Page 24 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

Aurora

Nervousness and the unmistakablearoma of frozen dreams and determination fill the air of the arena. The dream of bringing hockey to this little corner of Florida is about to become reality. Our team’s first game. My first real test as their social media manager. And Aiden’s debut in the majors. It’s like we’re all balanced on a knife’s edge, waiting for that first puck to drop and change everything.

I clutch my camera tighter, trying to steady my shaking hands. This is it. The moment we’ve all worked so hard for

The frosty breath of the arena surrounds us as I take in the scene. The stadium isn’t as full as I’d hoped, but the energy is undeniable. The crowd, though smaller than ideal, is rowdy ina way that feels electric. No doubt everyone is infused with the same level of excitement for their first game of the season.

As I make my way down to my assigned section, I can’t help but appreciate all the effort that’s gone into getting us here. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, that’s for sure. Drumming up enthusiasm for ice hockey in the Florida heat, with a general public more familiar with beach volleyball than blue lines, has been... challenging, to say the least.

If this were a new team in Canada or even in the northern part of the country, I doubt we’d have struggled so much to fill seats. But what’s done is done, and now our only choice is to move forward.

I clutch my camera tighter, reminding myself that every person here represents a small victory. We may not have a packed house, but we have a start. And that’s all you need when you’re making history.

“Aurora!”

My gaze snaps over to Katarina, her overly enthusiastic wave impossible to miss. Her entire body vibrates with excitement, and I can’t help but mirror her enthusiasm as I hurry down to our seats.

The energy in the stadium is contagious, seeping into my bones. Regardless of the actual turnout, the air buzzes with anticipation. We’re here. It’s happening.

“I can’t believe the day is finally here,” I breathe out, scanning the half-full stadium. A knot forms in my stomach as I recall budget discussions and attendance projections. This isn’t enough for long-term sustainability, but I shove that thought aside. Today isn’t about numbers. It’s about the game, the team, the dream we’re all part of.

Katarina nods, her eyes wide with wonder. “I know. It felt like this day would never come, and now...” She trails off, shrugging with a grin. “Fingers crossed for a win, right?”

“God, yes,” I agree, my mind flashing to Jax and Aiden’s grueling practice sessions. “They’ve worked so hard. To even think of losing would be crushing.” I bite my lip, “But we’re up against a monster of a team. So I’m a little worried.”

When it was announced that their first game of the season would be against The Enforcers, Jax’s old team, I thought for sure he’d have something to say about it. But Jax just continues on like he always has, pushing forward and giving his all during every practice. It’s admirable, really, and a little intimidating.

I cant forget that I need to take pictures of the fan’s meet and greet, I remind myself, mentally juggling my to-do list. I’ve got to update our social media account and make sure everything’s set for that giveaway we announced.

The team’s gone all out for this opening game, with prize packs up for grabs. My suggestion of an online Easter egg hunt for game tickets seemed wild at first, but the higher-ups went for it. It’s a long shot, sure. Winning tickets doesn’t guarantee attendance, but I’m hopeful. The schools in our county andneighboring areas have shown interest, which gives me even more ammunition for future ideas.

Next month’s family fun day is my pride and joy - reduced tickets for anyone with a kid under thirteen, plus merch, food, and a chance at season tickets. It’s not cheap, but it’s an investment in our future. Get ’em young, get ’em loyal - that’s the game plan. These are the fans who’ll stick with us through thick and thin, come hell or high water.

“There they are.”

Katarina’s words have me looking up just in time to see the guys skating out onto the ice.

Jax is easy to spot, a mountain of padding guarding the goal. Aiden takes me a moment longer to find, but once I do, it’s like I can’t look away.

I’ve seen plenty of warm-ups before. Growing up with Jax meant hockey was practically in our DNA. I’ve watched Aiden play more times than I can count. But this... this feels different. Maybe it’s last night playing tricks on my mind, or maybe I’m just losing it. Either way, I’m transfixed.

Aiden hunches on the ice, all fluid motion and raw power as he stretches. It’s mesmerizing, and I’m not sure what to do with the warmth spreading through me as I watch,

I don’t know if it’s because of last night or if it’s my own mind latching onto something ridiculous and taking it for a ride.

My eyes are glued to his form, his hips thrusting as he stretches and warms up his muscles.

“Are you sure there’s nothing between the two of you?”

Katarina asks pointedly, making me jerk my eyes away.

“For someone who claims she’s not interested, you sure do seem to stare at him a lot.”

I feel my cheeks flame. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, hoping we can change the subject to something a little less embarrassing.

My gaze slowly drifts back to the ice before I realize it, and I nearly groan as I see Aiden bend low. That move is just not fair, and though I know there’s nothing at all sexual about it, my body doesn’t seem to get the memo.

The opening face-off snaps me back to reality, the sharp slap of sticks on the ice, a welcome distraction. Excitement courses through me as I lean forward, fully engaged. There’s just something about hockey that gets under my skin in a way other sports never have. I don’t know, but part of it is probably because I have a real personal stake in the outcome.

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