SlapshottotheHeart
You give me that end of the third power play, tied game, hat trick, full of butterflies kind of feeling...
Cassandra -Hockeyrunsinmyblood.Myfathercoachedandplayed,mymothercoached,andallmybrothersplay.So landingasocialmediamanagerjobwithTheWolfmontVikingsisadreamcometrue Butlikeanyfairytalewilltellyou, there’salwayssomething…orinmycase,somebodytryingtogetintheway.Andmyproblem’snameisLucasSarkozy.“The badboyoftheleague”.Hehashissightssetonmeandisreadytotakemedown.Butonesteamytimeinthelockerroom…and thingshavechanged.Canwescoreagoal?Orwillthisendinthepenaltybox?
Lucas -Afterlastyear’stragedywithanotherhockeyplayer,myhearthasfrozenover Hockeyismyfocus,myonlyfocus The managementofmyteam,TheWolfmontVikings,hasotherideas.Unfortunatelyforme,theirideaofagoodhireismyworst nightmare.CassandraD’amatoisthelastpersonIwantedtoseeinmylockerroom.Astimegoesby,Islowlyletmywalls downandgiveintomylustfuldesires Butthecursestrikesagain,andI’micedout DoIhavewhatittakestopushforward?
OrwillIloseitall?
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1 Cassandra
2.Lucas
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5 Cassandra
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8 Lucas
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14 Lucas
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VISIT MYSPOTIFYHERETO LISTEN
WEAREVIKINGS –PEYTON PARRISH
INSANELYILLEGALCAGEFIGHT –DALAT,JACKSON ROSE
GHOST REALITY–MONCRIEFF
MORALLYGREY–APRAILJAI,NATION HAVEN
POMPEII MMXXIII–BASTILLE,HANS ZIMMER
ANOTHERLOVE–TOMODELL
EASYON ME–ADELE
DARKTHOUGHTS –THEFUNERALPORTRAIT
WILDEST DREAMS (TAYLOR’S VERSION) TAYLORSWIFT
RED FLAG –CLOUDYJUNE
REBELCHILD –DYLAN
HIGH–STEPHAN SANCHEZ
BEFOREYOULEAVEME–ALEXWARREN
LOVESTORY(TAYLOR’S VERSION)–TAYLORSWIFT
BEAUTIFULTHINGS –BENSON BOONE
KARMA(FEAT.ICESPICE)–TAYLORSWIFT,ICESPICE
DID I TAKE MY meds today? Did I turn my straightener off? What if I didn’t lock my door…? No. No, you ’ re fine,
Cass That’s the nerves talking I’mstandinginfrontoftheLangskipArena,homeoftheWolfmontVikingsIceHockeyteam Theyareoneofthetopteamsin theOfficialHockeyLeague.AndhereIam,readytostartmyfirstdayastheirsocialmediamanager;My dream job. Themanager,RoryLancaster,walksovertome.“Cassandra?”
“That’sme!”
“Nicetomeetyou”Heputshishandouttoshake “Let’sgetrollingbeforetheteamcomesin”Weheadinsidetheareaandhe guidesmetothelockerroomarea.“Yourofficeisrightinherewiththerestofus.HereattheWolfmont's,webelievewe’re allateam,soofficesarerightwiththeguys.Hopeyoudon’tmind.”
Ishrug.“Igrewupintherink.Fiveolderbrothersandadadwhoplayed.Thisislikeasecondhome.”
Roryturnstolookatme “That’sright Ourhiringmanagermentionedyoucomefromahockeybackground Remindmeofyour lastnameagain?Sorry,we’vegonethroughatonofsocialmediapeople.”
“D’amato.”
“DadisGeorge?PlayedfortheVoltage,right?Youroldestbrother,Joey,playedforthemaswell.Andtheotherfour…they’re eitherintheleagueorcomingup”
Inod.“Yes,sir.Sohockeyrunsinmyblood.”
“Sorryaboutyourbrother.It’sarealshame.Naturaltalentlikehehadonlyhappenedeverysooften.”
“Hediedplayingthegame.Hewasinhishappyplace.”Roryarcheshiseyebrows.“Areyougoingtobeokayworkinghere?I mean,afterall thiswastheteam-“
Iputmyhandup “Itwasanaccident I’vemademypeacewithwhathappened” “Okay. Just making sure. The teamhas a therapist on site, so if you ever are feeling not so great about it, please use her services.”
“Thankyou”
Hehalfsmiles “Alrightythen Uh here’sthelockerroom”Rorywavesmeinside “Yourofficeisrightthere Now,Ihaveto warnyou, the captainis nothappyabouthavingyouhere. He’s nota fanofsocial media, and certainlynota fanofhaving womeninthelockerroom.Sodon’tlethimgettoyou.Dropyourbagsinthere.Theguyswillbehereinfive.”
IsmileatRory “Icanhandlehim We’rebothheretodoajobandIcanrespectthat Thisistheir world,andIjustwantto documentit”
“Hopefullyheseesitthatwaytoo…”
“Ipromisenottogetintheirway.”
Rorychuckles “Alright I’mgoingtoheadupstairs Makeyourselfcomfortable Thisisyourhomenow” Iheadintomyofficeandfindmyofficiallanyardwithmycredentialsonmydesk.TheyhadalreadytakenmypicturebeforeI startedtodayinaniceteampolo.IplaceitovermyheadasIheartheguyscomingintothelockerroom.I’vegotmyofficial zip-upjacketonwithmyblackleggings,cuteteamcoloredsneakerstoboot. Butnothingcouldhavepreparedmefor them Iknew theywere all big, butdamn. Theyare literallythe size ofVikings;fromthe longhair,to the beards,to their massive bodies.That'swhyotherteamsaresoterrifiedofthem.MaybetheyreallyareVikings… Ismileastheyallcomein,takingtheirseatsonthebenches.Thecoach,LarryGraham,comesovertome.Myfamilyandhego wayback,soit’snicetoseeafamiliarface “Nicetoseeyouagain,Cassie.Gladtohaveyouhere.”
“Youtoo,CoachGraham.”
Heturnstotheguys.“Listenup!ThishereisCassandra.She’sthesocialmediagirl.Befuckin’nice.”
Istepnexttohimandgivetheteamalittlewave “Hey,guys LikeCoachGrahamsaid,mynameisCassandra,butyoucancall meCassie.I’mwickedexcitedtobehereandlookforwardtoworkingwithyouall.”
Thebiggestmotherpucker intheroomstandsup. LucasSarkozy.Teamcaptain.Draftedrightoutofcollege.Pickedfirstround.Nastyplayer,andevennastierattitudeofftheice. Hewalksuptomewithasinisterlook “Havealastname,Cassandra?” Ishiverunderhisglare.“Yup.D’amato.”
“Great.That’swhatyou’llbecalledsinceyou’reinthelockerroom…likeaguy.”
Theotherplayerssnickerbehindme.
“That’s finewithme Igrew uparoundhockey,soyour ‘locker roomtalk’won'tbother me”Ipushpasthimandlookatthe otherguys.“I’myournewsocialmediamanager.I’llbetakingpictures,doinginterviews,helpingmakesomefunvideos;allso yourfansfeelmoreconnectedtoyou.MydadwasGeorgeD’amatoandplayedforthevoltage,asdidmyoldestbrotherJoey. Myotherfourolderbrothersplayhockeyaswell.”CoachGrahamclaps,glaringattheothersastheyslowlyclap.“Excitedto haveyouhere,kiddo!”
“Thankyou I’llputasign-upsheetonmydoorand-“
Lucasinterruptsme.“Wedon’thavetime.We’reheretowinthefuckin’cup.Notmakestupidvideos.Thisisserioushockey, notthosejokesonlinewhodanceduringicetime.”Heturnstohisteammates.“Let’sfuckin’go.”Hestormsouttotherink,the otherguysslowlyfollowinghim CoachGrahamsighsandpatsmeonthebackashepassesme “They’llcomearound,don’t worry” “Notworriedatall.They’llwarmuptome.”
“Attaagirl.Ifyouhaveanyissues,comerighttome.Igotyourbackhere,kiddo.”
He pats me onthe backandheads outtothe ice Noddingmyhead,Itake one lastlookatmyoffice and headoutto follow them,camerainhand
LucasSarkozy,mayhethinkhehastheupperhand,butI’mheretoprovehimdeadwrong. CassandraD’amatoisn’tonetobackdownfromafight.
THEICEBENEATHMYskates putmymindbacktogether. Why the fuck did they hire D’amato’s little sister? Is this some sort of sick joke? And why is she so goddamn pretty…?
Two years ago we were playing the Voltage when the unexpected happened It was a mistake, a freak accident Once in a lifetime type of situation. My mind plays back the incident, like a fucked up back-to-back double feature at the movies. He won’t move….
Coachcallsmeovertothebench,snappingmeoutofanotherspiralingwalkdownshittymemorylane “Sarkozy!”Iskateover andheshakeshishead.“GottaplaynicewithCass!She’sagoodkid,beenthroughalot.Nottomentionthebigguysaregettin’ pissedthatyou’verunoffeverysinglesocialmediahire.”
“I’mheretowinafuckingcup It’snotinmycontracttomakestupiddancevideos”
Heshakes his head.“Look.Iknow.Just…benicetoher abit.Everythingwill bedoneduringdowntime,never interrupting practiceorgames.Deal?”
Ilookaround,thenbackathim.“We’llsee.I’mnotmakinganypromises.”
“Don’tdothis,Lucas.Icanpullyouofftheice.”
“Theyshouldn’thavehiredher” Coachsighs “It has nothingto do withyou She’s our best candidate Maybe youneed to come off the ice and talkto the therapist.”
Shakingmyhead,Iskateoffandwhistleattheguys Theycomeskatingovertohuddleup
“Thebigwigsthinkourteamisafuckingjoke.HiringD’amato’slittlesistertobethefuckinginternetgirl.”
Ourgoalie,Hans,pipesup “Dude Joeyisdead Wecanbealittlenicetoher”
“No.Herbrotherpassingduringagameagainstuslastyearisn’tareasontotreatherlikealittlepuckbunnyprincess.We’re
heretowin Ifyouwannamakestupidvideos,getthefuckofftheteam”Ilookaroundtoseethemall puttheirheadsdown “Good.Nowlet’sgetbackoutthere.”
We practice for hours, Cassandra watchingour everymove. We don’tneed pictures or videos ofus practicing. How is that goingtohelpanything?Fanswanttoseegames,notthisshit.
Iwatchasshewalksbackintothelocker roomaspracticewindsdown,formulatingaplaninmyheadtogiveher alittle scare.
Idon’twanther here.Idon’twanttobe remindedeveryfuckingdayofJoey.This is supposedtobe peace,myrefuge.And nowthat’sruined
Walkingintothelockerroom,Icheckthesign-upsheetandchuckletomyself.Notonepersonhassignedupatall.ButIknow thatwon’tstopD’amatofromtrying.Soit’suptometogetherawayfromourarenaandrunningbackhome.
Sittingonthebench,Inodtotheguysastheywalkouttoheadhome.Butme?Myassisstayingrighthereuntilit’sjustmeand thepreciouspuckbunny Alone
Oncethelockerroomisempty,Istandandwalkclosertowhereherofficeis.CassandraiscompletelyobliviousthatI’mright outsideherdoor.She’shummingtoherselfasshepacksherbags,asmuglookonherface. Soarrogant.Sosmug.Thisgirlthinksshe’sdonesomethingbybeinghere.Likethisisn’tthebiggestslapinthefaceforme.I mean,fuck Whatwouldherbrotherthink?Couldn'thisdamnteamhavehiredher?
Istepbackasshewalkstothedoor.Sheturnsherbackasshestepsback,lockingthedoor.Whensheturns,shebumpsright intome.
“Oh!Sosorry,Ididn’tseeyouthere.”
Notsayingaword,Itakeastepforward,D’amato’sbackhittingthedoor “Uh,canIhelpyouwithsomething?”
Iputmyhandsoneithersideofherhead,cagingherinwithnoescape.GoosebumpsrundownherarmsandIlookdownather, rightintohergorgeouseyes.
Gorgeous eyes? Fuck Get it together, Sarkozy
“Yeah Tonight,you’regoingtowriteyourletterofresignationandneverstepfootinthisarenaagain” Shescoffs.“Excuseme?”
“DidIstutter?Wedon’tneedyouhere,nordowewantyouhere.”
“Thentakeitupwiththebigguysupstairs Youarenotinchargearoundhere Idon’tknowwhatyourproblemwithmeis,but itseemstobealittletoopersonal”
I slammyhand against the wall, makingher jump. “Youknow why! Is this some sort of sickfuckin’joke to youand your family?Useyourconnectionstogetinhereandfuckwithme?”
Sheshakesherhead “You’reinsane Iappliedtoalltheteamswithopenings Thishasnothingtodowithwhathappenedlast year Itwasanaccident ”
“That’showwe’regonnaplay?Yougotsomeballs,Cassandra.Don’tfuckingshowuphere.Everagain.” Iturnonmyheel andwalkaway,hopeful thatour littleinteractionmadeapoint.I’mdoubtful thatshe’ll show uptomorrow. Walkingtomytruck,Ihopinandheadtomyapartment
Wehaveacuptofocusonandwedon’tneedCassandraD’amatofuckingupthoseplans AndIcertainlydon’tneedhermessingwithmyheadlikeearlier.Shemaybepretty,butafterwhathappenedwithherbrother,I justcan’tbringmyselfto evenbe near her. Imean, fuck. She would never wantto be withme, anyway. Whatkind ofsister
wouldbeattractedtothesamemanwhokilledherbrother?
IknowImayhavehurtherfeelings,butit'snecessary.Noroomforerrors.Noroomforfeelings. Cassandracan'tworkhere.Pointblank.
Anyway,afterwhatIjustdidtoher,IhavenodoubtJoey'spuckbunnyprincesswillevershowherfaceinthisarenaagain.
ISITSMUGLYINmyoffice,waitingforSarkozytoarrive.Mydooriswideopensotheteamcanseemeassoonasthey walkin.
He thought he could intimidate me like that? That I would just walk away from my dream job? Well, he’s about to learn a hard lesson on the resilience and stubbornness of Cassandra D’amato. Icanhear the teamcominginandsitupstraight,thatsmugsmile onmyface.As the guys come throughthe door,they’re all laughingandjokingwitheachother,notevenbotheringtolookintomyoffice.
ThenLucasSarkozywalksthroughthedoor Hissmilefaltersashelooksupandmakeseyecontactwithme Hisgreyeyesturn darkandstormyashepushespasthisteammates,stormingintomyoffice. Heslamsthedoorshutbehindhim,slamminghishandsonmydesks,leaningdowntogetinmyface.
“WhatthefuckdidItellyou?”
Ishrug “I’veneverbeengoodatlistening”
Lucaspointsinmyface.“Wedon’tneedyouhere.”
“Yes,youdo.Youneedasocialmediapresence.Yourfanswanttoconnecttoyou.”
He shakes his head. “No. We don’t need to connect like that. They come to the games and see us fucking win, that’s connecting”
IrollmyeyesasIstandfrommydesk.“Verymature.”Ipointtothesign-upsheetonmydoor.“Pickaspot.Sarkozy.”Walking out,Icallout.“Horne!Comeoninandlet’sdoyourinterview.”
HesmilesashewalkspastLucas,ploppingdowninmyofficechair.“Let’sdothis,sweetcheeks.”
Laughing,Ipointouttowardtherink “Let’sdoitoutthere Ithinktheicewouldbeasuitablebackdrop I’llgrabmycamera andtripodandmeetyououtthere”
HorneheadsoutandLucasstepsinfrontofme.“Don’tdothis,D’amato.”
“You’renotthebossofme,Sarkozy.”
Ipushpasthimandheadouttotherink Horneisontheice,doingsomebasicskatingdrills Igrabmyphoneandtakesome quickvideosandpicstopostwithhisinterview
Hecomesskatingover,iceflyingallover.“Ready?”
“Onlyifyouare.I’llsetupthetripodonthebenchandyoucanstand?Orwecandoittheoppositewayifyouwannasit.” “I’llsit”
HornetakesaseatasIsetupthetripodandcamera Istandbehinditandclickontherecord “Alright.Let’sstartwithyourname,number,position,andteamyouplayfor.”
Hesmiles.“Heythere.I’mTimotheeHorne,rightwingerfortheWolfmontVikings.Numberfourteenbaby!”
Ilaughashepumpshishandsintheair “Perfect Thefanswilllovethat Howdidyougetintoplayinghockey?”
“Igrew upinasmall Canadiantownwherehockeywaswhatweall livedfor.PlayedsinceIcouldwalk.Pondhockey,tiny tots,younameit,Iplayedit.GotascholarshiptoplayforBleakdaleUniversity,goducks!” “Tellmeaboutyourself.Whatdoyouliketodooutsideofhockey?”
Hechuckles “There’salifeoutsideofhockey?Ha,justkidding Ienjoyspendingtimebackhome I’mactuallybigintoreading andI’manamateuralienresearcher.”
“Wow,tellmeaboutthat.”
“Aliensarereal.Butthey’recoollittlegreendudes.They’recomingandwegottaberealchillaboutthem.Treatthemlikethey grewhere,notliketheyflewhere,yaknow?”
Inodmyheadwhilestiflingmylaugh.“Absolutely.Ihadagreattimegettingtoknowyoutoday,andI'msurethefanswillbe excitedtohearmorefromyou!”
Iturnthecameraoff,andTimstandsup.“Hey,don’tletSarkozygettoyou.He’sanassholetoeverybody.” “Eh,it’sokay Igrewupwithfiveolderbrothers,sothisisnothingtome”
“Look..I’mreallysorryaboutJoey.He,uh-“
Ishakemyhead,puttingmyhandup.“It’sokay.We’vemadepeacewithit.” “Okay.Justknow,weallmourned.Joeywasanamazingplayer.”
Smiling, Inod “Thathe was He died doingwhathe loved Itis whatitis Imiss mybrother everysingle day, butIdon’t harboranyresentmentagainstSarkozyortheteam.IfIdid,Iwouldn’tbehereworkingwithyouall!”
Hornechuckles.“Gotapoint,Cassie!I’mheadingbackontheice.Therestoftheguysshouldcomeoutsoon.”
Iwatchas he skates off, the restofthe teamslowlycomingoutas well. Sarkozycomes outlast, glaringatme as he skates aroundtherink
Sighing, I packup mythings and walkbackinto myoffice. Joeydied doingwhat he loved; playinghockey. Withas many concussionsashehad,itwasonlyamatteroftime.Lucas’shitjusthappenedtobethefinalone. I'veheldnoill-willagainstthisteam,orSarkozyhimself.Accidentshappen.Thiscanbeadangeroussport,andweknewthat goingintoit Joeyknew,mymother,myfather,everysinglepersoninmyfamily Betweenconcussions,injuries,Imeancome on!They'redancingaroundonrazorblades,forgoodnesssakes
Sarkozycanbeupsetallhewants,butI'mheretodoajob.I'mnothereforrevengeoranythingcrazylikethat.Ijustwantto takepictures,gotohockeygames,andlivemylife.
Withoutanydrama
Lookingdownatmylaptop,Ipushthosethoughtsoutofmyheadandfocusonthetaskathand IneedtoeditTim’svideoand getituploadedtonightbeforethegametomorrow.IhaveaplantoreallymakeitknownthatI’mheretostayandthatthisteam needsme.NomatterwhatSarkozythinksorsays.I'mheretostay.
GAMEDAY.
MyChristmasmorning.Mygotime.Mytimetoshine.I’mcompletelyinthezone. UntilIwalkintothelockerroomandsee her;CassandraD’amato “Whythefuckisshehere?”
TheotherguyslookupatmeasCassandracomesoutofheroffice.Hornestandsupandshrugs. “She’sthesocialmedialady.”
IshakemyheadasIstalkclosertoher “No She’snothingtothisteam Socialmediaisajokeandcompletelyuseless We’re heretowinfuckinghockeygames.”
Cassandrasmirks.“We’llsee,huh?”
“Gotsomethingtosay,D’amato?” “How‘boutabet?”
Theotherguyshootandholler.ButIdon’tbreakeyecontactwithher. “Fine.Laydowntherules.” “Thegame.”
Iarchmyeyebrows “Whataboutit?”
“Whenyougooutthere,Iwantyoutolookaroundandseehowmanypeopleareoutthereandwhosejerseythey’rewearing.” “Ok.Andwhenyoulose?”
D’amatolaughs.“IF Ilose,I’llwalkawayaftertonight.ButWHEN Iwin?Youhavetositdownanddoaninterviewwithme.” “Deal”
Iputmyhandout,andsheputsherhandinmine
Her hand is so soft. It looks so tiny compared to mine. It makes me want to pull her into an empty room and have my way with her.
Iquicklypullmyhandawayfromher Idon’tknow whatkindofsorceryshe’stryingtouseonme,butitwon’twork Coach comesinandwaveshishandsaround “Let’sgo!Getyourfuckin’skatesonandgettothattunnel!”
HornewalksoverandpatsCassandraontheback.“Seeyououtthere,Cassie!!”
Cassie? What the fuck? Since when are they so close? Clearly, her charm has worked on some of the guys But not me I won’t go down that path I don't need to go down that path I'm good, alone
Shakingmyhead,Iheadtothetunnelandwaitforthecuetoheadtotheice.Icanhearthecrowdgoingwildastheydimthe lights.Thelowvibrationfromthemusicgetslouderandlouder.
The drums beat as the lights flash The crowd is screaming out for us The guitar plays, but when it stops, the fireworks explodeandwecomeskatingoutasthedrumsandguitarplayagain.
Ilookaroundandrealizethateverysingleseatisfilled.Fromthenosebleedsdowntothefrontrowseats.Fansarebangingon theglass,paintontheirfacesandallwearingeitherjerseyswithourteamnameorsomesortofVikingoutfit.
ButasIlookcloser,Iseeexactlywho’sjerseytheyarewearing;Horne’s Heskatespastmeandsmirksunderhishelmet.“It’safuckin’seaofmyname,babyyy!” Lookingoveratthebench,IseeCassandrasittingrightbehindit,aslylittlesmirkonherface.
She fucking knew she was gonna win that bet That fucking… Ishakemyheadandfocusonthegame WealllineupasthenationalanthemfortheUSAandCanadaplays,thenwegetinour positions.
Therefdropsthepuck,andit’sgamefuckingon.AtrailofpowderfollowsbehindmyskatesasIglideacrosstheice.Horne passesthepucktomeasIlookupandseetwodefendersinfrontofme.
One steps forward, tryingto take me outwithhis shoulder Butto his surprise, Isidestep himand pass the puckto another teammate.Thepuckbeingpassedbacktomealreadyhasthecrowdgoingwild.
Aheadfakeforces thegoalietofreeze,thinkinghe’s aheadofme.Instead,Icontinuetohandlethepuck.Ileaveitdangling, confusingthegoalie.Helungesouttobatitaway,butIpullthepuckbackin.
BAM
Iloftthepuckintothenet;thecrowdgoingwild.Ipumpmyhandsintheair,myteammatesandIpattingeachotherontheback.
WhenIlookintothecrowd,IlockeyeswithCassandra.Herblondehairisupinaponytail,strandsfallingtoframeherface. She’sgotoneofourjerseyson,handswavingintheairasshecheersuson
Shit, she’s gorgeous.
Horneskatespastme,bumpingintomeashechuckles “Pretty,ain’tshe?” “Shutthefuckup”
“Oooo,somebody’sgotalittlecrushonCassie.”
IshovehimasIskateofftothebench Thegameismyfocus NotCassandra,notanythingelse Itdoesn’tmatterhowprettyshe is;CassandraD’amatoisnotmyfriend,isnotmyteammate,isnotandwillneverbealoveinterest
Hockeyismylife.Thatisit.
Thebuzzergoesoffandweallheadbackontotheice,readytodominateouropponents Gamefaceson,it’stimetopillageand destroy.
Therestofthegamegoessimilar,withuswinningfivetonothing.Weheadbackintothelockerroomtochangeintooursuits. Thenweheadbackouttothepressroomtotalk
Reportersscreamquestionsatus,aseaofchaoticmicrophonesshoveduptowardourtable IcanseeD'amatobehindthemall, squeezingherwaythroughthecrowd.
Shesitsrightupfront,thatgorgeousfuckingsmileondisplay.
Hornebumpsmyshoulderandwhispers "Answerthequestion"
Iclearmythroat."I'msorry.Whatwasthequestion?Musthavehitmyheadhardtonight,ha."
Thecrowdlaughsandtheredheadedreporterwinksatme."Noproblem.Howdoyoufeelabouttonight'sgame?" "Wewon,soprettydamngood."
"What'syourfavoritewayto celebrate awin?"
Cassandrarollshereyes,andthereporterbatshereyesatme.TryingtoseeifI'lltakethebait.Butsincetheotherday,allIcan thinkofisacertainblonde…
"Goinghomeandplayingsomevideogames,tobehonest."
Afewmorereportersaskmyteammatesquestionsandweheadbacktothelockerroomafter Iheadtotheshowers,readyto justgohome.Cassandra’slittlebetisstillinthebackofmymind.Shemayhavethoughtshewon,butIwon’tmakeiteasyon her.
IT’SANEXHILARATINGEXPERIENCEbeingbehindthelenswhenyourteamwins.Fromthecelebrationonice,tothe lockerroomcheers,tothepressconferencehigh.Theninterviewingfanswhoarejustasexcitedastheguys.Allofitjust remindsmewhyIlovehockeysomuch
Andthatpressconference...Iknowwomenfindhockeyplayersattractive,butdamn.Rightinfrontofeveryotherreporter?But Sarkozyhandeditwellinfrontofeverybody.Isawthereporterstandingoutsidethelockerroom,soI'msurehe'salreadyon hiswaytohisapartmentwithher.
Apartofmystings,butthenIgetmyshittogether He's an asshole, Cass. Not attracted to you. You can look, but don't ever touch. And what would your family think? I sigh. They wouldn't think anything of it, actually. Shaking off this weird feeling, I walk around the arena just to check everythingout.Everyonehasleftthebuildingexceptforsomesecurityandthejanitors. Iheadbacktomyofficeaftermakingafewlaps UploadingallthefootageIgot,Itransferitalltotheirownfoldersandstartto reallygothroughallthepicturesandvideos.
Some go into video folders, others into picture folders. Fromthere, Igetevendeeper inmyorganizationand sorttheminto whichsocialmediachannelsI'llusethemon.
Hornepopsinwithasmile “Thatlistislookingprettylong” “Allthankstoyoufortakingachanceonme.”
“Anytime,Cassie.Haveagoodnightandthanksformyinterview.It’sreallycooltoseethosefansouttherewithmyname.”He turns,butthenwhipsback.“Dude.Thenosebleedfanshadaliens!Alienshirts,blowupaliens,itwasfuckin’awesome.”
Ismileashepracticallyskipsoutofmyoffice Laughingtomyself,Igetuptocheckthesignuplist Almosteverysingleplayer isonthere exceptforone Lucas Sarkozy.
Shakingmyhead,Iwalkbacktomydesktograbmythings.I’ll hunthimdowninafew days.Lethimstew inhisloss.That willteachhimtomakeabetwithme There'snodoubtinmymindhe'llkeephispromise I’mheadingoutwhenIhearanoisecomingfromtheothersideofthelockerroom Curious,Iplacemybagsdownonabench andtiptoeover.
Thenoiseiscomingfromtheshowers…there’smusicandsomebodysinging.
It’s a slow, sensual song Lyrics abouthow nothing, notevendeath, cankeep themfromtheir love Ican’thelp myselfas I slowlywalkin Ineedtoknowthepersonbehindthisbeautifulvoice WhenIturnthecorner,thesteammovesfromthehotshower.Lucasisstandingunderthewater,thedropletsglisteninghisgod likebodyashebeltsoutthewordstothesong.
I’mfrozenintimeasIwatchhim,entrancedbytheentiresceneplayingoutinfrontofme Lucasisgorgeous Fromhislong darkhair,tothebeard,tohischiseledbody.Everythingisimpeccableabouttheman.
Ifinallysnapoutofit,rememberingwhatanassholeheis.Istepbackwards,thenturn,tryingtogetoutofthereasfastasIcan. Butahandonmyarmpullsmeback.I’mslammedintoLucas’schest.Lookingup,hiseyesaredark.Thestormbrewingbehind themsendsshiversdownmyspine
“Whywereyouwatchingme, Cassandra?”
Thewayhesaysmynamesoundsso… sultry. “I,uh.Iwas..wasn’t.”
Hesmirks “Catgotyourtongue?”Ishakemyhead,andLucasleansdown “Seesomethingyoulike?” Ipushbackfromhim,scoffingasIpullmyshittogether.“No.Assholesaren’tmything.”
Lucassneersatme.“You’refuckingmouthy,yaknowthat?”
“I’vebeentold.Iwasjustcomingtoremindyoutosignupforyourinterview.Iwonthatbet,soyougottapayup.”
“No”
Mymouthdrops.“Excuseme?”
”Isaidno.”
“Wemadeadeal!”
Lucaspushesmeagainstthewall,hisarmscagingmein “Idon’thavesomefeel fuckin’goodstoryIwanttosharewiththe world.I’mnotaniceguy.DoyouthinkIgotthenicknamethebadboyoftheOHLbecauseI’mafuckin’BoyScout?No.I’mthe mosthatedmanintheleague.Don’tpretendlikeyoudidn’tdoyourresearch.”
“Ithinkthere’smoretoyourstory,Lucas.”
Heslamshishandonthewall,makingmejump “There’snot We’redonehere” Lucaswalksawayfromme.
“Butthebet,theinterview…”
Heturnsonhisheel.“Thatwasyourdamninterview.LucasSarkozyiseverybitofanasshole,astheysay.Boom.Done.”
Ashestormsaway,Islidedownthewall,completelydefeated IthoughtIwasgoingtomakesomeprogresswithhim Maybe he’sright;heistheassholelikeeverybodysays
Pickingmyselfup,Igrabmybagandheadhome.Ineedtodecompress,reallythinkabouthowtogoaboutthisjob.HowcanI bepositivewhenthecaptaincan'tevenkeephisowndamnpromise?
Shakingmyhead,Ipackmythingsupandheadouttomycar Drivingoutofthelot,IcatchSarkozyoutofthecornerofmyeye, thatdropdeadgorgeousreporterleaningonhiscar
ButasIwatchcloser,heshakeshishead,throwinghishandsupintheairashegetsintohistruck.Shebangsonthewindow, yethejustdrivesoff.
Itgives methetiniestbitofpleasuretoknow shegotturneddownafter tryingsohard Sighing,Idriveoutandhitthedrive throughbeforegettinghome
Good,cheapfood,sometrashytv,andmycomfysweatpantsaretheperfectendingtothisday.
AWEEKHAS GONE byand Cassandra has avoided me all damnweek. I almost feel bad. But thenI remember how annoyingsheis.Shedeservedeverysinglelittlethingthatgamenight. Ilookuptoseeherlaughingwiththeotherguys,andthisrageboilsthroughmybody
She won’t even look at me. Why the fuck can she get along with everybody but me? Cause I’m an asshole, that’s why.
Coachcomesinandslapstheclipboardonmyback.“Readytohittheroad?” “Yes,sir.”
He clears his throatand everybodyturns to lookathim “Bus leaves infifteen Make sure all your personal shitis packed Gearisalreadyloadedontheplane.”HeturnsandpointstoCassandra.“D’amato.Gotyourthingsready?” “Yup!Wickedexcited,Coach.”
Istandupandglareather,butsheagainturnsawayfromme.“Whythefuckisshegoing?”
Coachsighs “Sarkozy Enough Getyourshitpackedandjustgetonthebus”
Cassandrasmirksasshewalkspastme,herbackpacknailingmerightinthestomachassheswingsitontoher.
Weallheadoutandclimbintothebus,fanswaitingoutsidetoseeus.Cassandrahasherphoneinhand,videoingeverythingas shewalksinbehindus.
Thebusrideisshort Itpullsintotheairportandweallunload It’sanicerplanewithbiggerseatsmadeforus Ithasourlogo onitwiththeseatsmatchingaswell.
Cassandra sits right up front, all smiles like this is some fucking girls' trip. I wait until everybody else is seated before ploppingdownnexttoher.
“Whyareyouhere?”
Sheturnsandglares “Totakepictures”Cassandrasnapsapictureofmewithherphone “See?Easypeasy” Cassandraputsherheadphonesinandturnstolookoutthewindow.Iriptheheadphonerightoutofherear.
“Iwasn’tdonetalkingtoyou,Cassandra.”
“I’mofftheclockassoonasthepuckdrops,don’tworry Justhereforpreandpostgamepictures”
Sheturnsherentirebodyawaythistime,forcingmetowalkaway Isitdirectlybehindher,makingsuresheknowsthatI’mnot goinganywhere.
Wefinallylandandheadofftheplanetoanotherbus.Thatbustakesustothestadiumwherewe’llbeplayingtonightagainst theCheshireCalvary
Headingintothelockerroom,IlookaroundandseenosignofCassandra
Good. I can focus on the game.
We all change and head outto the ice to do a quickwarmup Still no signofCassandra as we head backinside the locker room.Theteamgoesthroughtheplansfortonight,whattokeepaneyeonandwhotoavoid.
Game time finally arrives, and we head to the press roomto do our pre game conference. After answering all the yelling reporters,weheadbackintothelockerroomandwaitforthehometeamtoheadoutfirst.
Theyintroduceourteam,andweskateouttoaseaofboosandjeers Butitjustfuelsuson,ignitesthefiretodestroythehome team.
Theydon’tcallusVikingsfornothing;wewillpillagetheCalvary,burntheirhometotheground,laughaswewatchthemcry formercy.
Iskatearoundtherink,thenwelineupfor thenational anthems Ilookaroundas themusicplays,lookingfor her Butshe’s nowheretobeseen.
Weallgetinpositionastheothercaptainstaresmedown.Thepuckdropsandit’sfuckinggametime.
Chaos ensues as bodies slamtogether and thatlittle blackpiece ofrubber slides across the ice. The crowd screams as the announcersencouragemore
Islideintothewallwherethefansbangontheglass.ButwhenIlookup,Iseeher;Cassandra.
Exceptshe’swearingtheotherteam'sjersey,specificallytheothercaptains.Ibangontheglasstogetherattention,notgivinga flyingfuckaboutthegame.
“Takethatshitoff,D’amato!”
Butshejustshakesherhead,flippingmeoffintheprocess.Theothercaptaincomesflyingupandchecksme. Alright. I’ve had enough of this motherfucker.
Iskateovertohimandpushhimontotheice;thecrowdsscreamingforagoodfight. The crowd gets what the crowd wants Heturnsandshakeshishead.“StaythefuckawayfromCassie.”
IlaughasIripmyglovesandhelmetoff.Hedoesthesameandwecircleeachotherasthecrowdchantsfight. Hetriestothrowapunch,butIdodgeit.Igrabthebackofhisshirtandpullhimover,hittinghiminthestomachafewtimes. Hepushesawayastherefscomerushingover
Iwhiparoundandnailhiminthefaceasthereftriestopullmeaway Bloodspurtsfromhisnoseontotheice Therefsmanage tograbusboth,buttheothercaptainswingsaroundandhitsmerightinthetemple. IseestarsasIlungeforward.Buthemovesoutofthewayastherefsdragustothepenaltyboxes.Thecrowdyellsascoach justshakeshishead
Lookingover,Cassandraissittingrightnexttothebox,astupidsmirkonherface Ibangontheglassagain.“Takethatshitoff,Cassandra!” “Offtheclock!”
“TakeitofforI’llhopoutofhereandcutitthefuckoffofyou!”
Sherollsherprettyfuckin’eyesatme
Wait. Pretty? Shit. I must have gotten hit harder than I thought. Whenmypenaltytimeisup,Igetrightbackontheiceandchargetowardtheotherteam.Ineedthiswinmorethanevertoday. It’satoughgame,butwewinthreetotwo IcheckthecaptainintothewallagainasImakemywaybacktomybench Coach justshakeshisheadagain “Getinthere,Sarkozy.”
Butlookingback,IseeCassandraontheicehuggingtheothercaptain Iseefuckingredastheylaughtogether
thisjealous..right?Fuck,I’mallmessedupfromthathit.
Looks like Cassandra and I will be having a little chat before we head back to the hotel…
