Page 30 of One Last Puck

“I know you miss Lafayette, and I know that damn Liam deserved that ass whupping, but don’t let those distractions take you away from what you’ve earned. You earned this. Do you understand?”

I looked into her eyes, finding a calm only my mom could help me find.

“Your mom’s right.” My pops cosigned. “Just remember why you started. Remember what you’ve earned, and play for the girl.”

My parents’ words settled over me like a warm blanket. “Remember what you’ve earned” played on repeat in my head.

“You’ve got this,” they both said in unison.

I took a deep breath, finally feeling the weight lift from my shoulders. My mom was right. I had earned this. Every time I stepped on the ice, it was because I had worked hard, sacrificed, and fought. As the sound of the crowd filtered through the walls, something became evident to me. If I wanted Lafayette Porter, I would have to earn her. I wrapped my arms around my mom and dad, feeling their support consume me.

“Thanks, parents. I needed that.”

“A parent’s job is never done!” my mom joked, kissing me on the forehead.

Pulling away, I felt lighter and ready to play some hockey.

“I better get on the ice, huh?” I said, walking backward to the elevator.

“You better. I got a lot riding on this, boy,” my dad called out, pulling my mom into his arms while she giggled and swatted him away.

“Y’all bet on me?” I smirked. “Let me find out y’all using my game stats for hanky panky time,” I joked.

“Mind your business, son,” my dad joked.

I headed back down the elevator, shaking my head. I entered the locker room ready to go. The sounds of clattering gear and excited chatter filled the air.

A few teammates greeted me as I entered.

“You good?” Coach asked.

“Yeah, let’s play hockey.”

I walked over to the bench and slipped into my skates, tightening the laces with new focus. I was ready to play with no distractions.

“Let’s go, boys!” Coach’s voice boomed in the center of the room.

I stood and gathered with the rest of my teammates in the middle of the room for the pre-game huddle.

“This is where this season’s story begins. Whether it ends with us holding the Stanley Cup, well, that’s up to you and what you do in between time. Let’s hit that ice hard! One team, one goal!”

“The Stanley Cup!” we all shouted, and the energy in the room was at a hundred.

For a moment, my mind cleared of everything but the game. I shouted my war cry, slapping my teammates on the back as we pumped each other up toward the ice.

“Please welcome your Richmond Penguins!” the announcer shouted, and the arena erupted in screams and cheers. As we stepped onto the ice, the roar of the crowd consumed me, drowning out all other thoughts. I was ready.

The puck dropped, and I was immediately swept into the game, watching the puck. Nothing mattered except the ice beneath my skates and stopping the other team from scoring. I looked up, catching a glimpse of the crowd as I moved back in front of the net.Lafayette?I rubbed my hand across my face and damn near slipped at the sight of the woman who had been on constant repeat in my brain. I didn’t know what she was doing here, but it was time to earn her.

“Ma,maybe I should have said no.”

I took a deep breath as I stepped into the hockey stadium. The sound of the crowd blended with my thumping heart.

“And miss the opportunity to be on television? I think not.” My mom shook her head. “Baby, this is a big opportunity.”

I sighed. She was right. This opportunity was too good to pass up, even if it did involve Jaxton Saint. I walked down the aisle to my seat. My heart was racing. Tonight, I was here on business. Someone over at GZN Sports thought reuniting me with Jax would be a good idea and enlisted me to get special game coverage tonight. I could have turned it down, but it was a paid gig with a chance to open more doors for me. My podcast was doing great, and winning the awards show contest hadincreased my following and upgraded my guest list. Still, I’d always dreamed of being on television, reporting games, and interviewing athletes. It was a dream, and this was a step in the right direction.

“Look, baby. The players are coming out!” my mom yelled as we took our seats.

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