Chapter 5 #2
“You took the puck clean off his stick.”
Oh, we’re talking about hockey. Right.
Eric’s double entendre manages to make me forget my frustration over Harper and his goal. I take my place on the bench, switching out my helmet for a baseball cap. Braydan skates up beside Eric and leans against the boards.
“Sorry about that one-timer, James. I couldn’t get over quick enough.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I reassure, waving him off with my glove hand.
“He’s certainly quick.”
“And he’s only nineteen.” Eric whistles. “He’s only gonna get faster.”
Braydan groans. “Don’t remind me about the youth. I already feel old.”
“Maybe you feel old, I feel great!”
Defensemen get slower the more they age thanks to the physical demands of the position. Goalies, though? We get better with more experience.
Players start to return to the ice as the intermission winds down. Eric pulls down his helmet, grinning underneath, and nudges Braydan. “Hey, can you get a goal for us this period? You know, get the puck in deep and keep it there?”
“As if I’m not always trying to defend for you goalies and score.” Braydan sighs dramatically. “Defensemen are so underappreciated.”
Eric glances back at me and shakes his head. “Imagine defensemen thinking they’re the underappreciated ones. I’m telling you, we need to revolt.”
I laugh as the two skate away. The second period begins, and this time I’m able to see Eric command his teammates from the crease, openly communicating with them. It’s a different style of goaltending than I myself perform with the Comets.
Even though we’re down a goal, the atmosphere among Team Sinclair is still upbeat.
No one’s angry, no one’s frustrated, no one’s blamed me as they come back to the bench.
Yeah, in hindsight, it was a great shot from Harper.
I’ll have to watch the replay to see the setup and think about what I could have done differently.
Halfway into the period, Braydan proves that Harper’s not the only one with a nasty slapshot and scores on Callahan’s goalie to tie up the game.
When my teammates score again not even a minute later, I sense momentum shifting in our favor, and the period flies by with the remaining time spent overwhelming our opponent in the offensive zone.
Harper tries for one final breakaway after the puck ricochets in his direction, but it’s too late.
The clock runs out right before he reaches the puck.
Team Sinclair wins with the score two to one.
Our teammates come off the bench to join the rest of us on the ice to celebrate.
I skate to Eric, and to my surprise, he opens his arms wide for a hug, causing my breath to catch.
I gladly accept his offer and give him my best hug despite our bulky gear.
Braydan crashes into us, prompting the rest of our team to pile on.
I take everything in, stowing away the experience of how good it feels to be recognized and celebrating with my teammates.
Back in the dressing room, Braydan comes over to our stalls and catches Eric and I in the middle of recounting the game. “You two want to grab drinks with Kaori and I to celebrate?”
As much as I wouldn’t mind spending more time with Braydan and to meet who I can only presume is his wife, I was also looking forward to having dinner with Eric alone…
but it would probably be good to go out as a group.
Just as I’m about to reassure Eric I don’t mind changing our plans, he speaks up before me.
“James and I already made dinner plans.”
Braydan glances at Eric, and the two share a look. They seem so close as friends, they could almost be talking telepathically. I can’t help but worry I’m encroaching, but then Braydan’s eyes flash to mine with fondness.
“Well hey, that’s great! I’m really glad you two are hitting it off.” He pats my shoulder. “In case I don’t see you at the airport tomorrow, James, we should exchange contacts. Keep in touch. I’ve gotta poke your brain for the best places to eat in Chicago for the next time we’re in town.”
“Oh, well, sure, of course.” I’ve never shared my number with my own Comets’ teammates, not even for emergency purposes, because we aren’t close.
After this weekend, two of my All-Star teammates will have it.
Maybe my dad was right. Maybe All-Star Weekend is a great opportunity to make some friends across the league.
After Braydan and I exchange information, Eric leans in as if to whisper, but he makes sure Braydan hears him. “He’s notorious for sending pictures of food at three in the morning to the group chat. Why? We still haven’t figured it out.”
Braydan grins. “Guilty as charged. Sorry in advance. My wife and I are foodies. If you ever try a new place and encounter the best dish of your life, don’t hesitate to take a picture and share it. We’re always on the lookout for a good time.”
I laugh sheepishly. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye out.”
“Hope you two have a fun night together!”
After saying goodbye, Braydan returns to his stall to get changed out of his gear.
I turn back to Eric. “You sure you don’t want to go out with them? I don’t mind.”
“Believe me, I love those two, but I get to see them all the time back home. This is our last night to hang out, and I want to celebrate with you.”
Oh, God. Eric’s smile might actually make me erupt into flames.
This day has been incredible, so memorable, and it’s still not over.