Page 70 of Pucking Amazing

I take a deep breath, rolling my neck, shaking out my arms, and closing my eyes to get myself in the right headspace.

Coach is right. I’ve trained my whole life for this. I can do this. I will do this.

By the time I skate back out for the third period, a sense of calm determination has washed over me. I deflect shot after shot, my movements fluid and precise. The minutes tick down and we hang onto our narrow lead.

The final buzzer sounds and my teammates mob me, a mass of sweaty limbs and joyous shouts.

Over their heads, I see DJ beaming at me with pride, and something warm unfurls in my chest.

Like everything is finally clicking into place.

The locker room erupts in cheers and high fives as we clatter in, still high on adrenaline from our big win. The sweat soaking my jersey has begun to chill against my skin but I don’t even care.

Playoffs are in reach.

“Yo, day off tomorrow! Where are we hitting up tonight to celebrate our win—and the fact that we don’t have to wake up early?” Mikey hollers, toweling off his shaggy hair.

I lock eyes with DJ across the room.

The last time we all went out drinking as a team...well, things didn’t go so well. DJ raises an eyebrow at me and it’s clear we’re both thinking the same thing: we can’t let that shitshow happen again.

Someone needs to step in and derail this plan, and soon, because the team’s enthusiasm is gaining momentum.

“Actually, I got an idea,” DJ pipes up, his voice carrying over the rowdy chatter. “Let’s do something where everyone can join, and we don’t have to feel awkward about doing two separate things. Like dinner at a nice restaurant, call ahead, no booze at our tables. Keep it chill, you know?”

“Hell yeah, I’m down,” I chime in. “Mad respect for our boys staying sober. We’re a team, we stick together.”

To my relief nods and words of agreement ripple through the group. Slade claps Tomas on the shoulder, and I see Jason aiming a grateful look at DJ.

“Means a lot, guys. Seriously,” Tomas says gruffly.

“Then it’s settled!” DJ grins at me, a spark in his eye. “Ty, wanna help me set it up?”

“For sure, bro.” I match his grin, my stomach fluttering.

I might even find the stones to talk about his crazy proposal that’s been playing on an endless loop in my mind—sharing him with Sydney. I bite my lip.

And maybe…we’ll do more than just talk.

CHAPTER 24

SYDNEY

The restaurant pulses with energy, the team’s raucous laughter and animated conversation filling the air. Several large tables are pushed together to accommodate the boisterous crew, soda glasses clinking and fists bumping in celebration of their hard-fought victory.

I don’t usually join team dinners, but Coach Daniels asked me to tag along tonight to keep an eye on everyone in a social setting since he wasn’t going to be there. I feel a bit like a narc, but I can’t lie that I’m thrilled to spend any extra time with DJ…and Tyler…

I weave my way between the tables, soaking in the atmosphere, and am pleased and gratified to see that nobody is drinking tonight.

What a meaningful show of support for my three patients.

“Syd!” Tomas waves me over, his grin wide and eyes bright. “Did you see that goal I made? Thought the net was gonna rip off!”

I’ve been trying to attend as many of the home games as possible so the team sees that I’m supportive. I high-five him with a laugh.

“Legendary shot! They’ll be showing that highlight for years.”

“All thanks to my man Jase’s sick pass,” Tomas claps Jason on the back. “This guy’s a magician on the ice.”

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