Page 126 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Ryan and Jake are on the same line, and after a mistake from the Vipers’ offense, Jake intercepts the puck and breaks away, skating faster than the other team can follow. In seconds, it’s only him and the goalie. He shoots… and he scores.

We jump from our seats, screaming as loud as we can. The popcorn in the box I’m holding flies everywhere.

“What a beauty!” Melissa shouts. “There’s no chance they get rid of Jake now.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Oh my God. Look, girls. We’re on the Jumbotron!” Maya points at the huge screen above us.

The camera zooms in on my face, then it switches to Jake and Ryan on the ice. They were already looking at the Jumbotron. They both remove their gloves and make heart signs with their hands.

“Aww, that’s for you, June,” Maya pipes up.

My face is burning, which means it’s super red. I’m glad they didn’t switch the camera back to me.

“I hope your ex is watching the game at home.” Melissa laughs.

“Oh, I’m sure he is.” I smile.

I rarely think about Bill, but I know being banned from the arena is the worst punishment for him. My happiness being broadcasted on national television is the cherry on top.

Maya lifts her cup. “Cheers to motherfucking karma.”

“Cheers!” Melissa and I bump our cups against Maya’s and toss our drinks back.

The warmth of the whiskey spreads through my body, making my euphoria grow. I can’t stop smiling, and it’s not because of the buzz. It’s because of the three men who saw me at my worst and wanted to cheer me up. I didn’t see them coming, but I should have known from the start I’d never be able to let them go. Thank God I don’t have to.

JAKE

The post-game celebration is going strong in the locker room. We not only scored two more goals after my breakaway, Lachyhad a shutout. It was glorious. I haven’t felt this good about the team in a long time.

Peter Maguire, the man who ultimately will decide my fate, is in the locker room doling out smiles and handshakes. He’s acting as if we just won a playoff game. After he speaks with a few players and congratulates Lachy for the shutout, he walks over.

“Jake, the man I was looking for.” He offers me his hand, then pats my shoulder. “It was good to see the fire in you tonight, son.”

“It was an important game. Couldn’t let the Vipers win.”

“That’s right, and you showed them. Listen, I know there have been rumors about a possible trade. I just spoke to Willis Fontaine, and he had nothing but praise for you. You’re not going anywhere.”

Utter relief sweeps over me, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let our GM know he had me by the balls. “That’s good to hear.”

“How’s your girlfriend?”

I tense in an instant, and Ryan and Lachy move closer. Peter isn’t oblivious to the sudden change. He’s too smart for that.

“June is great,” I say.

Peter glances fleetingly at Ryan and Lachy, then back to me. “Terrible what happened to her. I’m glad she’s fully recovered. I heard she got her job back as well.”

I frown, not particularly enjoying the conversation. I’m not an idiot. I might have gotten back in the owner’s good graces, but the tide can turn once again if I’m not careful.

“Yes, our future is bright.” I smile.

“Excellent. I’ll talk to you later.” He turns around, and as soon as he’s out of earshot, I tell the guys, “Thanks for not saying anything to him.”

“I won’t deny it was bloody hard,” Lachy grumbles. “Didn’t like one bit how he was talking about June.”

“He’s expecting another scandal involving her. You know how we can solve this, right?” Ryan gives me a meaningful look.

---