Page 174 of Staying Selfless

“This baby is going to be the most competitive child ever created. He’s fine.”

I continue to pace the length of the couch as I stand behind it, watching the puck drop for overtime. My body contorts, and my heart races every time the puck nears either goal. But my adrenaline isn’t just coursing because I’m a fan. I can’t settle down, because if the puck lands in the net behind Benny, it’s Eli’s last game of his college career, so for him, I want them to win. I need them to win.

The first few shifts are fairly uneventful, the momentum continually trading off between the two teams. But with about a minute left in overtime, Eli’s line hops the boards for their shift on the ice. He’s got Cam and Goody out there with him as they scurry back on defense.

Benny makes an impressive save as Goody cleans up the rebound and fires the puck up the ice to Eli on a breakaway.

“Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit,” Marc repeats, standing from the couch as his brother finds himself one on one with the goaltender from UMass.

Eli takes an open shot but misses, the puck bouncing off the goalie’s pads. But Eli’s forward momentum keeps him skating towards the goal. He cleans up his own rebound and tucks it into the back of the net before their goalie has a chance to react. Eli lights up the net, setting off the final horn.

Minnesota takes out the number one seed with a 4-3 overtime win, the game-winning goal coming from number thirteen.

Marc and I both yell in excitement as he jumps over the couch to hug me while the Golden Gophers storm the ice, tackling Eli to the ground in celebration.

My heart is racing, and I can’t stop beaming with pride and excitement for him.

“Oh my god!” I shout with a smile on my face, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

“That was amazing!” Marc exclaims as we keep our eyes on the TV, trying to catch our breath.

They’re going to the Frozen Four. For the first time since Eli’s freshman season, they have a chance at the National Championship.

Eventually, the teams make their way off the ice, and the commentators announce that Eli was selected as the first star of the game. Which means not only was he clearly the best on the ice, but I also get to see his handsome face in the post-game interview.

I chug some water, feeling like I just got a workout from watching that game, every one of my muscles tensing at one point or another, before I slump back on the couch to listen to my guy’s interview.

But by the time the players come back out, Cam, the game’s second star, is the one answering questions about the big win.

“That’s weird they aren’t talking to Eli right now,” I point out to Marc.

“Maybe EJ didn’t feel like being interviewed.”

Maybe.

Well, regardless, I shoot him a text to congratulate him.

L: So so so proud of you! You played so well. And you deserve this win. Bummed you’re not coming home tomorrow, but I’ll see you on Wednesday for the FROZEN FOUR!!!!

I keep my phone in my hand as I wait for Eli’s response. Even though I’m sure they’re having a post-game meeting right now, Eli almost always texts me as soon as he’s back in the locker room.

But after fifteen minutes, I’ve still heard nothing from him.

I’m sure he’s just celebrating with his team right now.

“I’m going to Double G. That place is going to be insane. You’re coming, right?” Marc asks in a hurry, ready to get to the bar and celebrate.

“I’ll come by tonight. I think I want to take a nap first.”

“Shocking,” Marc laughs.

Even though I was on a high with the adrenaline buzzing through my body, I’m now coming down and feeling exhausted. Maybe Marc was right and this pregnancy is making me more tired than I thought.

“I’ll leave you the keys to the Jeep, and I’ll Uber down there.” Marc slips into his winter coat, putting on his shoes in haste. “Text me when you’re on your way.”

I start up the stairs to head to Eli’s bed here, needing some rest. “Okay, love you,” I call out to my best friend.

“Love you,” he says before the front door closes.

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