Chapter 32 Face Off
FACE OFF
APT. by ROSé even after just waking up, she’s ready to go.
Bella throws her arms up, teammates swarming her.
The scoreboard changes: three-two
We’re winning.
We won?
The final seconds tick away. The other team pushes hard, desperate, but our girls hold the line. The buzzer sounds.
Game over.
We won!
They won!
“Yes!” I’m standing in the sea of people, all doing the same.
“All right,” I say, wiping my cheeks. “I get it now.”
Cara smirks. “Sure.”
“I mean it this time,” I insist. “Hockey is stressful and confusing, and I love it.”
“You love her—and maybe him.” She points with her chin at a very proud-looking Holden, who’s congratulating each girl on the team.
I shake my head. Definitely her. Him, though? I’m on the way. There’s no point in denying it and lying to myself. I can’t take my eyes off him, nor do I want to.
Allie nods solemnly. “She did so good, right?”
Roe laughs. “That she did. Little badass.”
On the ice, Bella looks up at the stands. Our eyes meet, and she lifts her stick. I laugh, waving at my girl. They exit the rink, leaving the coaches behind. Standing there, in the middle of the ice, is Holden, looking so proud.
My heart skips a beat for a different reason.