Page 12 of Off The Rush
But even as I say the words, a small part of me wonders if I can maintain that facade, or if my growing attachment to Emma is something I’ll never truly be able to suppress.
Maybe instead, I should focus on winning her over so I can make these fantasies a reality.
* * *
I feel the ice beneath my skates as I glide effortlessly across the rink. Practice is in full swing, and my teammates are a blur of movement around me. The air inside the arena is cold and crisp, and it carries the sound of laughter and friendly banter between us.
“Alright, boys!” Coach yells, clapping his hands to get our attention. “Let’s run that drill again!”
I take my position as center, already envisioning the perfect play in my mind. Playing hockey has always come naturally to me. On the ice, it’s all about strategy and teamwork.
As we start the drill, I can’t help but think about the solid wall of protection that is our goalie, and how I am going to get past him. I know him better than most which gives me an advantage but he can say the same.
I slide past our defense and shoot the puck to a corner. Of course, the goalie stops it but almost anyone else would have missed the puck.
“Nice one, Alec!” Luka calls out as the drill comes to an end. It was still a good play, even if it was stopped. I grin at him, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Thanks, man,” I reply, panting slightly from the exertion.
We skate to the side, catching our breaths as Coach blows his whistle and ends practice.
“Campbell!” Coach suddenly calls out, jarring me from my thoughts. “Can I have a word?”
“Sure thing, Coach,” I reply, skating over to him. I glance back at Luka, who gives me a thumbs up.
“Everything alright, Coach?” I ask when I reach him, trying to keep my tone light and casual.
“Everything’s fine, Alec,” Coach assures me, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I heard Luka mention you have a girlfriend. That true?”
“Yes,” I say hesitantly.
Did I do the right thing? Will he be happy?
Coach smiles. “I’m glad to hear that, Alec. It’s good to see you settling down. Glad you’re listening to me.”
“Thanks, Coach,” I reply, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. It’s a relief to know fake dating Emma was the right move.
I skate to the locker room and find myself thinking about Emma. The thought brings a smile to my face, and a warmth spreading through my chest.
Maybe I should try to see Emma. I pull out my phone and text her.
Where are you?
She responds quickly.
My music class is ending soon. Why?
Well, that makes things easy. I don’t respond. Instead, I shower and change quickly, before speed-walking to the Music building.
I only know where it is since I hid there that one day. The day that led me to Emma.
I lean against the wall outside Emma’s classroom. She should be finishing up any minute now. As the door swings open and students begin to file out, I see Emma’s wavy brown hair bobbing through the crowd. Her green eyes meet mine for a brief moment, and she looks surprised to see me.
“Hey, Emma,” I say nonchalantly, pushing off the wall. “We need to be seen together publicly. How about dinner on campus?”
She hesitates for a moment before responding, “If you insist.”
Not the excited agreement I was looking for but I will take it.
