Chapter 21: Chapter 21

AVERY

I’m at a loss for what to wear as I scrutinize my reflection in the mirror. It’s fifteen minutes to noon and Reed will be here any minute.

I’m questioning my choice of black leggings and an oversized gray sweatshirt. It feels hockey appropriate, but it’s hardly cute.

I’m equally clueless about my hair. I’ve tried a few styles, pulling it up or letting it fall around my shoulders, before finally settling on pulling some strands back with a sparkly clip.

Just as I’m swapping the leggings for a pair of dark, acid-washed skinny jeans, there’s a knock at the door.

“Hold on,” I call.

I hurry downstairs and open it to find Reed standing there. He greets me with a grin, his hands concealed behind his back.

“You’re not ready yet?” he teases, glancing down at my bare feet.

“I’m not sure what to wear. I’ve never been to a hockey game.”

“Well, you’re definitely not wearing that.” He gestures toward my sweatshirt.

“And why not?” I cross my arms defensively, meeting his gaze.

“Because”—he reveals his hidden surprise—“I got you something better.”

It’s a hockey jersey, similar to the one he’s wearing. The bold black-and-yellow stripes practically leap off the white fabric. The large ~B~ in the center is eye-catching.

“How did you know my size?” I ask as I take it from him.

“I asked Olive. Now go put it on so we can get going.”

“Aren’t we going to be really early?” I ask, heading for my room.

“We’re heading to Boston. That’s where the Bruins play.”

~Boston? He never mentioned going to Boston.~

Back in my room, I quickly change into the jersey and am pleasantly surprised by how well it fits. The fabric hugs my curves and feels great against my skin. There’s even a cute lace-up detail at the neck that adds a little feminine touch. It’s stylish and warm, perfect for a chilly ice rink.

After slipping into my sneakers, I check my reflection one more time. I look like a die-hard hockey fan.

When I reenter the living room, Reed is lounging on the couch. His eyes light up when he sees me in the jersey.

“Now, you’re ready for some hockey. It fits you perfectly.”

“Thank you.”

He grins. “Let’s go. My car’s parked out front.”

***

The drive to Boston is smooth. Reed even lets me pick the music and choose the fast-food place we stop at on the way.

By the time we find our seats, I’m buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere is electric with the thousands of rowdy fans filling the arena. The stands are a sea of black-and-yellow jerseys. Some fans have painted faces, others have painted bellies, and nearly everyone has a beer in hand.

Reed leans in to be heard over the crowd.

“So, what do you think?”

“It’s…different,” I say, watching a couple making out two rows below us.

He laughs when he spots them. “Yeah, the energy can be pretty wild. They seem to be enjoying themselves though.”

I shake my head and scan the crowd for other sights.

“The game’s about to start. I’m going to grab some snacks. Want anything?” Reed asks as he stands.

“No, I’m good. Thanks.”

“Back in a flash.” He nods and heads up the stairs.

While he’s gone, I text Olive.

Avery

WE’RE AT THE GAME!

She replies almost instantly.

Olive

How is it? Spill!

Avery

He got me a jersey.

Olive

Aww. Are you guys matching?

Avery

Yep. It fits perfectly, and I look good if I do say so myself.

Olive

And the rest? How’s the arena?

Avery

It’s insane here! It’s loud and people have painted their faces and bellies with words I haven’t been able to make out yet. I’ve never seen anything like this.

Olive

Wait! Painted bellies? Pic, pls.

Avery

Olive, I can’t just take a picture of some stranger. That’s rude.

Olive

Do it if you love me!

I wait for the right moment and snap a picture of the painted fans a few rows to my left before sending it to Olive.

Olive

Why is it never the in-shape guys? They’re definitely passionate fans though.

Avery

You have no idea. I’ll send more when I can.

Olive

Where’s Reed?

Avery

He went to get snacks before the game starts.

Olive

Are you excited? Hockey can be brutal.

Avery

Have you ever seen one of Reed’s fights? That’s brutal.

Avery

I am kinda excited. This is going to be fun.

Olive

And I bet being with Reed has nothing to do with your enthusiasm, right?

Avery

Oh, stop it!

Olive

I hope you guys have a blast. Can’t wait to hear all the juicy details. Love you, babe.

Avery

Love you too!

Olive

Oh, and watch out for the kiss cam! They love to seek out unsuspecting victims.

Avery

Excuse me? Kiss cam?

Avery

Olive?

Avery

Olive?!

But she doesn’t text back.

~She did that on purpose. Is a kiss cam what it sounds like?~

Reed returns a moment later, his arms laden with an assortment of snacks.

“I know you said you weren’t hungry, but I got you some stuff anyway.” His smile is infectious. “Popcorn, M&M’s, and a drink.”

My stomach rumbles in response, betraying my earlier claim of not being hungry. I chuckle as he settles into his seat.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” He winks at me, then starts attacking the giant pretzel he’s holding.

The lights in the stadium dim, and booming music fills the air. Bright, colorful graphics flash across the screens as a man with a charismatic voice announces the starting lineup for each team.

The crowd goes wild as the hockey players skate onto the ice. There’s a thrilling charge that rushes through the stands, every fan eager to see their team compete. It’s intoxicating.

“You ready for this?” Reed nudges my elbow with his.

“Oh yeah,” I reply, just as the puck drops.

***

The Bruins are leading 3-0 at the end of the first period, thanks to a hat trick scored within the first ten minutes of the game.

“What’s a hat trick?” I ask.

“It’s when the same player scores three times. Doesn’t usually happen this quickly though. The Bruins are on fire tonight.” He stands. “I need to hit the restroom. Want to come with?”

“Yes.”

We make our way up the steps, passing food vendors and team merchandise stands. The area around the restrooms is packed with people. We elbow our way through, and Reed tells me he’ll meet me back in front in a few minutes before disappearing into the men’s room.

I’m out of the women’s room quickly, leaning against the tiled wall and waiting for Reed. A fan wearing a red-and-white jersey smiles at me from the hotdog stand. Not wanting to be impolite, I return his grin.

He breaks away from his friends and comes toward me.

“Hi there,” he says.

“Hi,” I mumble back, scanning the crowd for Reed.

“Bruins fan, eh? Been to many games?” he asks as he gives my outfit an appreciative once-over.

“This is my first one,” I reply.

“You here with your boyfriend?”

I can’t help but chuckle at the thought.

~Boyfriend. As if.~

“Just a friend,” I say, instantly regretting it when I see hope light up in his eyes.

But before he can make a move, Reed emerges from the crowd.

“Ready to head back?” he asks, sliding his arm around my shoulders as he notices the stranger.

“You’re Reed Everett!” the guy exclaims.

Reed’s whole demeanor changes and he grins. “I am.”

He gushes about watching Reed’s matches for a few minutes, and Reed thanks him for being a fan.

“I was so bummed when you retired, man,” the fan says as his friends shout at him that it’s time to go.

A flash of sadness crosses Reed’s face. “Yeah…me too. Well, we have to be getting back to our seats. Enjoy the rest of the game.”

Reed takes my hand and leads me through the crowd and back down the stairs in silence.

We make it back to our seats just as a spotlight starts scanning the stands. It lands on Reed, who looks up at the big screen to see the words ~FLEX CAM~ flashing beneath his image.

He flashes a cocky grin, standing up and lifting his jersey to reveal his toned abs. The crowd goes wild, and Reed basks in the attention. It’s clear he misses being in the spotlight. The camera moves on after a moment to find another victim.

I giggle. “You just loved that, didn’t you?”

He shrugs, playing it cool. “Gotta give the people what they want. You loved it too, Avery. Don’t lie.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t deny the blush creeping up my cheeks. Reed’s body is a masterpiece.

The spotlight highlights two more people before disappearing for a moment. When it returns, it finds us again. This time, the words ~KISS CAM~ are displayed in hearts on the big screen.