Chapter 2
GOOD LUCK CHARM
FLETCHER
“Let’s go, boys,” I shout as I stride into the locker room.
Everyone cheers, pumping my adrenaline even higher. We’ve got a good group of guys this year, and based on how practices have been going, it could be a great year for us.
Trigg Aadland sits at his locker in his full gear, headphones in, as he stares at the floor. At the first practice, he explained one of his superstitions to us. He has a playlist he listens to before each game, and he can’t be interrupted; if he is, his focus will be off.
I get it. We all have our superstitions, myself included. Some of the guys have to use a certain type of tape or put their gear on in a certain order.
For me, I have to talk to Lydia before a game. It started in college, and I realized that on the game days when I talked to her, I played ten times better and usually scored.
Then, I started theorizing. I’d talk to her and not say goodbye, and we’d win.
The days I talked to her and said goodbye, we’d lose.
And so it began. I have to talk to her, whether in person or over the phone, for no less than three minutes, and I can’t say goodbye.
I can say ‘see you later’ or ‘talk after,’ but if I slip up and say goodbye, we lose.
Of course, there are games we still lose even if I stick to my superstition, but then I at least know it’s not my fault.
Lydia Ward is my good luck charm, and I don’t think she knows it.
“Feeling ready?” Calvin Miller, our center on the team and my other best friend, approaches, still dressed in his suit and tie.
“Think so.” I clap him on the shoulder before taking off my suit jacket and hanging it in my locker. “I’m always optimistic for the first game of the season, you know that.”
Cal and I were drafted to the Blue Herons the same year. We had a killer rookie year, and since then, we’ve been steady, but I want this to be the year we make it past the finish line. I’m gunning for that championship.
“You’ve always been quite the optimist.” He winks.
“And you’re not?”
He shrugs, pulling off his jacket. “I’m hopeful, but it’s game one of eighty-two, hopefully more. Lots of room for improvement, and lots of room for error.”
“Time will tell.”
Twenty minutes later, we’re heading onto the ice for warm-ups.
Music blares over the speakers, and people are beginning to fill the seats.
Kids line the plexiglass with signs asking for pucks in exchange for candy.
Everyone is happy. Getting to interact with the fans has always been one of my favorite parts of my job.
I do my warm-ups, then look up to the suite to find my family.
My parents are in town for the weekend, and it’s been months since I’ve seen them.
I grew up in Missouri and came to Minnesota for college ten years ago.
Now, it’s home. I try to visit them during the off-season and whenever I get the chance, but it’s hard with my busy schedule.
Lydia sits right beside my parents, with an easy smile on her face. She has on the jersey I got her with my name on it. I made sure to get her one as soon as I could, because there was no freaking way I was going to let her wear one of my teammates’ names.
I catch her eye and wave. She’s so beautiful. She entrances me every day, and I don’t mind one bit.
But something was off about her this afternoon.
I’m not sure whether it was me almost seeing her with a vibrator or what.
We’ve lived together for a long time, and I know women have needs.
Just like I do. Only she’s probably not thinking of me when she comes, probably not biting her tongue to stop herself from calling out my name.
But I do.
I think of her all the time. I’ve wanted her for years, but after she friend-zoned me, I’ve been forced to watch her from the sidelines as she goes on failed date after failed date.
I’ve always been the one to dry her tears.
For years, I’ve been scared to ruin our friendship, but I’m about done waiting.
I have no idea how Lydia will react, but if I know her—and I do—I think this could be the best thing that ever happens to us.
Lydia beams, standing and waving back to me. My parents do the same, and a familiar giddy sensation rolls through me.
This is where I’m meant to be. With this team, with my family here, and with the woman I’m going to make mine, cheering me on.