Page 52 of Power Play Pursuit

“Oh no,” Mom whispers, and James’ knees start bouncing again, brushing against mine. I try to stay cool. It doesn’t help that they have heaters in this area, unlike the regular seats down below.

“What do you think?” I ask James.

He shakes his head. “Hard to tell from here. Wish I could see the tape.”

“That’s right. You always check the tape when there’s a goal review,” I say. “I’ve noticed that.”

He glances toward me, a hint of a smile on his lips. “You have, huh?”

I shrug. “Yeah. It made me curious. The other guys don’t do it.”

“I like to see what’s happening,” he says. “Those are always the longest minutes of the game. Plus, I have to start thinking of a retirement gig.” He grins, his knees still bouncing.

Finally, the referee skates to the center of the rink and extends one arm over his head, then points both arms toward the rink.

“Goal!” James bellows out, and he and my dad hug. “Let’s go,” he says, rubbing his hands. Then, glancing at me, he activates the Raptors pin again to make me laugh.

First intermission comes around, and my parents head to the restrooms together.

“Enjoying your night?” James asks me, bumping his shoulder with mine. “You’re kind of quiet.”

“What? Thought I’d be heckling the players or something?”

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “Something like that. You’re always so chatty, usually. I see you with the girls.”

I press my lips together. “You do? Shouldn’t you be paying attention to the ice?”

He smirks. “I can multitask.”

I shrug. “Well, you know how it is when us girls are together. Plus, Marissa is the heckler of our group.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” he says, chuckling. “Still, I thought you’d be more vocal, that’s all.”

“Well, it’s because my favorite player isn’t on the ice tonight,” I say, suddenly feeling brave. Although I’m really not sure where that came from.

“Favorite player, huh?” he asks, eyes lighting up. “I’m touched.”

“Who said I was talking about you?” I arch an eyebrow.

“I’m the only one out right now. Besides, I’m pretty sure it’s my name on your back.”

I bite my lip. “Yeah, it is. Don’t tell the other players.”

All of a sudden, a clamor erupts around us, and someone next to us points to the jumbotron. There we are, James and I talking. Then, the words “Lookalike Cam” appear, and an official NHL picture of James is displayed next to him, making everyone laugh.

“Oh, Ben’s being funny tonight,” James says, waving at the crowd, who cheer even louder before the video moves to a guy who looks a lot like Keanu Reeves.

My parents come back from the restrooms, and I take the opportunity to go as well—before Ben switches to the Kiss Cam and tries to be funny again.

24

"Mom, you’re not showing my—you’re not showing James pictures of me naked."

James Adler

I’ve been feeling a lot better these past few days. I’m glad Elizabeth thought of me for her Dad’s birthday surprise, because it was as much a treat for me as it was for him. I’m excited to see them again tonight, even if Elizabeth has tried to cancel twice already.

“Pretty house,” I say to Elizabeth as we get out of the car. “I’m excited to see where you grew up.”

---