Page 55 of Face Me Off

I shake my head. No time for daydreams now. I’ve got a celebration to get to and a decision to make.

I head toward the locker room. The buzz from the scout’s words still tingles through my body, making my fingers twitch with excess energy.

As I push open the door, a wall of sound hits me. Music’s blaring, guys are whooping and hollering, the air thick with the smell of sweat and victory.

“Sorenson!” Drew bellows from across the room. “Get your ass over here, you beautiful bastard!”

I can’t help but grin as I make my way to my locker. “What’s up, losers?”

“Oh, just basking in the tears of Colorado’s center.” Drew mock cries, wiping away fake tears. “Try and say we don’t belong now, bitch.”

I laugh and start peeling off my gear, hyped for the W. “We kicked ass.”

“Celebratory drinks at Barton’s?” Alex, the younger D-man’s, hopeful voice cuts through. He has yet to come into his own, but he’ll get there.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Blake says.

“So,” Drew leans in, his voice dropping conspiratorially. “Saw you chatting up Mr. Fancy Suit out there. Spill.”

Excitement surges through me. “Pine’s scout. Said they’re looking forward to seeing me at the combine.”

A chorus of “Holy shit!” and “No way!” erupts around me. Pride mixed with nervousness swells in my chest.

“Dude, that’s huge!” Blake’s fist-pumps mine. “That’s a guarantee you’ll get the invite.”

I nod, trying to keep my voice steady. “Yeah, it’s … it’s pretty big.”

His face grows serious. “Even if you’re undecided, it’s still worth giving it a shot. To see what happens.”

Maddy’s voice rings through the noise in my head.“Maybe you can find some type of balance.”

“Maybe so.” Do I dare let myself hope? Can I actually have it all?

As I finish showering, my mind races. The guys are talking about hitting the bar to celebrate, but I can only think about what this could mean for my future. PT school, hockey, Dad … it’s all swirling in a confusing mess.

Like clockwork, my phone rings. It’s Dad’s customary congratulatory. Why he isn’t texting tonight is beyond me. I hit ignore. I’ll call him later. Right now, I want to relish the idea of continuing the game I love, accompanied by the girl I want to be with.

I zip up my bag and force a smile. “You guys ready to paint the town?”

But even as the words leave my mouth, I’m unsure if I’m ready for what comes next.

I’m barely listening as we pile into Drew’s Jeep. Barton’s isn’t far from campus but too far to walk.

I scanned the area one last time. Still no sign of Maddy. My stomach twists, disappointment mixing with a flicker of anger.

“For someone whose game was off the charts, you’re awfully spacey,” Drew shoves my shoulder. “You with us, man?”

I blink and focus on his shit-eating grin. “Yeah, sorry. Just … thinking.”

“About which bunny to take home?” Drew waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

Heat creeps up my neck. “Shut up, dude.”

The only warm body I’d consider is missing in action.

“Aw, come on,” Drew pulls into the parking lot. Damn, how long have I been brooding? I didn’t realize we were here. “No shame in it. But tonight’s about the team, yeah? Let’s celebrate this win properly!”

I force a laugh. “You just want an excuse to get wasted.”

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