Chapter Thirty-Two
It’s finally here—the Bears’ home opening game of the new hockey season!
Shay and I are in our seats now, and they are awesome. We’re center ice, up against the glass, just like we were at that playoff game that now seems so long ago.
A lot sure has happened since then.
We’re playing the Los Angeles Kings tonight. So far, we’ve watched the teams warm up. We’ve also enjoyed some pregame fun, like trivia on the Jumbotron and mascot antics in the stands and on the ice.
“This vantage point is so phenomenal,” Shay says as she scoots forward to the edge of her seat. “I love how close we are to the ice, just like back in the spring.”
“And all the action,” I add. “This is like that last game…but better.”
“Yeah, because now you have Shane,” she says.
She’s right, and I’m pretty amped that he made a point to stop by and chat with us during warm-ups. He even gave Shay an official puck that the players were using to take home as a keepsake.
I’m so proud that he’s my boyfriend.
But enough of that—it’s time for the game to begin.
The top line is out, meaning Shane, Lennox, and Easton are on the ice. In addition, Brock Lowrie and his partner are on defense.
The face-off is at center ice, right in front of us. Lennox wins it easily, passing the puck to Shane.
He starts down the ice into the Kings’ zone, but one of their players checks him off the puck.
Luckily, Easton picks it up and continues. Shane and Lennox follow him, and once the defensemen get into place, the five of them begin passing around the puck.
“Shit, it’s like we’re on a power play,” I say excitedly. “They look so good.”
“Right?” Shay replies.
Shane passes the puck over to Brock, who flips it Lennox’s way. Unfortunately, a Kings forward poke-checks it out of his way.
But wait, hold up!
The puck just hopped onto Shane’s stick.
He has an open line, so he shoots…
And he scores!
Holy crap!
Shay and I go nuts, as does the full-capacity crowd.
“That’s how you start a game,” Shay says.
“You got that right!” I exclaim.
The best part is that Shane just got not only the first goal of the home opening game, but his first of the season as well.
It’s a blast from that point on. There’s a lot of back-and-forth play, which has us on the edge of our seats, like literally.
At the end of the second period, the score is 5–3, with the Bears in the lead.
During intermission, Shay and I stay in our seats and talk about what a fun time we’re both having. But the one thing I notice is she’s really focused on chatting about one player in particular—Brock Lowrie.
He must’ve caught her eye tonight, because she’s never mentioned him before.
Finally, I just flat-out ask her, “What’s with all the Brock talk? Do you think he’s hot or something?” She’s quiet, and I grab her arm. “Oh my God, you like him, don’t you? Girl, don’t deny it. You’re even blushing.”
Shay doesn’t blush easily, so this is something to take note of.
Sighing, she admits, “Okay, yes, I think he’s hot. I mean…” She shrugs. “How could you not? Look at him. He’s like a mega-muscular Viking with that longish blond hair, and check out how tall he is. I could totally climb that man.”
Oh Lord.
I’m glad she likes someone on the team, but maybe not him.
I feel compelled to warn her, “You know, I’d totally have Shane introduce you two. But he’s told me that Brock is a real ladies’ man. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.”
Scrunching up her face, she sighs. “Yeah, I’m not into guys like that. Oh well.” She shrugs. “I guess I’ll just stick with appreciating him from afar.”
Now it’s my turn to sigh as I murmur, “That’s probably for the best.”
The game resumes for the third period, and we end up winning 6–3.
Shay doesn’t bring up Brock again, but I did notice her ice-blue eyes following his every move.
One thing’s for sure—my bestie is determined.
Despite my warnings, and her acting like she’s not into him, there’s a good chance that’s bullshit and she’ll pursue Brock anyway.
That is, unless Shane and I can deter her.
Though, with how stubborn Shay is, that may prove to be a challenge.