Page 115 of Off The Rush
“Alright, so how do we make this happen?” I ask, trying to focus on the logistics of their plan.
“First things first,” Liam says, pulling out a piece of paper from his back pocket. “We need to get organized. We’ll need to talk to the other guys who couldn’t make it today and make sure everyone is on the same page. The more united we are, the better our chances of convincing Coach to reconsider.”
“Agreed,” Luka nods, his gray eyes serious but determined. “We also need to be prepared for potential consequences. If Coach doesn’t budge, we may be looking at suspensions or worse.”
JD runs a hand through his black hair, a thoughtful frown on his face. “Yeah, but if we stick together and show him we won’t back down, he might not have a choice.”
“Exactly,” Liam adds, his voice firm. “We’re a team, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that team together.”
I can’t help but feel a swell of pride as I watch my teammates rally around us. The knowledge that they have our backs in this fight is both humbling and empowering.
“Thank you,” Emma says softly, her green eyes reflecting the same appreciation I feel. “This means more to us than you could ever know.”
“Hey, what’s a team for?” Liam grins, clapping me on the shoulder. “Now let’s get to work and get you guys back on the ice where you belong.”
We gather around the table to discuss our plan further and I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world.
The door closes behind our teammates, leaving the four of us standing in silence for a moment as we process everything that just happened. The air in the room is thick with gratitude and uncertainty, but there’s also an unmistakable undercurrent of hope.
“Can you believe it?” JD breaks the silence, his warm brown eyes wide with disbelief. “They’re willing to stand up for us like that.”
“Of course they are,” Luka says softly, his gray eyes reflecting a quiet confidence. “We’ve always been there for them – on the ice and off. It’s only natural they’d want to return the favor.”
“Yeah,” I chime in, feeling a smile tug at the corners of my mouth.
“Still,” Emma says, her voice tinged with awe, “it’s pretty amazing what they’re willing to do for you. Standing up to the coach like that, risking their positions on the team…it’s incredible.”
“Teams do incredible things for each other,” Luka reminds her gently, draping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close.
“Group hug?” Emma suggests, her green eyes shining with emotion.
“Absolutely,” JD agrees, and the four of us come together in a warm embrace, our connection stronger than ever.
As we pull away, I can’t help but think about what our teammates just did for us – and how it’s up to us to make sure their sacrifice isn’t in vain. This plan has to work. For them, for us, and the future of our team.
Chapter 52
I can feel the chilly air on my face as I stand outside the hockey arena with Alec, Luka, and the rest of our team. The entire team has decided to boycott the game in protest of our suspensions. Fans glance curiously at us as they file into the stadium, but we hold our ground.
“Man, this is crazy,” I say, rubbing my hands together for warmth. “Never thought I’d be out here doing something like this.”
Alec nods, his breath visible in the cold air. “Yeah, but it’s worth it. We’ve got each other’s backs, right?”
“Always,” Luka agrees, a small smile on his lips.
As we wait, I can’t help but feel nervous about how this is all going to go down. Hockey has always been my life – I’ve dedicated countless hours to the sport, and it means everything to me. But then there’s Emma. She’s become such an integral part of my life in such a short time, and I realize that if I had to choose between hockey and her, there wouldn’t even be a contest. Emma, Luka, Alec, and I just make sense together, and I can’t imagine my life without them.
“JD, you okay?” Luka asks, noticing my silence.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just thinking about how much things have changed since we met Emma.”
“Tell me about it,” Alec says, chuckling. “Who would’ve thought we’d end up in a relationship like this? That I would enjoy sharing her with you guys. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Me neither,” I agree, feeling my nerves slowly dissipate as I refocus on the bond we all share. “We’re really lucky to have found her – and each other.”
“Definitely,” Luka adds, his gray eyes shining with sincerity.
As we stand there, united in our cause and our love for one another, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. No matter what happens today, I know that we’ll face it together, and that’s all that matters.
