Page 211 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
The EBUG song blasted and lights flashed. It was the songCalling for a Hero,which had been changed toCalling for an EBUG.
The crowd cheered. Everyone loved an EBUG.
“Let’s welcome Tyler Yamato, tonight’s emergency backup goalie. He’s making his PHL debut, filling in as goalie for the Motor City Gears. This is his second year taking part in the New York Knights’ goalie development program, and is a starting goalie for UNYC, where he’s in his last year and studying graphic arts. The Great Lakes Boaters have also drafted him. Get out there and show us what you can do,” the announcer continued. Ty’s picture, which had been taken during orientation, flashed up on the screen.
Ty skated out in a grey Gears’ jersey, UNYC pads, and a mask in Knights’ colors. I stood and cheered. He might be covering for the Gears, but still was one ofmine.
“IfourEBUG is covering the Gears, what happens if we need one?” Verity asked as play restarted.
“There’sneverbeen a game with two EBUGs in play. Present, but not playing. An EBUG in play is rare enough. Theoretically, since I’m here, they might ask me. Coach Kirov and Coach Dodd are also allowed to step in.” I took a big gulp of beer. “There’s usually at least one goalie on the ice crew.”
Coach K
Are you drunk? I’d understand if you were.
Me
Not drunk
Tired. A little thirsty. My feet hurt. But I was a university athlete. Two and a half beers was nothing.
Coach K
If we needed you, could you go in?
Understand if it’s no. I can see if Arden can stand by.
It was procedure.
Me
Put me in, Coach
Dean hadn’t let in any goals, and if something happened–which I hoped didn’t–we had JP.
Still, I stopped drinking beer, switched to water, and took some painkillers. Fatigue pressed down on me and I wished I’d taken an energy drink.
Things were getting rough again. Number 17 had the puck and barreled across the ice, knocking LeeAnn down. Vickers got inhis way. Number 17 passed to 16, who took the shot. I sucked in a breath. Austin had yet to make his first regular season PHL goal, and I didn’t want it to be during this game.
Dean caught it and I cheered. Austin said something to Dean, and Vickers smacked him, another fight starting.
The line changed. Grif stole the puck from number 18 and raced across the ice as the Gears chased himaroundthe Gears’ goal, where Ty valiantly watched for the puck, ready.
Defense came from the other side. Grif looked like he was passing it to Carlos, but instead hit it to Clark, who shot it into the goal.
Clark’s body stiffened as his goal music played and I could imagine how guilty he felt scoring on Ty. He might even saysorry.
But the Knightscouldn’tgo easy on Ty–and Ty knew it.
Spinning in my direction, Clark turned and made a heart with his hands. Oh, the cameras caught that. I made a heart right back. 3-0 and a goal for Clark. What an opening game.
Celine looked upset and held up her phone to let people know she was taking a call. It was probably work calling her out early.
A moment later, a steward in a Knights’ polo came over to me with a coffee.
“Thanks.” I took the coffee, frowning. It was nice, but why?
My phone buzzed right as Dean tripped one of the Gears, who tried to take him down with him.
