Page 4 of Power Play Pursuit

I cheer on the players zooming across my TV screen, ecstatic when the Sharks score, especially when Lucas is the one to get the puck in the net.

The game ends 5–2 for the Sharks, and I do a little dance in my pajamas to celebrate. My phone pings on the table, and I pick it up, excited to talk to Lucas after his big win, but it’s only Marissa texting me to congratulate them on their first win of the season.

I wait about half an hour before trying to call Lucas. He’s not picking up, so I just send him a text instead. He’ll call me back when he’s able to. It’s always a little crazy after a game. As I curl up on the couch, I suddenly wish I could be there with him. Marissa goes to road games with the Raptors sometimes, and so does Hayley, another friend of mine who’s dating a player. But every time I suggest it to Lucas, he’s against it, claiming he needs to be focused. Still, being with him when he’s riding that winning high is always my favorite thing.

I put on a movie on Netflix to pass the time, yawning my way through the scenes., My eyelids are already drooping, but I really want to speak to Lucas before bed, no matter how much it’ll sting tomorrow morning.

When the movie credits roll, he still hasn’t called, and I’m starting to worry. Pacing back and forth in the living room, I call him again, and he picks up after a few rings.

“Hey! What’s up?” he asks, his voice casual.

I swallow hard, plastering a smile on my face, even if he can’t see it. “All good! Just wanted to say congratulations. It was a great game.”

“Thanks. Yeah, we did good. Great start to the season.”

“Absolutely.” I sit down on the couch. “Do you—”

I pause when I hear sounds of movement just off speaker. There’s giggling, then a not-so-quiet “shh” from Lucas himself.

“Are you at a party?” I ask, rubbing the back of my neck. Maybe he’s celebrating the first win with the guys.

“Huh? Why would you say that?” he replies quickly, and my throat goes dry. I know that tone. It’s theI’m lyingtone. TheI’m cheatingtone.

My pulse hammers in my chest, and my body starts to boil. “Are you serious right now? One night away, and you can’t keep it in your pants! I warned you I wouldn’t give you a third chance, Lucas.”

The only response is more giggling in the background and an inaudible conversation. Seriously? He’s not even paying attention to me. I catch him red-handed, and he doesn’t even have the decency to listen, or even defend himself.

“It’s not—” he starts, but I cut him off. Too little, too late.

“Don’t bother. I’ll be out of your place tomorrow morning.”

He lets out a frustrated sigh. “Beth, come on. Don’t be like that. I’m just hanging out with a couple of friends, that’s all. No need to get all jealous-possessive on me.”

I scoff. Me, jealous-possessive? Now that’s the news of the century. It’s not in my nature. I’ve never been one to check what he was doing or who he was with. But after finding out he cheated on me, I admit I’ve been a little on edge. Can you blame me?

My throat constricts as tears fill my eyes. “Bye, Lucas.”

Before he can reply, I hang up. You know the saying. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. And now, here we are, going on number three. It’s high time I put an end to this.

Yes, relationships are not always easy, but they shouldn’t be this hard either. Loving someone requires loyalty, respect, honesty. None of which Lucas is capable of, and I feel stupid for having taken so long to realize it.

3

"It’s like an intimate confetti cannon just exploded in here."

James Adler

Tonight is our home opener, and I’m pumped to be back on the ice with a packed arena. As much as I enjoy a little time off, hockey season is when I thrive.

Yet the moment practice is over, I still get in my car and drive to the Golden Age Nursing Home, twenty minutes away. With the season ramping up again, I won’t be able to come as often, so I want to make the most of the time I have left. My grandmaused to be a resident at the home, and I grew close to the other folks who live there.

As I walk in, I’m greeted with bright smiles by Lea and Maddie, who work at Golden Age.

“James! We weren’t sure you’d make it this week. They’re going to be excited to see you.”

Now, it’s my turn to smile. Because as happy as they are to have my company, I’m even more thrilled to spend time with them.

After a couple minutes of chitchat, I walk into the common room. It’s a large space with tables and sofas scattered around for the residents’ enjoyment during the day. There’s usually a wild card game being played, a focused chess game taking place, and several animated conversations being held.

---