Page 42 of Press Your Luck

He shrugged. “Soccer because Mom says I need to get out and learn sportsmanship.”

“You don’t like sportsmanship?”

He shrugged again and sipped his juice.

“How about hockey?”

He gave me a look like he thought I was lame. Was it for playing hockey or because I was trying to connect with him?

“In hockey there’s a lot of aggression.” I was sure this wasn’t what Jeannie had in mind when she sent him to me.

He studied me. “Like fighting?”

“Sometimes. But that could get you thrown from the game. Mostly, we just check... run into players. Knock ’em down.”

He didn’t look impressed. “You’re not the first hockey player I’ve met. Mom has lots of hockey player friends.” He saidfriendsin a way that let me know Jeannie continued to entertain hockey players like me. Hockey teams could be like rock bands. Women liked to meet ’em and fuck ’em.

“You’re the oldest, though.”

Great. Now he was calling me old. “Have you played?”

He shook his head.

“Maybe I could teach you.”

He shrugged. “Whatever.”

Okay. I’d had enough.

“Can I watch TV now?”

I nodded. “I’ll make us some pancakes.”

He was out of the chair and into the living room faster than a puck across the ice.

I sighed. In a moment, my life had changed, and I didn’t know what the fuck to do about it.

20

Naomi

Afew weeks later, we were in Providence, Rhode Island. The energy was electric as our team crushed the competition, adding another win to our growing streak. With each win, our momentum grew stronger, and I was finally feeling confident that we could go all the way and win the season. And maybe I’d finally get attention for wins, not my fake relationship with Max.

When the team had cleaned up, we all headed back to the hotel.

“We should get drinks to celebrate,” Max said as he stopped near the bar.

“You buying?” a player joked.

“My own beer, yes.”

With a laugh, Max and the rest of the team entered the bar.

“Coming, Coach?” Max asked. I realized it was the first time I’d been invited by the team to join in their celebration.

“Sure. Why not?”

We took up most of the bar. A few drinks in, and it was likely this rowdy bunch would be asked to leave, but until then, we’d celebrate as a team.

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