Dak
Me: Hey Sleeping Beauty. Get that gorgeous ass out of bed. We’re supposed to be at the rink in an hour.
I don’t get any response to my text, which I kind of expected. I spent the rest of last night doing the most awesome dirty things I could think of to Trace. And by awesome, I mean by the time we were done we almost couldn’t breathe anymore.
I slipped out of her bed a little while ago and deciding she deserved the extra sleep, went home, showered and made us breakfast.
Me: Come on sweetheart. Up and at em. There’s bacon and eggs waiting for you. Opening my windows so you can smell the bacon.
I figure if anything will get her out of bed it’s food. Trace loves food.
Trace: I’m up. Just let me take a quick shower. you slave driver.
Me: No, baby. After last night, I’m your slave to command.
Trace: Yeah? I need to think about that. I don’t think there’s anything left for you to do to me…I mean for me. ;)
Me: That’s what you think.
Trace: Hmm. I’ll be right over. Don’t eat all the food!
***
Our first game is a thing of beauty. Textbook how to play to win. Everything is going right.
The last few seconds of the third period I’m moving from corner to corner behind the goal, setting up for the power play, looking for some open ice. Their defense is putting on the pressure. I pass down the left side to Dalt. He shoots it over to Batt, our right winger, and he passes back to me in the right corner. Dalt manages to split their defenders, leaving himself open. He’s ready when I shoot him the puck. Dalt takes the perfect shot on goal and we win 4-2.
Everyone in the arena is going crazy. My only thought is, I hope Trace is here. On our way into the locker room I search the bleachers and my eyes find her waving and jumping up and down. The big smile and excitement on her face have me feeling happier than winning the game. I put up five fingers to let her know I’ll be out in five minutes and she nods back.
I keep trying to make my way to the locker room. I can’t wait to get out of here and be with Trace. People are blocking our way, high-fiving us and congratulating us. You’d think we won the championship rather than the first game.
Next thing I know Bri’s in front of me, circling her arms around my neck and kissing me. “That was amazing. You guys destroyed them.” She has her lips against my ear so I can hear her over the noise of the crowd.
“Yeah. Thanks. It was a good game.” I smile, trying to be polite, but I wish she’d let me get by.
“I have no plans tonight. You want to get together? It’s been so long and I’m missing you, Dak.” She pouts and bats her lashes at me.
A few weeks ago, she wouldn’t need to ask twice. Like I said, Bri knows how to have a good time. But there’s only one girl I want to be with, even if we’re only going to sit on the sofa and watch GOT episodes.
“No. Sorry, Bri. Got somewhere to go. Thanks for the offer.” She doesn’t seem to be getting the message. I put my arm around her waist and pry her off of me and keep walking into the locker room.
The level of the adrenaline rush in the locker room is at Defcon 5. “Hey man. We’re going out for a few brews to celebrate. You comin’?” Dalt yells over to me.
“Nah man. Got plans!” I yell back while stripping off my gear.
“Oh yeah. I saw sweet Sabrina hanging all over you.” He smirks.
“No, dude. Not with Bri.” I peel the sweat-drenched pads off. When I look up Dalt is standing right next to me.
“Shit, man. You really got it bad for this chick, huh?”
“No. We’re just friends. Yeah, maybe. I don’t know,” I ramble because I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on.
I made promises to Trace, promises I thought would be no problem for me to keep. Except, now I’m feeling things I’m not supposed to be feeling. I opened a door I thought was chained and padlocked and I’m not sure I can close it again, or if I even want to.
“Shit. You’re so fucked. I hope you know what you’re doing, dude,” Dalt adds.
I hope I do too.