Page 69 of That Thing You Brew
I’d slipped up, big-time. Not only had guys on the benches heard what I’d said, but so had everyone on the carpet, too. Including Bailey and our social media team. And Leinecker made sure everyone within shouting distance got the scoop as he was pushed toward the Foxes’ penalty box.
Penny didn’t get to her seat until the first period was almost over. Every time I looked behind me, Brenna shrugged and gave me a sad smile. Wherever Penny was, Gabby was with her, and I felt even worse because this was a big night for Noel and she wasn’t in her seat for the first nineteen minutes.
Penny and Gabby finally returned during the last minute of play, but it was my shift, so I spent most of it on the ice. When I saw an opportunity to steal the puck from Leinecker, I swooped in and sent it airborne to Noel. He caught the saucer pass and took it around the net, scooped it onto his blade and inserted it top-shelf around the pipe and into the net, lacrosse-style—a Michigan goal! I fist-pumped the air and skated over to him to celebrate.
I skated back to the bench behind him, and he made a show of taking his helmet off and kissing the glass between him and Gabby. What a nut. I hung back, avoiding Penny’s gaze and wishing for a moment like that for us.
During the intermission, I found Bailey in the tunnel and pleaded with her to help me control the narrative. She assured me she was already on it and to just do my best to score tonight so that I didn’t break my toffee coffee record.
Whatever she had planned, would it be enough? I’d let Penny down in the worst way.
And I hated myself for it.
CHAPTER24
Penny
After the initial shock and a chat with Gabby in the private bathroom of the family suite, I felt ready to face the public. Bailey had texted, asking for an interview toward the end of the intermission, and I’d agreed. Despite the surprise mention of our relationship status and the concern that keeping our marriage a secret would hurt people we cared about, I was okay with it and more than ready to put an end to the charade.
After the dancers performed and Bailey talked stats with the commentators, she and her cameraman met me in the aisle behind the empty home team bench.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded. Gabby squeezed my hand.
“Three … two … one … I’m here with everyone’s favorite barista and brilliant harpist, Penny Palmer—or should I say, Penny Schwann?”
Bailey grinned encouragingly. She had one of those smiles that was so catchy, you couldn’t help but return it.
“It’s true,” I admitted. “We thought it might be better luck to keep it a secret. Have you heard that hockey players are superstitious?”
She laughed. “I miiight know a thing or two about that.” The fans laughed. “Well, congratulations are in order then. We’re thrilled for you and Swanny. Any chance you might be joining us for any away games? He could use some luck in that department.”
I laughed. “As a matter of fact, I’ll be at all three games this week, and I fully expect his away-game scoring to improve.” The crowd laughed. What was so funny about that?
“Awesome! You heard that, folks! Lucky Penny, aka Mrs. Swanny, is going on the road! With the regular season coming to an end, this is amazing news for Edge fans. Back to you in the studio.” The crowd went wild. I looked over at Brenna and my empty seat. There were some rowdy fans around us. Maybe I’d stay in the family suite at the next game.
“That was perfect,” Bailey assured me. “I’ll see you after the game?”
I nodded. “Wherever you want me.”
She left, and Gabby towed me back to our seats. The guys were returning and filing onto their bench, banging on the glass and shouting congratulations and other well wishes. I waved to Xavier as he slowed to a stop at the gate. I hoped he heard the interview. He needed to know I wasn’t mad at him.
He came straight back towards me and pulled off his glove. He raised his hand, palm out, and tucked his middle and ring finger in, making the sign forI love you.
My breath caught, and I returned the sign and bent to press my lips to the glass like Gabby had done earlier. Xavier whipped his helmet off and did the same.
I didn’t care that the glass was dirty. Or that the camera caught us and started a whole kiss-cam segment.
All I cared about was that we were okay.
Our secret was out. And it was okay.
* * *
Xavier scoreda goal on his first shift in the second period, and the chorus of Amy Grant’s “Lucky One” blared into the arena. Gabby and Brenna discussed how badly the guys would make fun of Xavier while I tracked him on the ice like a lovesick fool.
The Edge won the game 5-1. I smirked as the Foxes slunk off the ice. That Leinecker guy was awful.
