46. Olivia
46
olivia
“ A nd now, let’s get loud for your Milwaukee Steel Riiiderrrsss!!” the announcer shouts as the players skate out onto the ice for the starting lineups to be announced. Breathing in deeply through my nose, I didn’t realize how much I missed it. I love the cool air whirling up as the players skate in a circle coming onto the ice, warming up their muscles one last time before the game. I love the shiny rink that hasn’t been sliced into. I love standing on the little Milwaukee Steel Riders carpet, placed just for me, knowing I am the last person out there who isn’t playing in the game.
But now, I have a new love on the ice, and he happens to be my husband. In the past, I’ve always seen the players standing here on the ice, but never really paid them much attention, until 22 stood across the ice and caught my eye. This is normally my chance to take a deep breath, make sure I have the pitch for my starting note, and remind myself of the lyrics one last time. The second verse is ‘whose broad stripes’ right? I have never messed up the words, but I always go over them one last time just in case. Tonight, I throw my routine out the window, listening to the starting lineup. Swaying back and forth, I wait for them to announce the players. As they say his name, I clap against the mic and do a quick little ‘whooooo’ for Hayes as he skates out and gives me a quick wink. Once the players are announced, I’m up. I nervously rub my fingers along the seam of the jersey I’m wearing. The only one a guy’s ever asked me to wear. I couldn’t be prouder to have the last name Larson on my back. Now it’s my name too. I’m married to a Rider. The slight butterflies I usually get before singing seem more like a swarm of bees in my stomach. The stakes seem higher now. But as I breathe in the chilly air, I calm myself knowing everyone on this ice is cheering me on.
“Please rise and remove your hats as we honor America with the singing of our national anthem. Tonight, we are pleased to announce the return of our beloved singer with a shiny new last name! Please welcome the wife of our assistant captain, Hayes Larson - Mrs. Olivia Larson!”
Okay, I was not expecting that . It makes me smile knowing David and Hayes arranged this to make my first day back more special. The crowd goes crazy cheering, the roar nearly deafening in the arena. Normally, this would make me tear up, my eyes burning, but just like an athlete, I have my game face on. It’s virtually impossible to cry and sing at the same time. All emotions need to get shut off with a little switch in my brain until the song is over. I can cry in the WAG suite with Kara and Maggie later; first, I need to remember the words and sing my heart out for my husband…and I guess also America.
The crowd finally quiets enough for me to start the song, the first few notes ringing throughout the arena. As I hit the high note the crowd goes wild once again, goosebumps rippling across my flesh at the sound. I’ve never had a response like this. I finish the song, do my wave to the crowd, and prepare to walk back into the tunnel. But, before I can even turn, I see Hayes skating towards me, a mischievous look on his face. Spraying the carpet with ice, he dips me back and gives me a huge kiss in front of the entire crowd. I thought the cheer after I finished singing was loud, but it doesn’t compare to the roar echoing around the rink. I don’t think he is supposed to be doing this . I smile against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck and losing myself in his kiss. Then again, we’ve broken quite a few rules in our time together. He may get a fine for delaying the start of the game, but I know he’s willing to pay good money to show everyone I belong to him.
I still can’t quite figure out how a super-hot hockey player fell for a singer like me. But as he skates on the ice, I know this very rink brought us together. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I am excited to spend the rest of my days figuring it out with the center forward who is now the center of my whole world.