don’t know. I have…” All my excuses die on my tongue. I’m caught up in all my classes and I already have the day off practice. “You know what, I’m in.”
21
Rhett
“Dude!” Mav skates toward me after the final buzzer. His arms spread out, smile so big. “Dude!”
My buddy is speechless. Guess so am I. We won. We’re going to the Frozen Four. Something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. It doesn’t seem real.
The rest of the team joins us and we’re one big huddle on the ice, screaming our heads off.
The noise inside the arena could lift off the roof. So many Valley U fans made the drive. Including my very favorite fan.
As we skate toward the bench, I see her. Decked out in blue and yellow, jumping up and down with Dakota, Reagan, and Ginny. It feels sweeter having her here.
Coach tries to keep his smile small, but the crinkles along his eyes and mouth give him away.
“Great job tonight, boys.” He bows his head and gives it a shake. “Damn proud of you all, but let’s not get too carried away. We’ve still got more work to do. Enjoy tonight. When we get back to Valley tomorrow afternoon, your lives belong to me for the next week.”
