Page 97 of In Your Wildest Dreams
Already on it.
The game ison while I paint my toenails in the living room. I don’t know a lot about Colorado, or really any of the teams, but they seem good. At the start of the third period, the Wildcats are down by three goals and the announcers keep talking about how they need to shake off the first two periods and come out strong.
A fierce protectiveness rages inside me when they mention that Ash has been struggling since his return. But when they zoom in on him after an icing call, I can see the tension in the set of his jaw.
Guilt gnaws at me. He wanted me to be there, and I said no. It isn’t like I didn’t want to go. I don’t think Ash realizes just what lengths Gabe will stoop to get what he wants.
He said he understood, but I still feel crappy. And it makes me hate Gabe that much more. And, okay, myself a little. I was so glad to be free of him, but he’s still this annoying, silent presence keeping me from living my life.
The Wildcats do pick up a little momentum (according to the sportscasters) as the third period winds down. Jack scores, then less than a minute later Maverick does as well, but Colorado follows it up with one of their own, and with one minute to go, they’re still down two goals.
Me
Do you think the guys will go to Wild’s after the game?
Everly
I doubt it. They don’t usually go out after a loss.
Me
Oh. Okay.
Everly
You want to go out? I think I heard that Kappa is having a party tonight.
Me
No, I don’t really feel like partying. I was just curious.
Everly
OMG were you going to surprise Ash?
Me
I feel bad for not going to the game. It’s probably a terrible idea anyway.
Everly
NO WAY. He’ll be so excited. He can probably use some cheering up. You HAVE to go.
Me
You just said they weren’t going out.
Everly
Not to the bar. Surprise him at his house.
Me
That sounds a little presumptuous. Maybe I’ll just text him and see if he wants to hang out.
Everly
Are you kidding? He’ll love it. Ash loves a surprise. He’ll be so stoked to see you.
