Page 63 of The Comeback

“What are you talking about? If you hadn’t come here with me you would have gone out to a club and stood outside shivering in line in a tiny dress until they let you in.”

“How dare you. I would not have waited in line.”

True. She would have charmed some bouncer into letting her cut the line. “True, but you’d still be wearing the tiny dress with no coat.”

“Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.”

“So you’re going to be there tomorrow, right?”

Knowing there’s one face in the crowd who loves me and will support me no matter what happens, is the only thing that might get me through.

When we went to his last game, I thought there was maybe a chance. Slim, but there. I almost stayed. I almost went up to him, but I couldn’t do it. I left, and he let me. Somehow, I couldn’t stop myself from going to the game though. I needed to see him play even if it’s the last time. Something of a goodbye. Closure. Right?

It didn’t help. I’d forgotten how much I love watching him on the ice. He’s beautiful in real life, but on the ice he’s almost unearthly. The speed, grace, brutality of the game. So much skill and passion. I know what that’s like. That’s how I feel about music.

I stayed way up in the bleachers, and it still felt like we were connected. By years of friendship, passion and talent, lust, and love. There I said it. That feeling that’s been there deep down. I think it’s always been there. Since we were old enough to feel that tingle, I’ve loved him like that. Even after he hurt me I still loved him. And it could have fallen flat. When we finally gave in to our need. We might not have been compatible. But we were. It was everything. But I had to let it go. No matter how much everything aches.

Chapter 48

Sebastian

Thisisit.Thisis our moment. We've ben riding the line this entire season. So close but not enough to be comfortable. It's probably for the best. Being comfortable never helped you prove yourself, get ahead. We're lucky enough to be hosting the semis tonight at our own arena. I'm ready, but conflicted. Fab's exhibition is tonight as well. There is nothing I want more in this world than to be there for her. The deal was that I help her get over her stage fright and I did that. Hopefully. But I should be there. To see it through. Instead, I'm here. Another important moment. One of the most important. If we can move on to the finals. If we can excel there and get the championship. That would be the crowning achievement. That would be the ultimate win at this level that's eluded our team for the last four years.

I'm a little empty though. I want Abby here. I want to be there for here. If we can take an early lead and end this in regular time, there's a chance. Slim, but there, that I could make it. That's my motivation. That's what's going to get me through this.

Aspen is there for a little captain pep talk. He wants this as bad as the rest of us. "Okay guys. This is it. This is our shot. Focus. Play hard. Do your best. We can do this, and we're going to do it. Go Lightning!"

His speech is simple, but the intensity behind it is what gets us all roaring the words back at him. The energy in the room is like nothing I've felt before. I can only imagine what it'll be like in a professional game. In the semis, finals, of the cup. I can't imagine it now, but I'm going to. I will get there, and this is one step closer.

***

The action on the ice is intense. Our line is on a break, and I can't stop my knee bouncing out a rhythm. We're playing great, but so are our rivals. Our second line D men are struggling a bit to keep the puck away from our goal. Lucy's watching them, brow pinched, judging they're every move. Beau is touching his helmet on a loop. They want to be out there as bad as I do.

Their center Vessey has a killer slapshot. Keep it away. Keep it away from him. Take him down. The home crowd is rowdy, yelling out advice and jeers. The noise level rises with each pass. Their right winger has the puck now and Marney is getting in his face. They're chirping at each other. I see the play in my head before it happens. The winger backhands it to Vessey having successfully distracted Marney. The lamp lights up. The boos and cheers roar through the arena. They've tied it. They've tied it up. If we can't get a goal in the next play we're going into overtime, and then there's no way I'll make her performance.

I'm on my feet before Coach even calls our line out. This has to end. Now.

Chapter 49

Abby

I’mgoingtothrowup. It’s inevitable. My palms are cold and clammy, but my face is hot. There’s a ringing in my ears and I’m convulsively swallowing the tinny taste in my mouth. Mom did show up for the Exhibition, which doesn’t help matters.

Her smile is strained. My choice of careers doesn’t live up to her expectations. Nothing about me really does.

The sparkly gold dress that took me hours to pick out suddenly feels too tight under her scrutiny. “You should have worn a black dress, and why didn’t you put your hair up?” I’ve had years of practice deciphering her cutting little comments. Black is slimming, and my hair is unkempt. I’m not amazing with a curling iron, but Ree helped me and I was so happy with how it looked. Now I feel like a slightly deflated balloon.

“You should go find your seat, Mom.”

“Right. What number are you? I can’t stay too long. We’re going out with the Henderson’s tonight.

Of course she made plans on one of the most important nights of my life. Why wouldn’t she?

“You got a program, right?”

“Yes. Ok, well do your best.”

Ah yes the confidence she has in me is astounding. “I will.”

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