Page 60 of Afterglow
Theo’s smile became larger and brighter. “Yeah, Princess. That’s okay,”
“Now,” I begin. “What do you know about ice hockey?”
His face contorted leaving confusion written all over it. I point to different parts of the ice, explaining the different positions and rules of the game. Theo’s attention never wavers from me, nodding as he understands.
“So, what positions do Jay and Willow play?”
“Jay is a centre. He is the main playmaker for the team and starts the game with a face-off, where they try to get the puck. Willow floats between centre and winger. Wing is her best position as she has speed to her advantage,”
The lights shut off, leaving darkness to fall over the arena. The announcer read out the names of players asthey skate onto the ice. The away team is first. Theo and I see Willow immediately, her red braid sticking out like a sore thumb.
The crowd goes into uproar when the Lakewood Hawks take their place on the ice. The darkness fades away as the players resume their positions. Jay and Willow oppose each other in the middle of the ice for the face-off. The tension between them is palpable even from the sidelines, it’s as if I’m in the middle of their arguments.
The whistle blows and the two centres jump into action.
The game is a battle all the way to the end, with both teams having periods on top. The last period begins with Nevada and Lakewood tied with two goals each. Minutes are dwindling down when Willow’s teammate cuts her off, causing her to hit the ice.
Hard.
I gasp, my hand covering my mouth. I stand up, trying to see onto the ice.
“Hey, it’s okay.” Theo says. “Look, she’s moving.”
“Thank fuck,” I breathe out a sigh of relief, when I spy Willow skating towards the bench. She puts up a thumbs up, signalling to me she is fine.
I look back to Jayden. His face is red, his fists tightening. I’ve never seen him like this. Jay looks like he is going to kill Willow’s teammate.
The anxious thoughts swirling in my mind are stopping me from fully comprehending what happened. But, at first glance, it seems Willow’s teammate—Woods if thename on the back of his jersey is any indication—has knocked her out of the way so he can receive the puck.
Fucking asshole.
The game ends with Lakewood winning by one goal. I pat Theo’s thigh to grab his attention. “I’m going to check on Willow then we can leave,”
“I’ll come with you.” He interlaces our hands, before pulling me up.
I guide us to the barrier where Willow is leaning against. “Are you okay?”
She sighs. “Yeah, I’m fine. The team doctor thinks I might have a slight concussion and hairline fracture in my right wrist.”
My eyes fill with worry. This is the only reason I hate ice hockey. It’s dangerous. But every injury my best friend or brother sustains makes me work harder to pursue a career in sports psychology.
Before I can say anything, Willow continues. “Don’t worry. I’m fine,” she looks over my shoulder and raises her eyebrows. “I see you finally got your head out of your arse,”
“Hey!” I say as Theo bursts into laughter.
“Go home Jaz. And take your hot boyfriend with you,”
I look back to Theo, licking my lips. “I might take that advice,”
The walk back to Theo's car drags on forever, while his eyes don't move from mine as we enter. A smirk climbs on my lips as Theo begins the car. I lick my lips and he groans. The sounds increase as I touch his thigh, moving my hand closer and closer—
“Princess, you’re killing me here,”
For once, it is my turn to smirk. “Good,”
“I did want to take you on a proper date,” Theo says, his face hardening as he tries to stay in control.
“Dates are overrated,” I say, moving my hand to untuck his shirt. “Besides, we were just on a date.”
