17. Good Old Hockey Game
Good Old Hockey Game
T he opening face-off was at center ice, the tension already palpable between the two teams. Jess lined up at center, stick poised, while Cassie stood just a few feet away, her gaze sharp, determined.
Alex took their place on the wing, forcing themselves to tune everything else out.
This was just another game. Just hockey.
The ref dropped the puck. Jess won the draw, sending it back toward Alex.
The second the puck hit their stick, Alex took off, skating hard into the offensive zone, adrenaline kicking in.
And then… Cassie was there. Fast. Focused. Cutting off their lane with ease.
Alex barely had time to react before she knocked their stick, sending the puck skittering loose. She didn’t stop there. As Alex turned to recover, Cassie shouldered into them, knocking them off balance just enough to lose their momentum .
Gritting their teeth, Alex caught themselves before fully wiping out.
Cassie didn’t say anything as she skated past, but there was no mistaking the fire in her eyes.
Alright, then. So that’s how this was gonna be. Game on.
Cassie continued to come at Alex hard. Anytime Alex was on the ice, Cassie was there—on them like a shadow, slashing at their stick, pressing them against the boards, getting in every passing lane. She didn’t hold back, and she sure as hell wasn’t subtle about it.
And Alex? They just… took it. They didn’t hit back when Cassie shoved them after a whistle. Didn’t rise to the bait when she got in close and chirped, voice dripping with venom.
“C’mon, New York,” Cassie taunted after yet another shove. “That all you got?”
Alex didn’t flinch. They didn’t let their expression change. They just… kept playing.
And the more Alex didn’t react, the angrier Cassie got.
By the second period, she was going out of her way to finish every check, even when she didn’t need to.
She clipped their skates, slashed at their gloves.
At one point, she literally grabbed Alex’s jersey for half a second, just enough to throw them off stride.
Of course, the ref didn’t see it.
But Jess did. And by the chorus of “boos,” so did Alex’s self-appointed fan club.
“Damn,” Jess muttered as they lined up for a face-off. “She really does want to kill you.”
Alex took a steadying breath, tightening their grip on their stick. “Yeah.”
“You okay?”
“Yup. ”
Jess studied them for a second. “You gonna hit her back?”
Alex exhaled. “Nope.”
Jess let out a low whistle. “Noble.”
Alex didn’t feel noble. They just felt… tired. They wanted to shove back, wanted to scream, wanted to do something, anything, to shake the tension out of their body. But what good would that do? Cassie was already furious. Escalating it wouldn’t help either of them.
Besides… Alex was playing really well. They were locked in, skating hard, making plays, setting up teammates with clean passes. They didn’t let Cassie’s hits shake them. They didn’t let her taunts sink in.
Even when, late in the third period, she got right in their face and dared them to take a penalty.
“C’mon, boss,” she spat, voice sharp enough to cut. “Give me a reason.”
Alex didn’t blink. Didn’t move.
Frustrated, Cassie huffed out a breath and skated away.
The game remained insanely close—tied at one goal apiece. Both goalies were standing on their heads, making save after save, shutting down breakaways, stuffing rebounds. The Queens kept pushing, kept pressuring, but the Arctic Blades held strong.
And then… with just under a minute left, Cassie’s team caught a break when a clearing pass took an awkward bounce off the boards. Cassie entered the zone unhindered at full speed. Receiving a perfect pass in stride, she teed up a one-timer from the slot.
The puck hit the back of the net with a snap.
The Arctic Blades’ bench exploded.
Cassie was in the middle of it, mobbed by teammates, grinning ear to ear .
Taking a deep breath, Alex closed their eyes for a moment. It stung. It really did. But they kept their head up. They lined up for the last few seconds of the game. They played to the final buzzer.
And when it was over, when the Blades celebrated and the Queens skated off, Alex didn’t let themselves look for Cassie. They just kept moving.
Because if they stopped, if they saw her now … they weren’t sure what they’d do next.
***
The locker room was nearly empty now. The energy was low, the sting of the loss still hanging in the air.
A few teammates muttered frustrated comments about missed chances, but most had already started shaking it off.
Still, they seemed to know this one hit Alex a little harder.
As they trickled out, some offered a quiet “Nice game,” while others gave Alex a soft tap with their stick in passing.
Alex acknowledged them with a nod, but they couldn’t quite bring themselves to speak.
They took their time changing, moving through the motions slowly—peeling off layers of gear, swapping their jersey for a hoodie, tugging on their sneakers. Their body ached, the bruises from Cassie’s relentless checks already forming beneath their sweat-dampened clothes.
But that wasn’t why Alex was still sitting there. They didn’t want to run into her. Didn’t want to see her with that same fire in her eyes, the one that used to make Alex’s stomach flip in the best way—but now just burned.
They exhaled, leaning forward, elbows braced against their knees, head bowed as they tried to will the game out of their system .
Footsteps. Alex barely had time to process them before Tricia’s voice cut through the silence.
“Okay, I gave you your sad little pity party window. Time to go.”
Alex let out a tired breath but didn’t move. “You don’t have to wait for me.”
“Yeah, well, I’m your ride home, so I kinda do.”
Alex huffed a quiet laugh, shaking their head.
Tricia stepped closer, folding her arms. “You were waiting for her to leave, weren’t you?”
Alex didn’t answer, but that was answer enough.
“She’s gone,” Tricia said, softer this time. “And, for what it’s worth? She kinda looked like she was searching for someone before she left.”
Alex scoffed, glancing up. “Yeah, right.”
Tricia held up her hands. “I’m just saying what I saw.”
Alex wanted to believe her. Wanted to think that maybe Cassie had been looking for them—that maybe, despite everything, she wasn’t completely indifferent. But that would be dangerous. That would be hope. And Alex wasn’t sure they could afford that.
“Come on,” Tricia nudged their knee with hers. “Let’s get out of here.”
With a tired nod, Alex stood, grabbing their bag and slinging it over their shoulder.
Together, they stepped out of the locker room and headed to the lobby where Jack was waiting near the entrance, scrolling on his phone.
Tricia walked up to him and patted his chest. “I’m gonna drive Alex home, but I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? ”
Jack nodded, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips before turning to Alex. “Hey, you played a great game.”
Alex gave him a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks, Jack.”
He grinned. “It’s Just Jack, actually. ”
Tricia let out a laugh while Alex rolled their eyes, shaking their head as they walked toward the exit. At least some things never changed.
Tricia leaned against the car, arms crossed, studying Alex with the same knowing expression she always wore when she was about to meddle. “Let’s go to dinner,” she said, already bracing for the refusal.
Alex shook their head, tossing their bag and sticks into the trunk. “I’m not really in the mood to go anywhere.”
Tricia sighed but didn’t push. “Fine. Then we’re having a sisters’ night in. Indian takeout, my treat.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Oh, I absolutely do,” Tricia said, opening the car door. “Now get in.”
Tricia slid into the driver’s seat and pulled out her phone. “Alright, I’m ordering the food now so we can just grab it on the way home. The usual?”
Alex barely nodded, still caught up in their thoughts, staring at the dashboard.
Tricia glanced over as she tapped in the order. “For the record, I didn’t love what Cassie was doing to you out there.” Her voice was casual, but there was an edge to it. “I mean, I get competition and all that, but that… that was intense. Like, damn, she was on a mission!”
Alex let out a breath, gripping their knee to keep it from bouncing. “Yeah, well.”
“She’s hot, though.”
Alex’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing. “Seriously?”
Tricia smirked, eyes on the road as she pulled out of the driveway. “What? I’m just saying. It was my first time seeing her in person. She’s gorgeous.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Too bad she’s currently my mortal enemy for breaking your heart. ”
Alex barked out a laugh despite themselves. “Appreciate the support.”
“Always.” Tricia flicked on her blinker. “Also, we’re making a quick stop at the store. We need toppings for hot fudge sundaes.”
“Are we stopping somewhere else for the ice cream?”
Gasping dramatically, Tricia clutched her chest like she’d been mortally wounded. “Alex. Ice cream is a staple. It’s… like coffee. And cereal. Of course, we have ice cream.”
Alex rolled their eyes but felt a bit lighter as they pulled into the parking lot.
Once parked, Tricia ran inside leaving the car running and Alex inside.
Leaning their head against the window, Alex closed their eyes, their fingers drumming on their thigh.
Almost immediately their thoughts were consumed again by Cassie, moment after moment from the game painted vividly on their eyelids.
Had she really looked for them after the game?
No way. That was just Tricia trying to make them feel better.
Cassie had spent the entire game treating them like a punching bag. That wasn’t someone who cared.
The loud sound of the driver’s door nearly slamming startled Alex from their thoughts instantly. They turned, Tricia handing them a bag, then buckling her seatbelt.
Tricia narrowed her eyes at Alex. “You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?”
Alex’s cheeks flushed at being caught. “Maybe.”
“Knew it.” Tricia pulled out of the parking lot. “You have to stop letting this eat you alive. You played a hell of a game. You didn’t let her get to you. That’s a win.”
Alex didn’t argue. They just stared out the window as Tricia drove them home, singing quietly along to the radio .
Once in the house, Tricia headed to the kitchen with the food and toppings, shooing Alex down the hall. “Go shower and put on some comfy clothes.”
“Yes, Mom.” Alex sighed but obeyed, disappearing into their room. By the time they came out, freshly showered, in their favorite Snoopy boxers and a Chappell Roan concert T-shirt, Tricia was popping the caps off a couple of beers.
Tricia eyed Alex’s outfit. “Nice. Very fashion-forward.”
“Thanks. It’s called style. Look it up.” Alex smirked, accepting a beer. “Need help with anything?”
“Nope!” Tricia replied, clinking her beer with Alex’s. “The food, plates, utensils, and napkins are on the coffee table.” With an exaggerated bow, Tricia escorted Alex to the living room. “Your feast awaits.”
Once seated, Tricia filled two plates, handing one off to Alex. Scooping up a forkful, Alex hesitated, realizing they didn’t have much of an appetite.
Tricia caught the hesitation immediately. “Oh no, don’t even try it.” She paused, eyes narrowing. “What did you eat before the game?”
Alex gave a guilty half-shrug.
Tricia pointed at them with a fork. “Exactly what I thought. Now eat. You skated your ass off today. You need fuel.”
With a sigh, Alex took a bite of Chicken Tikka Masala—instantly realizing how hungry they actually were. Satisfied, Tricia dug into her food. They ate in comfortable silence for a while before Tricia leaned back with a sigh.
Popping the last piece of naan into her mouth, Tricia chewed slowly and swallowed. “Alright, let’s talk.”
Alex groaned. “Do we have to?”
“Yes. Because you’re my sibling and I love you, and also, you get really annoying when you bottle things up. ”
Alex poked at their rice. “I just… I don’t know. I didn’t expect her to come at me that hard. Like, I know she’s pissed, but that? That felt like she wanted to destroy me.”
Tricia nodded, thoughtful. “Yeah. She’s mad, but you know what? That means she cares. If she didn’t give a crap, she wouldn’t be that intense.”
“She was relentless,” Alex admitted, pushing a piece of chicken around their plate. “And I just took it. I didn’t fight back.” Alex snorted.
Tricia stole a piece of chicken off Alex’s plate, chewing before responding. “You didn’t need to. You showed her who you are.”
“Great. So now what? I just sit around hoping she stops wanting to obliterate me?”
Tricia shook her head. “No. You remember that you’re worth more than just this situation. You’re a damn good player, you’re a great boss, and most importantly, you’re an amazing person. Don’t let this eat you up. If Cassie figures her shit out, great. If not, you’ll be fine.”
Alex stared at her for a long moment before shaking their head. “When did you get so damn smart?”
Tricia smirked. “I’ve always been smart. You were just too focused on being the older, wiser sibling to notice.”
Alex chuckled, finally feeling some of the tension ease. “Right. So no more talking about it tonight?.”
“Deal.” Tricia stood, stretching. “Time for The Princess Bride .”
For the first time that evening, a full smile bloomed on Alex’s face. Once Tricia popped the disc into the player and dimmed the lights, they both settled onto the couch, sharing a light blanket across their legs.
About an hour later, Tricia suddenly jumped up, declaring, “sundae time! ”
Grunting, Alex smacked her leg when she walked by. “This is one of the most important parts of the movie.”
“Oh please, we’ve seen it a million times.” Tricia waved a hand. “I could quote it in my sleep.”
Alex sighed dramatically but let Tricia disappear into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she returned with two massive sundaes, presenting Alex’s with a flourish. “Behold! The Sundae de Tricia!”
Alex blinked at the sheer size of it. “H-holy shit! That thing’s enormous.”
“That’s what she said!” Tricia said with a giggle.
They dug in, the movie continuing to play. By the time the credits started to roll, their half-eaten sundaes sat on the coffee table.
Groaning, Alex rested their hand on their stomach. “Oh my God, I ate too much.”
“But it was so, SO good!” Tricia said, rolling her head to gaze in Alex’s direction.
After a few more minutes, Tricia stood, dragging Alex up with her. “Alright, go to bed. I’ll clean up.”
Alex blinked. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”
“Har, har…don’t make a big deal out of it.”
Alex wrapped her in a quick hug, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Love you.”
Tricia rolled her eyes but grinned. “Get out of here.”
Alex trudged off to bed while Tricia sighed dramatically at the mess before her. “Worth it."