Chapter 13 Mackenzie
Everyone was quiet. You could have heard a puck drop from the locker room.
The only noise was from my own shallow breaths in and out.
This was it. The moment of truth. I’d felt confident throughout the tryouts, and excited when I heard I’d been selected, but revealing my identity had made my blood turn cold.
Every person in the room was watching me. The cool air in the rink felt thick with their surprise. But there was only one person I was watching—my dad. His eyes were wide with shock, but it didn’t take long for that to turn to anger.
“Woo-hoo, Mackenzie!” Seth cheered. But his echoing claps slowly petered out when no one joined him. You’d think the guys on the team had never seen a girl in hockey gear before. I gave Seth a grateful smile and he shrugged at me. At least he’d tried.
“What are you doing?” my dad thundered. I’d thought the tension in the air was unbearable before, but his fierce tone had the whole team shifting with discomfort. When he remembered he had an audience, he lowered his voice. “Go and get changed. We’ll talk about this at home.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I said. “You just selected me as your new goalie.”
“No, I didn’t. This is a boys’ team, playing in a boys’ division.”
“I know that,” I replied. “But does it really matter if I’m good enough?”
I was met, once again, by silence. This wasn’t looking good. I knew my dad would never agree. Why had I put myself through this? Why had I stupidly dared to hope?
My dad looked as though he was about to respond, but then Parker stepped forward.
“She’s right, Coach.” All eyes turned to him.
“Mackenzie was the best player to try out, and we all know it. Even you.” I knew Parker wanted me on the team, but I was still surprised he’d spoken up for me.
Especially considering my dad looked close to exploding.
But that didn’t stop the Devils’ star player.
“There’s nothing prohibiting a girl from playing in our division,” he went on. “Especially when the high school doesn’t have a girls’ team.”
There were a few murmurs and whispers from the other players, who had all been stunned into complete silence until now. The boys looked to Parker and then to me, and a few began to nod in agreement, as though Parker’s words had released them from their initial shock.
I suspected if Parker jumped off a cliff, most of his teammates would fight over who got the privilege of following him over the edge first. But even with Parker’s approval, I never expected others to start speaking up.
“Yeah, Mackenzie was awesome,” Seth shouted.
“She’s got hands like glue,” Owen said.
“Some of those other kids couldn’t even skate,” another guy added. “No offense, Brent.”
“Screw you, Cullen!”
“She is a girl…” Someone sounded unsure.
“So’s your mom!”
A few of the guys laughed.
“Who cares if she’s a girl?”
“It’ll make us a laughing stock.”
“Not if we start winning some games.”
The chatter and debate grew louder, but the person who mattered most was still quiet.
My dad’s arms were firmly folded, and he was glaring at his players. I stepped to the front of the group and moved toward him. “Please, Dad. Just give me a chance.”
He glanced down at me, and then back at his team, who were still debating amongst themselves. My dad was hard to read, because he almost always had the same stern crease across his brow. But right now, he looked defeated.
He let out a heavy breath. “Fine.”
“Really?”
“You haven’t given me much choice, have you?” he gritted out. “You’ll join the team on a trial basis. You’ve got three games to prove you can keep up.”
I swallowed as I nodded. “I’ll keep up. You can count on it.”
He turned to the players once more and raised his voice to address them. “Mackenzie will join the team, but she’s on probation. Anyone have any issues with my decision, you know where my office is.” Without another word, he turned and stalked off the ice.
Coach Rainer clapped to get our attention, then started wrapping up the session. But I was still focused on my dad’s retreating figure. I’d never seen him this angry before. Didn’t he realize he was the one who betrayed me first?
Only after the team was dismissed and I was walking out through the tunnel did what I’d achieved start to sink in.
I’d made the team—even if I was on thin ice.
After spending my entire life longing to play for a real hockey team, I was finally going to get that chance.
And it never would have happened if not for Parker.
As I followed the other players back to the locker rooms, a few of the guys congratulated me or gave me encouraging slaps on the back. Plenty of frowns and concerned glances were also directed my way, but I supposed I had to expect some resistance.
I peeled off from the rest of the team to go change, but when I entered the small referees’ room, I was surprised to find Parker waiting there. I quickly closed the door behind me. The last thing I needed was for my dad to see us together.
“What are you doing here?”
“You did it,” he said with a genuine smile. “Congratulations.”
He closed the small distance between us and my stomach dipped.
Was he going to hug me? If so, was I going to let him?
I imagined his strong arms pulling me close and the thought sent adrenaline pulsing through me.
It was probably just a natural fight or flight response.
He must have had a similar reaction, because he suddenly stopped, a brief look of confusion appearing on his face, before giving me an awkward pat on the shoulder.
“Uh, thanks,” I replied, just as awkwardly.
“I can’t believe we actually pulled it off.”
“You don’t have to sound so surprised. I thought you said this plan was perfect.”
His eyes glittered in reply. “Well, it wasn’t. But you were. Your dad didn’t have a choice but to pick you.”
I felt my cheeks grow warm at his compliment, so I quickly moved past him to get to my bag.
With Parker in here, the room felt far too small.
It wasn’t just his body that seemed to take up all the space, it was his energy too.
I felt jittery because of it. He was being nice enough, but that was almost more unsettling than the mischievous smirk I’d become so used to seeing since arriving in Ransom.
“Maybe.” I rummaged through my bag. “But you heard him—it’s only on a trial basis.”
He nodded. “The next three games are against some of the best teams in the division. And the third one? That’ll be the homecoming game against our biggest rivals, the Sunshine Hills Saints.”
“Great, so I’m doomed.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“My dad will be looking for any reason he can find to kick me off the team. The first time I slip up, I’ll be gone.”
I glanced up at Parker, suddenly panicked. He’d gotten me this far, but what was I supposed to do now?
“Parker, I’ve never even played in a real game.”
My vulnerability surprised both of us, and I immediately wished I could take the words back. I didn’t want Parker doubting my skills or my confidence.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” he replied. “Just play like you did tonight.”
I nodded, somewhat grateful he had shrugged my worries off so easily, but not so sure I could do the same.
“Well, whatever happens, I wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” I said. “So, thank you, Parker.”
A flicker of pride crossed his eyes, but it was instantly replaced by mischief. “Wait, did you just thank me?”
Ugh. “Yes, but don’t get used to it. It was a one-time thing.”
“Good,” he said, still smirking, as he started for the door. “I’m not sure I liked it. Then again, you are my biggest fan, so I guess I’ll take it.”
And then he was gone. He truly had a talent for making me not totally hate him one moment to wanting to throw him out the closest window the next. I guessed now that I was on the team, our little truce was over. It was probably for the best.
I changed out of my gear and made my way to the parking lot where Jaz was waiting for me. She was picking up Owen and had offered to give me a ride too. After the way my dad had reacted today, I was grateful to avoid an uncomfortable car trip home with him.
Jaz was looking down at her phone, but the moment she spotted me she pushed off the car and rushed toward me. “How did it go?”
I couldn’t stop the smile from forming on my lips. “I made the team.”
“I knew it!” she squealed with excitement and pulled me in for a hug.
I laughed as she squeezed me. “Don’t breathe in while you’re hugging me, I smell.”
“I have two hockey-playing brothers.” She laughed too as she stepped back. “I think I’m immune to the smell now.”
“Well done, Mackenize.” Owen appeared beside us. “You were brilliant out there. I’m still getting over the shock of you removing your helmet, though.”
“Oh, I wish I’d been there to see it,” Jaz said.
“It was very dramatic,” Owen told her. “The whole team forgot how to speak. The coaches did too.”
“It wasn’t that dramatic,” I said. “And my dad did have a few things to say. I’m on the team, but only on trial.”
“I’m sure you were incredible,” Jaz gushed as she unlocked her car.
It was old, small, and a bright shade of pink, but I was beyond jealous.
My parents let me borrow my stepmom’s car when they needed me to drive somewhere.
But it wasn’t the same as having my own wheels.
“You’ll have to tell me all about it over dinner. ”
“Dinner?” I asked.
“We need to go out and celebrate, obviously,” she explained as Owen and I loaded our bags in her trunk. “How do you feel about pizza?”
I knew I should probably go home and face my dad, but I was somewhat terrified by the prospect. It didn’t sound nearly as fun as dinner with my friend.
“I love pizza,” I said.
“Excellent. We know the perfect place.”
I smiled. My dad could be mad at me later.
Jaz and Owen took me to a pizza bar called Nino’s.
The food was amazing, and I was glad she’d convinced me to celebrate a little.
It was also a good opportunity to spend time with Owen.
He seemed like a really sweet guy, and now that I was semi-officially a Ransom Devil, it couldn’t hurt to get to know some players on the team other than Seth and Parker.
After a couple of hours loading up on pizza and ice cream and laughing with Jaz and her brother, my worries felt like a distant memory. Until the moment I got home.
As soon as I opened the front door and stepped inside, my dad looked out into the hallway from his office. “Get in here, Mackenzie. Now.”
I grimaced and quietly shut the door behind me, slowly making my way down the hallway. My sisters were already in bed, and Tessa was nowhere to be seen. There was no one to save me. Not even Mitts. But I’d got myself into this mess. With a deep breath, I stepped into the office.
My dad stood up from his desk when I entered the room, pressing his fists onto the tabletop as he leaned toward me.
“What the hell were you thinking, Mackenzie? You deliberately deceived me, in front of all my players and the assistant coach. Don’t you understand the difficult position you’ve put me in? ”
“I’m sorry, Dad, but—”
“You’re sorry? You know this isn’t what I want for you,” he continued. “You gave me no choice but to allow you onto the team.”
“What about what I want?” I’d never really understood his reasons for being so resolutely against me playing hockey, and maybe I never would. But he was sorely mistaken if he thought I was just going to roll over and quit the team.
“It’s not about what you want, or what I want, it’s…” My dad paused, and his eyes fell to the desk as he shook his head. “You just shouldn’t have been out there today.”
“Why not?” I released a humorless laugh. “Seriously, what is so wrong with me playing hockey?”
His eyes still avoided mine. “I’m just trying to protect you.”
“I’m not afraid of getting injured.”
“That’s not…” His voice trailed off.
“That’s not, what?” I demanded. When he stayed silent, I carried on. “You have three daughters, Dad. I would’ve thought you’d want the best for us. That you’d think we could do anything.”
“You can do anything. Anything but hockey.”
“Well, it’s too late. I’m on the team now. You’ve given me three games to prove myself and that’s what I plan to do. I’m not fourteen anymore. I won’t let you take this away from me again.”
I turned to the door.
“We’re not done here, Mackenzie—”
But I’d already heard enough. I left without another word, my insides taut with frustration, disappointment, and anger.
My dad had never been this annoyed with me before.
Yet he still hadn’t told me I couldn’t play.
He probably thought I’d drop out after one game, but I was ready to prove him wrong.
Playing today had been everything I’d ever wanted, and now that I’d had a taste of being on a team, he’d have to drag me away from it kicking and screaming.