Page 111 of ICED
Everyone clinks their glasses together, the noise filling the space with warmth and belonging.
Lila leans against me, tired but happy, and I realise that for the first time in a long time, this feels like the beginning of something whole. Not just for me, but for all of us.
Jacko presses a soft kiss to my forehead. “Thank you for coming with us. It means a lot.”
I lean into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “It means a lot to me too.”
Lila looks up, eyes sparkling with tired excitement. “Tomorrow, Bear teaches me to swim. Promise?”
He grins. “Promise.”
As I watch them, I realise I’m not just along for the ride anymore. I’m part of their team, a found family that feels like home.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
JACKO
Iwake to the soft light filtering through the curtains. The city is just waking up outside our hotel window, but inside, the quiet buzz of game day is already alive. I hear Maya moving around the suite and the faint clink of mugs. I can hear Lila’s snoring steady and soft from the second bedroom, still wrapped in sleep, but I know she’s buzzing with excitement under the surface.
We’ve got a long day ahead and then game night. The usual rollercoaster of nerves and adrenaline, of grinding muscles and tight plays. But it feels different. Somehow warmer. Softer. Because Maya and Lila are here with me. Part of this world that’s been mine for years but never felt quite like home. Maya brings in two cups and hands one to me before she climbs back under the covers next to me.
“She’s still out for the count,” she says, nodding in the direction of Lila’s room. “I think dinner with the guys wore her out last night.” There’s a soft gleam in Maya’s eyes.
“Well, they guys love her just as much as I do, I think.” I lift my arm and Maya snuggles in to my chest, cradling her cup. We sit for a few minutes just enjoying the peace before we have to start the day fully.
Downstairs, the hotel dining room hums with morning energy. The Raptors are all gathered around a long table, the smell of coffee and eggs filling the air. I spot Dylan, Murphy,Mia and Ollie. They’re digging in, jokes and ribbing flying fast. I catch Maya’s eye and she gives me a small, tight smile that says she’s doing her best to make sure her and Lila are not in the way, but I know she’s watching everything like a hawk.
Lila climbs onto the seat beside Maya, her legs swinging happily in her chair. Her unicorn swimsuit peeks out from beneath her hoodie as she stretches for a bread roll, glittering like a secret promise. I can tell she’s itching to get to the pool later. She’s clutching a small tiara in one hand, and occasionally poking at the pastel-coloured pancakes on her plate.
Coach claps his hands together, standing at the end of the table. “Alright, lads, time to loosen up. We’ve got a light session planned before tonight’s game. Nothing too crazy, just enough to get the muscles moving and the heads in the right place.”
We head down to the temporary rink set up for the team’s training session. It’s not the full arena, but the ice is smooth and cold, perfect for loosening muscles without risking injury before the game tonight.
Maya stands near the glass wall, cradling Lila in her arms so she can see the action. Lila’s little fingers tap on the cold surface, her eyes wide as the guys start their warm-ups.
The guys skate out, breaking into tight drills with quick stops, tight turns, puck passing, slap shots. We move like a well-oiled machine, but there’s a playful edge to it. Dylan zips by Murphy, who grins and gives chase, his stick flicking a puck right at Ollie’s knee. Ollie winces and pulls up, hobbling a bit.
Lila giggles, watching it all like a tiny commentator. She pulls Maya’s sleeve and tugs her close.
“Bear is fast! But Ollie hurt his knee. Uh-oh!” she says, her words tumbling over each other like excited bubbles.
Maya smiles, ruffling Lila’s hair. “That’s right. They’re working hard, but Ollie’s got a little pain.”
Lila frowns in concentration. “Will Mia fix it?”
Maya nods. “Yeah, Mia’s the team’s physio. She helps them stay strong.”
Just then, Mia strides over, her expression all business like with sharp eyes, arms crossed. She doesn’t do baby talk or sugarcoat.
“Alright, Ollie, let’s see what you’re hiding,” Mia says, crouching beside him with an authoritative vibe that makes Ollie straighten up just a little.
Lila watches with rapt attention, clutching Maya’s finger.
Mia pulls out her kit, straps and tape all laid out neatly. She barks out instructions to Ollie as she works, not fussing over him but clearly knowing exactly how to keep him in the game.
“You want to be playing tonight, don’t you? This knee’s got to behave. No drama.” Her voice is tough but there’s a kindness in her eyes.
Lila, trying to sound official, mimics Mia. “No drama. Be good, knee!”
