Page 16 of They All Puck Me

We move to a quieter corner, away from the banter. I lean against the wall, crossing my arms. Noah does the same, his brow furrowed slightly.

“So, what’s up?” he asks, his tone light but tinged with curiosity.

I take a deep breath. “It’s about Olivia.”

He raises an eyebrow. “What about her?”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling uncharacteristically unsure. “I... I think I’m into her…”

Noah’s expression shifts—something flickers in his eyes before he quickly masks it with a grin. “Well, well. Liam Makar has a crush. Who would’ve thought?”

“Cut the crap,” I say with a half-smile. “I’m serious.”

He leans back, studying me. “Alright, let’s hear it. What’s got you all twisted up?”

“She’s... different,” I admit. “Smart, funny, passionate about what she does. It’s like she gets me in ways most people don’t.”

Noah nods slowly, but there’s that flash again—something like pain or regret. I chalk it up to him being concerned about team dynamics.

“And you’re worried this’ll mess things up with the team?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I say honestly. “But it’s more than that. After my divorce... I swore off getting close to anyone like that again.”

Noah claps me on the shoulder. “Man, you’ve been through hell and back since then. Maybe it’s time you let yourself be happy.”

“Maybe,” I concede, though uncertainty gnaws at me.

He chuckles softly. “Plus, it’d be fun seeing you try to woo her.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Think you’re funny, huh?”

“Always,” he says with a wink.

As we head back toward our lockers, Noah glances at me sideways. “Just be careful, alright? We need you focused.”

“I know,” I say firmly.

But as we finish changing and pack up our gear, my thoughts keep drifting back to Olivia—her laugh, her eyes lighting up when she talks about hockey. Maybe Noah’s right; maybe it is time to take a chance.

We grab our bags and head for the exit together.

“Thanks for listening,” I say quietly as we step outside into the crisp evening air.

“That's what best bros are for,” Noah replies easily but there’s something lingering in his gaze—something I can’t quite put my finger on before he turns away.

As we part ways and I head home, Olivia's face remains etched in my mind. The realization that I can't stop thinking about her both excites and terrifies me in equal measure.

7

NOAH

One day after practice, I notice Olivia struggling with loading up her camera equipment. It’s bulky and looks heavy, not something she should be hauling around on her own. I jog over, my skates still in hand.

"Need a hand?" I ask, grinning as I approach.

She glances up, looking relieved. "You read my mind. These things are a nightmare to lug around."

"Let me get that for you," I say, grabbing the heaviest bag and placing it in her backseat.

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