Page 87 of Ice Mechanic

I stare at the fabric.

McLanelyis printed largely and in all caps across the back.

Rebel leans over, sees the jacket and snorts. “It might as well read ‘property of Chance McLanely. If lost please return to owner’.”

I silently agree.

“Are you going to wear it?” Rebel asks.

I say nothing.

“Do youwantto wear it?”

Want isn’t a part of the equation.

Rebel frowns. “You don’t have to. You have an alternative.” She picks up the Hello Kitty blanket.

Shaking my head, I shrug into the jacket and almost moan in relief when I feel the warmth. The blanket was nice, but it only covered my legs so my arms were still freezing. Not only is Chance’s jacket warm, but it still smells like him too.

Not that that’s a bonus.

I’m just saying…

I hand the blanket back to Gordie who stands in her chair to smile at me. “You don’t need it anymore?”

“Uh, no. My… my friend gave me his.”

“Cool.” She turns and shows off proudly. “Look, I’m wearing my daddy’s jacket too.”

On the back of the blue and black gear is the name ‘RENTHROW’.

I smile politely at her as the lights go dim.

The game’s about to begin.

Chance and his team are going to skate around on the ice for about two hours and then…

And then whether his team wins or not… we have a date.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FIVE

CHANCE

“You with us?”Gunner grunts, skating to center ice for the face off.

I glance at April, taking her in for the last time. Once the game starts, the world around me will become a blur except for my teammates and the puck.

“Yeah.” I nod. Seeing April in my jacket makes it easier to concentrate.

I close my eyes, visualizing the rink the way I always do. A sense of calm, of familiarity, ofhomefalls over me.

This is where I belong.

I open my eyes.

The opposing team faces us down for the puck drop.

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