Page 16 of Penalty Shots
“We’re ready!” They say even louder.
“Then let’s go!”
On the ice, I'm well aware of the two people standing next to my sister as she snaps pictures looking very uncomfortable.
The women look like they could bite each other’s heads off at any moment if either one of them were to make a wrong move.
I look over at Ryker in the net. He’s shaking his head and hits his helmet.
Head in the game.
Yep. I’m on it.
I sink down as the puck drops, and we face off with the Thunderhawks at the start of the first period. I win the faceoff for our team. Fergie takes control of the puck and shoots it over to Vance MacDonald, one of the rookie players this season who rose to the top during training camp, earning his spot in the starting lineup. Vance rushes it over to the left of the Thunderhawk’s goalie. He shoots. It gets blocked.
Georgia takes the puck. Their fastest forward—Joshuamother freakin'—Hicks, takes it for a breakaway. I watch Rykersquare up. He drops it back to another teammate, who gets it closer before he drops it back to a third, who shoots it and scores.
Ryker never sees it coming, completely fooled by a series of back-to-back dekes.
I shake my head as the Thunderhawks rush to our old linemate to celebrate the first goal of the night. My eyes shoot over to Rina. She’s standing as still as a statue. Emotionless.
Jenny is leaning over and saying something to Izzy. Izzy nods her head in understanding.
She points her camera to the opposing team and I watch as she captures their excitement.
What the hell?
Hicks skates over to me. "Sorry, Lando. Wish I didn't have to kick your ass, but c'est la vie, bud." He shoots me his award-winning smile. And I shove past him as we regroup.
The period continues, with Georgia scoring two more goals before it’s over. The second we hear the buzzer, we get up from our places on the bench and walk down the corridor toward the locker room.
This is not good. Not good at all.
Once everyone is inside, Coach Murray joins us. He’s flanked by his two assistant coaches, who make way for Rina and Jenny.
Ah, shit.
“Boys, it’s only the first period,” he slides a hand into the pocket of his suit pants.“Chins up. Being behind just means there’s room for a comeback.”
Usually, the boys would be all about one of the coach’s inspirational talks, but as I look around at the faces of my teammates, I know everyone is distracted by the blonde elephant in the room.
Not that she’s an elephant by any means… she looks great, actually. But I willnevertell her that.
“Okay, Coach. I’m going to step in for a moment if you don’t mind.” Rina places a hand on his shoulder and steps forward.
“He’s right. You will turn it around next period. I know you, boys. When you want something bad enough… you fight hard for it. Something our new Marketing director will soon find out.” She motions to Jenny. “Heatwave, this is Jennyfer Cobbs. She now works for you to build this team's brand and make sure the Heatwave stays number one in the eyes of its fans with her marketing prowess. I want you to treat her like one of us. Do you understand?”
Ryker and I look at each other.Are they… friends?
Jenny steps up next to Rina. “Thank you, Mrs. Bon–sorry—Ms. Lopez. My apologies.”
Nope. Not friends. Rina might've married the soccer douche, but she never changed her name. Something I paid really close attention to. So that was a dig. But Rina doesn’t drop her facade. She pretends like it didn’t bother her in the least.
“I’m really looking forward to working with each and every one of you Heatwave players to make sure I help you look and be your best,” Jenny says.
Her eyes land on me and stay on me for a beat before she looks away.
I clear my throat. “Well, you can count on us,” I say, rising to my feet. “These boys are the best in the business.”