Page 25 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“No. There’s actually a lot happening right now.”
I don’t give her any details about joining in the efforts to help Maple Falls. Or about researching something called the Blue Rock Thrush. Hayley wouldn’t understand. And I’m not in the mood for an inquisition.
“Fine. Hurry and get it out of your system and get back here. It’s autumn in New York, and we have things to do.”
I smile to myself. “Okay.”
“I need to run, but let me know if Joshua calls again,” she orders.
“You’ll be the first to know.”
“Fiona—”
“What?”
She sighs. “Maybe you should hear what he has to say.”
I groan. “Hmm…I’ll think about it.”
After the call ends, I sit still for a few minutes wondering why Joshua is suddenly having a change of heart. And what’s even more surprising is I’m not sure I even care.
“It’s finally game day!” Aunt Dee squeals as we weave our way through the buzzing arena concourse. The hum of anticipation hangs in the air, and it’s electric as fans flood in from every direction. The smell of popcorn and fried food fills the chilly air.
The seats are filling up fast, and the place already feels like it’s vibrating with energy. It’s clear this isn’t just a gameto Maple Falls. This town takes its hockey very seriously, and I’m starting to understand why. It’s a chance for this tight knit community to come together and celebrate something good amid everything else.
Aunt Dee is fully in her element and decked out from head to toe in Ice Breakers merch. Her jacket is bedazzled, and her makeup includes bright blue eye shadow. Her ears are once again adorned with her hockey puck earrings. I lucked out because she has an entire wardrobe of Ice Breakers garb, and I’m wearing one of her jerseys, paired with a knit beanie featuring the team’s logo. Admittedly, I kind of love my outfit.
“This is insane,” I say, glancing around at the organized chaos. Fans are lined up at the concession stands and merch booths. Seeing all of this reminds me how important this town is to all these people.
“I told you tonight would be epic,” Aunt Dee says smugly, already snapping a few selfies. “The first game of the season is like Christmas. Now let’s get to our seats so we don’t miss the face-off.”
Face-off?I guess I need to study up on hockey lingo if I’m going to sit next to her at these games.
She practically drags me down the stairs to our row. As soon as we reach our seats, the first few cords of“Ice Ice Baby”pump through the sound system, and the entire building comes alive. Lights swirl across the ice to the beat of the music, and Aunt Dee immediately starts dancing in place, singing every single word. I laugh and join in on the chorus which is the only part of the song I know. There’s something incredibly entertaining about watching her do finger guns while mouthing every lyric with complete confidence.This is going to be quite an evening.
The lights dim further, and a booming echo fills the arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the inaugural home game of your NHL Maple Falls Ice Breakers!”
The crowd begins screaming, clapping, and stomping their feet. And I can’t help but feel just as excited. I’ve never seen anything like this. Every single person around me seems completely consumed by the moment.
“And now, let’s introduce tonight’s visiting team—the Great Lakes Vikings.”
A sea of boos cascades through the stands as the opposing team glides onto the ice. Aunt Dee leans over, launching into a rapid-fire breakdown of the Vikings’ roster, including top players, stats, and weaknesses in defense. I try to follow, but it’s all going over my head. I do admire her passion for the sport. I’m beginning to think she missed her calling, because her knowledge is astounding. I wonder how much time she spends studying all these facts.
“And now…the moment you’ve all been waiting for…” the announcer declares, dragging out the anticipation like he’s done this before.
Aunt Dee grips my arm like a giddy child waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning.
“It’s time,” she whispers, her eyes locked on the tunnel.
“Introducing your Maple Falls Ice Breakers!”
The lights blaze, and the music surges as one by one the team skates out onto the rink. The crowd goes wild, making the floor shake like an earthquake. My heart thuds in rhythm with the beat as we listen to the team introductions.
“Weston Smith,” the announcer calls, causing me to jump to my feet, clapping and yelling along with the rest of the fans. It’s surreal hearing his name echo across the stadiumbecause I know him. It almost feels like I’m friends with a celebrity.
“There’s yourfriend,” Aunt Dee teases, elbowing me with a knowing smirk.
