Page 55 of SNOB

Who knew a poor girl from Grim Valley could leave a stamp like this?

“Come on,” Gray leads me further into the stands, the energy in the rink electric with the crowd abuzz. It’s not even as cold with the amount of people in here. Gray and gold signs litter the seats, the ice glistening under coloured lights. Pop music blares from the rink speakers, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs in the air. It’s an all-out party.

“So why aren’t you on the ice tonight?” I ask.

“Failed the drug test so Coach sat me out.” He keeps his arm around me as he nods to students, winking at the girls who gawk at him and glare at me. “So tonight, I’m your guardian angel.” Even Greta made it to the game with a group of her friends. She tries for a small wave but stalls, her eyes narrowing when they move to Gray.

It’s a long way back to the rink doors and there’s no way I’m giving Hannah the satisfaction of leaving now.

Stubborn.

Resilient.

While hanging with the enemy?

Trying to battle the voices in my head is hard, and looking around makes me feel like I’m kidding myself. Despite the thrill in the air, it's still easy to see the glares that come my way.

“What is she doing here?”

“You think she fucked Mac to get in?”

“Is she fucking Gray?”

“There’s nowhere to sit,” I say to Gray. “I should go.”

Gray turns around, blinking at me with glossy eyes. Then he laughs as if something clicks. “You don’t have to worry about that.” He keeps moving down to an empty row behind the penalty box. The row looks reserved while everywhere else is full. It's empty save for a few people. Another handsome guy sits between two girls from the Posse, both fawning over the tattoos spiralling up and down his muscular arms. “You’re sitting with us.”

“Are we at a hockey game or a supper club?”

Gray laughs, settling into his seat. “Yes.” He pulls me next to him as the other girls glare. The other boy nods his head towards me. A greeting. I force a smile before he holds out his flask as an offering. But it’s too late to respond as the lights go down and the crowd goes wild.

“Ladies and Gentlemen.” The announcer’s voice booms over the arena as I settle into the cushy seat. “Tonight is the night you’ve all been waiting for. Please welcome our Bonaventure Bisons back to the rink again!” The crowd goes wild, a drink popping in front of my eyes. An opened beer. Gray nudges me, telling me to take it. I do as the announcer continues. “Welcome back to the team, our Paradise star, Malcolm McKinsley!”

The crowd roars as Mac glides onto the ice, his stick hoisted in the air. Gray whistles next to me but I’m too distracted seeing Mac in his element. He doesn’t look like the aggressive asshole I know. Far less stoic too. He seems loose. Vibrant.

Alive.

Mac’s eyes find mine before he lifts both hands in the air, the crowd around us like thunder and he’s their god.

Gray taps his beer to mine. “This is gonna be good.”

SIXTEEN

MAC

The crowd chants my name and it’s music to my ears. The ice feels like home, and this uniform feels better than ever.

Looking at the filled stadium, my eyes find her. Gray has her right where I need her. In my view.

It reminds me of all my practices with her painting that mural shining above the stadium. I’ll admit, it brings more life to this stuffy place. It also brings a bit of grit. A reminder to play hard.

Ember stands out as she always does, even in SBU merch. Her red curls stick out from that beanie as she clutches a beer against her chest. Gray influences her to drink more but I’m making sure to put on a show everyone remembers.

My father isn’t in the crowd. These events always make him uncomfortable. Too cold. Too packed. Not enough caviar. But Coach is watching. So are a couple of scouts. I won’t disappoint.

Puck drop comes fast and I move on the ice quicker than a penguin. I’m slicing through, whipping past the other team trying to check me. Eden Gardens plays hard. Always have. They also play dirty. But I’m used to that.

A quick pass to Ryung gets it out of reach before it’s back to me. Clear shot to the net.

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