Page 160 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

Mr. Champion and the rest of the Operation Management learned about the incident through TikTok, the “new generation” way of hearing about the news than the actual news outlets. The incident became a whole big deal. They made it seem as if I was a heroic savior for doing my professional job in saving a child’s life.

It escalated after pictures of Jayce holding me while I was unconscious went viral, the shots eerily close up. I’m not sure who was around and able to take those high-quality photos at the perfect time when Jayce looks distressed and worried about my wellbeing, but it’s playing the narrative that Jayce has a mad crush on me.

Due to the incident, the guy’s practice was canceled, and they were given the weekend off.

It seemed like a good break for everyone until we got a call from Mr. Champion that plans had changed, and we unexpectedly had a home game on Monday.

A.k.a. the next day.

That’s why the guys were here in the gym and surprisingly sharing with their arch nemesis, Saskatchewan Pincers.

They had the right to be here because they booked it, but once the Vipers realized there would be a game Monday night, Coach Cyrus asked if they could let us share the time slot. The team had to get brunch and do some practice drills before the afternoon.

If I knew we’d be working out so early in the morning, I would have applied more makeup to hide more of my bruises from the frisky nights I shared with Maddox and Damien last night and the night before.

I haven’t been this energized in the sex department since my teen years when I lost my virginity to Maddox.

Yes. Maddox. Not Jayce. Long story for a rainy day.

Since that steamy night of fireplace and comfy couch heaven, we’ve tried to be more intimate whenever we had a moment’s chance. This weekend we were lucky things were calm, and my dad was okay with me not coming over to the house to spend the weekend with him and Coach Cyrus. We did talk, and I explained what really happened during the car incident.

He didn’t believe what the news channels were saying about the mother being under the influence or sleep deprived, but there was no video evidence to justify it differently. I really hoped the mother wouldn’t be charged, so little Jessica would continue to have her mother in her life, but the verdict was up to the police and the laws currently in place.

Unlike her, Jayce was getting fame and prayers of relief that he wasn’t hurt during the “collision.” Everyone was excited to see a Winchester on the ice. His family legacy was well known across Canada and even the United States, but I wonder how desperate they are to see him win.

What they’ll ignore as long as their golden boy reaches the top?

“McCurveyThighsForDays!”

The way I squeal and open my arms for my best friend has everyone looking at us. Mack jumps into my arms and knocks me on my ass in seconds.

“Bitch! I missed your ass so fucking much,” she practically sobs like this is some sort of reunion.

I pat her back and laugh before I correct her.

“Pucking, Bitch, and I missed your ass, too! We’re in the same field, in the same stadium, in the same dorm building, yet I haven’t seen your ass!”

“Don’t even remind me,” I plea as I squeeze her tightly. “I know we’ve been busy with our internships but man, it feels like months instead of a few weeks since we’ve seen each other.”

“Girl.” She pulls back to look at me. “You’ve become a social media hero in the last few weeks. Everyone’s talking about you, making TikToks, and even have Pinterest boards revolving around you, Maddox, and the douche!”

I have to smile at her continued need to remind me of how much she hates Jayce.

“I’m grateful not to be into the social media world,” I admit. “I hope I don’t ever need to join those platforms.”

“Girl, with how popular you’re getting, you may have to.” Mack gets off me before offering her hand. “Dakota’s apparently found a really good social media marketer from Moscow. She’s coming down to build both teams’ social media presence as a special internship.”

“Damn. From Moscow?” I’m speechless as I place my hand in hers and let her help me up.

“Yeah. I don’t know how rich this chick is but when I did some snooping, I learned she used to date the captain of one of the top hockey teams in Moscow, but things didn’t work out. I’m assuming it’s their age difference.”

“Age shouldn’t matter,” I point as I stretch my arms up. “Maddox and I are five years difference.”

“That’s apparently ‘okay’ in society’s standards,” Mack points out.

“And what’s considered out of proportion?”

“Ten years.” She leans in to whisper, “I think they were twelve years different. Basically, pedophile standard.”

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