Page 51 of Shutout
“It’s not like I’m complaining that we lost our first game. Our opponents are the reigning champions and they’re just tough, you know? But…” I trail off because this saucepan has some gunk I just can’t get out. “What the hell did you cook on here?”
“That one wasn’t me. It was Mina, grilling pig intestines on it.” I gag and she starts laughing. “I’m kidding, it was regular sausages for breakfast.”
I dry heave again anyway. Suddenly the smells are a little less tolerable.
“Surely you’ve seen worse at a house packed of gross jocks?” She’s still laughing, and I guess I’m glad it’s helped dispel the weird mood I incited. Pretty sure Mina would be extra pissed at me if she found out I tried to make a pass at Liv.
“Well, yeah. But I won’t give you any details because then you’ll be the one puking your dinner.”
“Gah. Back to hockey.”
“Right.” I shake my head, grinning even though getting back on the topic should make me miffed. “What was I saying?”
“You’re allegedly not complaining.”
“I’m not. But I just wish the rest of the team cared half as much. Especially the seniors.” I lean my head back and close my eyes, sighing. The good mood’s vanished. “Yet, they’re pissed that I was made captain even though they just don’t care enough to even deserve a jersey.”
“So, let me get this straight. They’re lazy but self-entitled?”
“Pretty much, yeah.” Just like their buddy Liam Roberts. But that’s not a name I’ll ever bring up in her presence.
“They sound like the opposite of you. No wonder you’re annoyed.”
I gasp. “Was that a compliment just there?”
“Yes.” She gives me a look like I’m possibly having my biggest blimbo moment. “Brooke, you do know you’re at the level of your heroes, right? I’m surprised the pros are even letting you finish college.”
I blink hard. “I, uh….”
Liv’s eyes leave mine to focus on the pot lid she’s drying. “I’ve watched your games.”
“But you weren’t there tonight.”
She glances up at me again and I don’t care to correct my slip up.
Yeah, I noticed. I’ve been looking for her in the stands my whole life, even when I knew she wouldn’t be there.
“I mean…” She glances back down. I try to focus on the remaining dirty dishes as she speaks. “Back during the Dark Age—that’s what I’m dubbing the last year and a half—I still watched your games sometimes. Not in person, but on the computer.”
“Huh. Why?”
Liv shrugs. “I just wanted to make sure you didn’t get hurt.”
Shit.
Why is my whole body tingling?
Especially behind my eyes?
My voice is garbled as I say, “So let me get this straight. Even though you hated me, you still kept tabs on me?”
“I never hated you.”
My pulse spikes the way it does when I’m about to deliver a heavy check against the boards.
“And you think I’m a good player.”
“Yes, purely from an objective standpoint. If you keep it up, you’re going to have one of the most amazing careers in the pros. And that… that’s terrifying.”
