“I haven’t said yes yet, but I want to. I feel like… yeah, I feel like I want to.” Saying the words out loud set butterflies fluttering in my heart.
Margo and Kate grinned again. Kate said, “Yep, you love him.”
The rest of the night passed just as it had. A lot of laughs, and a lot of public displays of affection between Kate and Tyler. Margo and Thomas were a little more reserved. But I imagine it was just because their feelings for each other were new and had been a surprise to both of them.
A few days later, we all gathered at the local bar to watch the final game of the Western conference playoffs. The Kraken were playing the Los Angeles Kings. This game would determine the Western Conference champions - and the Stanley Cup playoff team.
I wasn’t surprised to see that the bar was packed. The pitchers of beer that dotted every table couldn’t manage to stay even half full. Whenever a shot didn’t make it to the goal, shouts, hollers, and groans of disappointment filled the air.
Then, Brett scored the goal that put the Kraken ahead. Everyone erupted into cheers, spilling their beer. The crowds in the stadium were on their feet.
My heart raced. I heard Brett’s words, “You can feel them cheering for you.” I wondered if he felt it now. I watched him intently. His scarred face, his eyes blazing with adrenaline.
The Kraken managed to hold off the Kings for the win. The bar exploded with applause.
I stared at the television, watching Brett circle around the ice, hoisting his stick in the air. He searched the crowd for someone, and for a second, he looked lost.
I realized he was searching the crowd for me. And I wasn’t there.
I would go. I would make the plans and go. I couldn’t stay away from him any longer.
When I got home that night, I was buzzed from drinking more beer than I was used to. And buzzed from realizing how desperately I wanted to see him.
I had just drunk down a large glass of water when my phone pinged with a text.
We’re going to the Stanley CupFinals
Now that I’d made up my mind to go, confidence had me teasing him. I responded,Goodluck
I covered my mouth to muffle my laugh.
He texted back,You should tell me you love menow
Butterflies. Oh, this man. I wished he was here now, but was grateful he wasn’t. The realization of my feelings for him overpowered me. I needed a few more days to sit with them.
Instead of confirming what he was asking for, I typed,Why’sthat?
He responded,If we win the cup, you’ll look bad, you should get out in front of it so I know you meanit
I’d take my chances. He’d know soon enough.What if youlose?
Nothing. I waited.
And then,Not gonnahappen
I smiled before sending,I’ll take mychances
I wanted to torture him just a little bit longer.
He didn’t respond to my last text. I was fine with that. I would start making my plans to go to the games in the morning.
The next day, all the tickets were sold out. I sat in shock at my desk staring at my computer screen. There were a few seats left for game seven but that was never a guarantee. One of the teams could win the cup without ever having a game seven.
I drummed my finger nails on my desk. There were a few for $1,400 in the nose bleed section, and a couple for $14,000 down close to the rink. Nausea rolled in my stomach. I had to do it. If I wasn’t there, it would ruin how we started.
I typed in my card number and purchased one ticket. Ouch. I’d have a bag packed if game seven happened. First, I needed to get through this week and my patrol shift on Saturday.
The bars that week were packed for every game. I stayed home and watched them. The stress of watching him with my friends was too much. Todd and I sat curled up on the couch, every night. Red wine and nachos. That was always my good luck meal for home games. I thought it might still work.