Page 13 of Racking Up Penalties
Behind him, Alec saunters in with a confidence that fills the space, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room until they lock on Emma. As Alec approaches, he places a kiss on Emma’s forehead—a gesture so tender it tugs at something deep inside me.
“Hey,” Luka’s voice, bright and boisterous, cuts through my reverie as he follows suit. “Hope you left some food for us.”
“Wouldn’t dream of starting without you,” Tristan replies with a grin, clapping Luka on the back as he makes his way to the fridge, fetching drinks for everyone. The camaraderie between them is palpable, as natural as breathing, and I can’t help but smile at the bond they share.
“Alright, spill it,” JD says after a swig of his drink, settling onto the couch with a comfortable ease. “What have we missed?”
“Besides Tessa trying to deny she enjoys Tristan’s flirting?” Emma teases, and my cheeks burn with the memory of our earlier exchange. I shoot her a mock glare, but it’s softened by the affection I feel for her.
“Guys, seriously,” I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Can we change the subject?”
“Fine, fine,” Tristan acquiesces, though there’s a twinkle in his eye that suggests he’s far from done with the topic. “Let’s talk hockey instead. How was practice?”
Luka’s expression shifts, the joviality fading as he leans forward, elbows on his knees. “Don’t get me started,” he grumbles. “Coach brought this guy in without consulting any of us and we’ve always hated him. The guy’s got talent, sure, but he’s messing with our dynamic.”
Alec nods in agreement, his face set in a rare display of seriousness. “He’s not blending in well. It’s causing tension, and we’ve got enough to worry about with the season ahead.”
“Sounds like coach made a risky call,” I comment, intrigued despite myself.
“Risky doesn’t begin to cover it,” JD says, shaking his head. “This could make or break our shot at the championship.”
“Enough about that,” Alec interjects, his tone lightening. “We’ll handle it as a team. We always do. Coach had our back last season so we need to try our best to make this work.”
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” JD chimes in with a chuckle, and the mood lifts again.
“Exactly,” Luka agrees, a smile reclaiming his features. “Tell Tessa the news!”
Alec leans forward from his spot on the armrest, the cushions dipping under his weight.
My interest piques, and I lean in, mirroring his posture. “Oh? What news?”
“You know how we’ve been talking about boosting the team’s exposure ? The coach thinks some high-quality publicity shots could really help. And he wants to work with students here in the arts department to get them done. ”
“Wait, are you saying…” I trail off, butterflies in my stomach.
“Yep.” Alec nods, confirming my unspoken question. “I pitched you to him and he wants you to style the hockey team for the photo shoot.”
I gasp, the air catching in my lungs as excitement blooms in my chest like a firework. This is an amazing opportunity and will look great in my portfolio!
“Seriously?” My voice squeaks with the force of my enthusiasm. “That would be amazing!”
“Thought you’d like that.” Alec’s grin widens.
“Like it? I love it!” I bounce slightly on the couch, unable to contain the burst of energy shooting through me. I’m nearly speechless, gratitude swelling alongside my excitement. “Thank you. This means the world to me.”
“Hey, it’s no big deal,” he says with a shrug, but his eyes are sincere, and I can tell he understands the magnitude of what he’s done for me. “You’re talented, Tessa. Everyone should see that.”
“We helped!” Luka adds and I can’t help but smile.
Warmth floods through me, not just from the opportunity, but from the support of my friends. It’s one thing to believe in yourself, but another entirely to have people in your corner who believe in you too.
“Emma will thank you properly,” I say, nudging my best friend.
Alec, Luka and JD share a heated look with Emma while their smiles grow.
Of course, Emma’s brother hates that.
“Seriously? I’m right here!” Tristan snaps.
