I kept my eyes down, not wanting to engage with anyone unnecessarily.
And right now—everyone and everything was unnecessary.
When I pushed open the dressing room door, I was surprised to see most, if not all, of the team already there.
I knew what time it was.
I wasn’t late.
I made sure to be a half hour early.
I wasn’t sure what their deal was, but right now, I didn’t care.
I had to look after myself.
As swiftly as I could, I went to my spot and started dressing for the game.
I had my own rituals of what went first and I stuck to them.
A gentle tap on my shoulder caught me off-guard.
Twisting my head slightly, I saw it was Jillian. She had a sad smile on her face.
I gently shook my head and pointed to my ears.
Her lips clamped tight and she nodded. I felt her briefly squeeze my shoulder before she took off.
Again, I cleared my mind.
I didn’t have time to think about that.
No one else approached me. And I was grateful for that.
It wasn’t until the coach stepped inside the dressing room that I finally took out my earbuds.
She gave us the typical pregame talk. Tonight’s game decided whether or not we advanced.
It was freaking important.
This team had done well before I’d joined. But since I’d come on, I’d been the top scorer. Gigi and Jillian were great players. And neither of them seemed the least bit jealous about my scoring abilities.
The three of us—when we played together as a team, were unstoppable.
The last while, though—since Gigi had gotten a chip on her shoulder about me leaving Trey—we hadn’t been at our best.
After today’s announcement all over social media, I didn’t expect to be any higher on Gigi’s list.
There was crap all I could do about that. My dad always said the only thing you can control in a game is you.
And that was exactly what I intended on doing.
If Gigi wasn’t going to pass to me like she should—I’d have to create my own opportunities.
At least Jillian was on my side. If no one else passed to me, she would.
We followed our goalie out of the dressing room and out the door.
As soon as I slid onto the ice, a certain calmness settled over me.