Skating Into Forever – By Caitlin Loggins #5
Sophie couldn't help but smile. Her heart swelled with pride, not just because she got to call Liam hers, but because she knew how incredible he really was, beyond what anyone saw on the ice. She leaned slightly forward and with a grin, said, “He is pretty great, isn't he?”
The girls turned towards her with big smiles on their faces. “Right?! We're huge fans of his,” one of them said. “Oh! I love your jersey, by the way,” she said.
“Thanks,” Sophie said, glancing down at the jersey. Then, with a proud glint in her eyes, she added, “I'm actually his girlfriend.”
Both girls froze, their eyes wide as if they couldn't believe what they'd just heard.
“No way!” one of them blurted out. “You're dating the Liam Holtz?”
Sophie smiled, nodding. “Yep. For almost four years now.”
The girls exchanged stunned looks before breaking into excited smiles. “Okay, that's actually amazing. And also kind of unfair,” one of the girls joked. “You are so lucky. He's seriously the hottest guy on the team.”
Sophie laughed. “I mean, I definitely think so.”
“Okay, but what's he really like?” The other girl asked, curiosity shining in her eyes. “Is he as sweet as he seems?”
“Even better,” Sophie said honestly, her expression softening.
“He's kind, thoughtful, and so dedicated to what he does.
And oh yeah, he's a total goofball when he's off the ice.
Also, here's a fun little secret. He won't openly admit this to just anyone, but he loves One Direction,” she grinned.
“I always joke that it was meant to be. I mean, his name is Liam, how could he not be a fan?”
The girls let out dreamy sighs, clearly envious but in a playful way. “Okay, now I really love him,” one of them said. “You're officially the luckiest girl ever.”
“I know,” she said simply with a smile. “I really am.”
Just then, the lights in the arena began to dim, signalling that the game was about to start. The crowd erupted in cheers as the players made their way back onto the ice.
As the pregame light show flashed across the ice, Sophie glanced over at the two girls. They were exchanging excited looks as they prepared to watch the game.
One of them, a girl with dark brown hair pulled into a ponytail, leaned back over her seat toward Sophie. “Hey, if you want, you can totally come sit with us.”
Sophie smiled, considering it for a moment. She had originally planned to watch the game alone, but their enthusiasm was contagious and she decided to join them. Besides, it would be fun to sit with fans who actually cared about the game, and about Liam, even if for different reasons.
“You know what? Why not?” she said.
The girls cheered as she moved, sliding into the open seat next to them. “I'm Amy,” the brunette said. “And this is Samantha.”
“Sophie,” she introduced herself.
“Okay, so real talk,” Samantha started, leaning in towards Sophie. “Do you ever get nervous watching him play? Like when he goes for a big hit or takes one? Because I feel like I'd be freaking out every time he's on the ice.”
“Oh yeah, all the time,” Sophie laughed. “I may look calm on the outside, and believe me, I try my best to stay calm, but inside? Total panic mode, especially when he takes a hard hit.”
Before they could continue their conversation, the announcer's voice echoed through the arena. “Ladies and gentlemen, your Los Angeles Blades starting lineup!”
When Liam's name was announced, Samantha nudged Sophie playfully. “That's your man right there.”
Sophie grinned. “Yeah, it is.”
SOPHIE
As the players skated to their positions, the energy in the arena crackled with anticipation. The referee moved to center ice, ready to drop the puck.
The pace of the game picked up immediately, the sound of sticks clashing and the occasional thud of players colliding against the boards filling the arena.
The three of them looked on as Liam backchecked hard, stealing the puck from one of the opposing team's players near the blue line before dishing it to one of his teammates.
Liam
The Blades pressed forward, the play shifting to the offensive zone.
Liam parked himself in front of the net, waiting for a rebound.
The shot came from the point and for a split second, it looked like a clean shot but the goalie blocked it, putting the puck on a silver platter for Liam who was still loitering in front of the net despite taking several whacks to the back and legs from the opposing team's goalie.
Without hesitation, Liam pounced on the puck, slipping it past the goaltender and into the back of the net. The goal horn blared through the arena as Liam skated to the boards, grinning and pumping his fist in celebration as his teammates crowded around him.
Breaking away from the huddle, Liam coasted past the section to where Sophie was sitting and glanced up towards the stands, his eyes scanning the crowd until he found her.
She was on her feet, clapping and cheering, her face lit up with excitement but the moment his gaze locked on hers, everything else faded into the background. It was just the two of them.
His teammates were already skating back to the bench, and he knew he had to follow, but he wanted to make the moment between them last just a little bit longer so he lingered for a few more seconds before turning back.
SOPHIE
As the puck dropped at center ice to continue the first period, Amy turned to Sophie, raising an eyebrow. “So… that was something, huh?”
Sophie blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?” she asked, trying to act casual, though her face felt slightly warm.
Samantha leaned in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Girl, that was not just a casual glance up to the stands. Liam totally looked at you like you're the only person in this arena.”
Sophie laughed nervously and shifted in her seat. “We've been together for almost four years. He does that sometimes.”
Amy leaned back in her seat, clearly not convinced. “Yeah, but the way he looked at you just now? That wasn't a ‘sometimes’ look. I swear this whole arena could have opened up like a cardboard box and he wouldn't have even flinched.”
As the excitement from Liam's goal settled, the first period wound down and shortly after, the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the period.
Sophie sat back in her seat, pure happiness still running through her from Liam's goal.
She always loved going to games and watching Liam play but something about sitting with Amy and Samantha made it even more fun.
Their energy and enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and she found herself caught up in the excitement.
SOPHIE
“Let's go get some snacks.” Amy declared, stretching her arms over her head as she stood to head to the concourse. “Sophie, you coming?”
She had planned to just sit and relax during the intermission, but she figured why not? “Yeah, let's go.” Sophie said, standing to join Amy and Samantha.
The three of them made their way up the steps and into the concourse, which was buzzing with activity. The smell of popcorn, hot dogs, and soda filled the air, mixing with the hum of conversation as the fans milled about.
“I think I'm getting nachos,” Amy said, glancing at the menu board as they approached a concession stand. “What do you girls want?” she asked, turning to Sophie and Samantha.
Samantha hummed in thought. “Well, I can't decide between a soft pretzel or hot dog so I'll go with both! What about you, Sophie?”
Sophie chuckled. “Good choice.” She scanned the menu, debating. She wasn't all that hungry but something to snack on sounded good. “I'll get popcorn and a soda.”
They eventually reached the front of the line, collecting their food and drinks before heading back to their seats for the start of the second period.
The buzzer sounded just as they sat down and the players made their way out of the tunnel back to the bench. Sophie's eyes locked on Liam the second he stepped off the bench and went to center ice to line up for the faceoff.
The referee dropped the puck and the Blades center won the faceoff, quickly sweeping it back to his defenseman.
Sophie leaned forward, her fingers curling around the popcorn bucket as the pace picked up and she watched Liam quickly making his way down the ice to try and get in position to have a chance at his second goal of the night.
A crisp pass from the blue line sent the puck skittering across the ice toward him and Liam caught it smoothly on his blade, barely breaking stride.
The defender that had been chasing Liam up the ice lunged, trying to knock him off balance but he absorbed the contact and cut toward the net, eyes locked on the goalie.
Liam didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the puck sailing toward the net. For a split second, everything seemed to slow. The goalie stretched, his glove snapping up…
Too late.
The puck hit the top corner of the net and the red light behind it flashed. The crowd erupted in a deafening roar as Sophie shot to her feet, a burst of pride and excitement rushing through her.
Down on the ice, Liam pumped his fist and was immediately surrounded by his teammates, his grin wide as he skated toward the bench, exchanging high-fives.
The rest of the second period flew by in a blur and at intermission, the Blades were hanging onto a one goal lead.
As soon as the buzzer sounded signaling the end of the second period, Sophie sank back in her seat, letting out a shaky breath.
Her heart was still pounding from the excitement of Liam's second goal of the night and her nerves were getting the best of her.
She glanced over at Amy and Samantha, who were both leaning forward, their eyes still glued to the ice.
She leaned forward, gripping the armrests of her seat as she tried to calm herself down but her hands were trembling.
Amy and Samantha both leaned toward her. “You okay?” Amy asked her.
Sophie nodded quickly but Amy wasn't convinced. “You don't look okay, you look like you're about to pass out.”