Page 81 of Off The Rush
“Something like that,” I reply with a shrug, not wanting to divulge too much. Instead, I focus my attention on getting ready for the game, feeling the new comforting weight of the necklace against my chest.
As we hit the ice, I can feel a surge of energy course through me, as if the necklace is channeling Emma’s support directly into my veins. My skates glide effortlessly across the surface, my body moving with a precision and grace that I’ve never experienced before. It’s almost as if I’m one with the ice, each stride propelling me forward with purpose and determination.
I look for Emma in the stands and see her smiling face, then tap the net in my usual order.
The game starts and I am on top of every puck that comes my way. I don’t let a single one past me.
“Great save, JD!” Alec calls out as he skates past me, and I can’t help but grin at the praise. I feel unstoppable, and it shows in every play I make.
“Let’s go!” I shout, my voice filled with confidence and enthusiasm. My teammates seem to feed off my energy, their performances lifting to match mine.
The final buzzer sounds, confirming our victory. As we skate triumphantly off the ice, I can’t help but think about how today has been different – and not just because of the win. The changes to my pregame routine, from Emma’s text message to wearing the necklace, have given me a whole new perspective on what it means to be supported, and I might be addicted to the feeling.
“Great game, man!” Alec says, clapping me on the back as we head towards the locker room. “You were on fire out there.”
“Thanks,” I reply, feeling a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the physical exertion of the game. “I guess I had a little extra motivation today.”
As I peel off my sweat-soaked gear in the locker room, I can’t help but wonder if this new addition to my pregame routine is the secret ingredient I’ve been missing all these years. Emma’s sweet face smiling up at me from my phone screen, the reassuring weight of the necklace she gave me resting against my skin… It’s like having her with me on the ice, cheering me on every step of the way.
“Hey, JD,” Alec calls out as he slings an arm around my shoulder, “We’re heading to the bar. You coming?”
“Emma too?” I ask.
Alec nods with a wink.
“Then absolutely,” I respond, pulling on a fresh shirt and grabbing my coat. This win deserves celebration, and what better way to do it than surrounded by my teammates, my friends… and Emma.
The four of us—me, Alec, Luka, and Emma—squeeze into a cozy booth at our favorite bar, clinking glasses in a toast to our victory. The amber liquid in my glass glows warmly under the low-hanging lights as we laugh and reminisce about the game.
The hockey team is spread out through the bar.
“Here’s to JD, our MVP tonight!” Luka exclaims, raising his glass high.
“Cheers!” We chorus in unison with the entire team, the sound of our glasses clinking together like music to my ears.
“Seriously, though,” Emma says, her eyes sparkling with admiration, “You were amazing out there, JD.”
“Thanks, Emma,” I reply, my cheeks heating up at her compliment. “I had a little extra motivation today.” My thoughts drift back to her adorable selfie and the necklace, tucked safely beneath my shirt. I know I’ll need to convince her to keep up this new tradition—something tells me it’s going to be a game-changer, in more ways than one.
“Whatever you did, it worked,” Alec chimes in, grinning broadly. “Let’s make sure we keep that momentum going.”
“Absolutely,” I agree, my mind already racing with plans to secure a good luck selfie from Emma before every game. Maybe it’s superstitious, but I can’t deny the effect her support has had on me tonight.
I pull out the necklace and kiss it while staring at Emma. Her eyes light up when she sees it.
“I liked that selfie you sent me earlier.”
Alec and Luka exchange glances, their playful shock evident as they groan teasingly.
“Emma, did you seriously send JD a picture before the game?” Alec asks, his tone mockingly disapproving.
“Wait, what’s wrong with that?” Emma asks, her green eyes wide with concern as she looks between the three of us.
Luka chuckles softly before explaining. “Well, you see, goalies like our dear friend JD here are very superstitious creatures. They have pregame rituals that they follow religiously, and anything out of the ordinary can potentially throw them off their game.”
Emma’s face turns pale, her mouth forming a small ‘o’ of shock. “Oh god, JD, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know; I never meant to mess up your routine!” She genuinely looks upset, as if she’s committed some grave error.
I glare at Alec and Luka before turning to Emma.
