26. Emmy
CHAPTER 26
EMMY
When I get to the ice arena for the last game, Mimi looks me over, a knowing gleam in her eye.
“I see he persuaded you to wear his jersey tonight as more than pajamas,” Mimi says.
“He did,” I say with a laugh. “Even though I knew everyone would make a big deal about it.”
When I stepped into the arena tonight, it felt like the whole town of Maple Falls was staring at me. So were the players’ girlfriends, but not in a judgmental way. More like sisters who have my back. Willa gave me an approving nod. Harlow added a thumbs up. Even Blair came over and told me how cute I looked in it. Angel asked for a selfie with me so she could send it to Scotty. Instead of shrinking away from the camera, I pose with her. I’m done with being small. These women are helping me have the confidence to hold my head high. I’m strong enough for the critics and haters. It won’t be easy, but I know I’m not alone.
I even catch Zach Hart nodding at my jersey choice along with his girl, Ellie. Everyone knows Ellie as the local ice-skating instructor, but she’s got a new title now—as Zach’s love interest. Our eyes meet across the crowd and she gives me an encouraging smile that seems to say, You go, girl. She knows what it’s like to date a public figure and still stay true to who you are.
A horn blasts across the speakers, and the crowd erupts into a roar as the guys skate out for their introductions with their theme song blaring.
Dawson comes out last. He takes his place by the net, moving his blocker and leg guards with his usual warm-up routine.
He doesn’t look at the crowd, doesn’t glance my way, even though I really want him to. I want him to see that I’m wearing his jersey.
The game begins, and for the next two periods, I watch his quick reactions, the way his razor-sharp moves with his blocker and stick stop the puck from going into the net.
When the teams break before the last period, the players disappear to their locker rooms. A couple of minutes later, a message from Gold Dog appears on my phone.
Gold Dog
Can’t wait to see you after the game!
Romcom Book
Me too. Are you here?
Yes. I brought you a surprise tonight.
What is it?
If I tell you, it’s not a surprise.
I hate to wait!
Suddenly a picture appears on my phone. It’s two chocolate mint patties.
Romcom Book
How did you know I liked these?
You once gave me a list of your favorites. I wrote them down, in case I ever needed them.
Thank you, Gold Dog. I can’t believe you remembered! The only thing I know about you is that you love Thai food. What other favorites of mine are on your list?
Pumpkin cheesecake, reruns of Gilmore Girls, corn mazes, hiding in wine cellars. Did I remember right?
Perfectly. Except for the last one. I never told you that.
I hold my breath, waiting for Gold Dog to respond. A minute later, the hockey team rushes out to start the final period. I look for Dawson, but he’s not there.
Romcom Book
How did you know? My hands are shaking. I’m freaking out. Tell me it was a lucky guess.
Still nothing. My heart pounds in my chest. I’m too scared to ask. It seems impossible.
Romcom Book
I’ve been in a wine cellar. More than once. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
Dawson hurries out at the last minute and takes his place at the net, just as the horn blares for the start of the last period.
I’m too shocked to pay attention to the game. I scroll through past messages, looking for a sign. Did I mention this before?
I don’t see any messages about being in a wine cellar. No mention of it.
Sweat beads under the collar of my jersey.
Has Dawson been Gold Dog all this time?
As an opponent from the Lumberjacks skates toward Dawson, I inwardly tense. He flicks the puck toward the goalie. Dawson blocks it, barely.
This is too much. It’s all too much to find out before Dawson leaves.
I rub my forehead. Close my eyes.
“You okay?” Mimi asks, noticing that I’m suddenly not paying attention to the game.
“I wish this game was over.” I need to talk to Dawson now. The fact he kept this a secret should anger me, but I’m not upset. Just embarrassed that I didn’t see it before, and slightly jealous that he figured it out first. But mostly, I’m baffled that these two guys could be the same person.
The rest of the period is a furious battle of bodies clashing, elbows shoving, and sticks cracking.
Dawson doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t look my way. Doesn’t show any signs that he knows.
With thirty seconds to go, Scotty—who was brought on as a player for this final showdown—steals the puck and passes it to Dan. He shoots and the goalie from the Lumberjacks tries to block it, but the puck slides in as the horn blares.
Everyone jumps to their feet, cheering wildly for the Ice Breakers. But I stay seated, glancing at Dawson, who’s alone at the net.
Instead of looking at his teammates, he looks at me.
He mouths the words:
I’m sorry. I love you.
It’s enough to make my heart burst.