Page 146 of Sinful Liabilities
The game blurs into a series of fast breaks, sharp passes, and shouts. Leon and I connect on a critical play, setting up the puck perfectly. I take the shot, and it's like time slows down just enough to see the puck slam into the back of the net. Goal!
The final whistle blows, and it's euphoria-pure and wild. We've won, the culmination of every early morning practice and late-night strategy session. My team piles together on the ice, a tangle of limbs and triumphant shouts.
As the cheers echo around us, I'm swept up in the celebration, but my eyes search the stands, looking for Ivy. That's when Coach Denver approaches, his face split with a proud grin, and beside him, two men in suits-scouts, obviously. My heart kicks up a notch.
"Asher, these gentlemen are from the Black Aces. They've been watching you, and well, they like what they see," Coach Denver says, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
The scouts introduce themselves, their words a blur of congratulations and opportunities. They mention they're also interested in Leon, planning to talk to him next. The reality of it sinks in-I'm being scouted, seriously considered for the next level.
After they promise to be in touch and move on to find Leon, I finally spot Ivy in the crowd. I skate over, pull off my gear, and make my way to her through the throng of people. When I reach her, I don't say anything, just pick her up and spin her around, her laugh mixing with mine.
Her eyes light up as I set her down and kiss her, right there in front of everyone, too happy to care who's watching. "They offered me a position with the Black Aces," I tell her between breaths, my excitement barely contained.
Ivy's face beams with pride. "I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you, Ash," she says, her words wrapping around me like a warm blanket.
More kisses follow, each one a punctuation to the incredible night. It's a high I don't want to end-the win, the offer, and most of all, having Ivy here, in my arms, sharing in every moment.
Her arms tighten around my neck, and the world narrows down to just us amid the chaos of celebrating fans and teammates. "This is just the beginning, you know," Ivy whispers into my ear, her voice filled with promise and excitement.
I nod, grinning. "The best beginning," I reply, feeling like everything I've ever wanted is starting to come together, not just in hockey but in life, with Ivy by my side.
We stay like that for a few more moments, holding onto each other, soaking in the aftermath of the victory and the news. Then, with a reluctant sigh, we break apart as my teammates come over, clapping me on the back and cheering. Leon finds his way through the crowd, his face lit up with a mix of pride and excitement, not just for the team's win but for the prospect of what's to come.
"Did the scouts talk to you yet?" I ask him, nudging him with a slight smile.
"Yeah, man, they did!" Leon's enthusiasm is contagious, his earlier anger forgotten in the wake of our shared success. "Looks like we might be teammates in more ways than one now," he adds, giving me a brotherly shove.
"That's the plan," I laugh, and we join the rest of our team in a raucous group, everyone talking over each other, the air electric with the thrill of the win and the future opportunities.
Eventually, the crowd begins to thin out, and the ice starts to clear. Coach Denver calls us for a quick team meeting in the locker room, his face serious but his eyes shining with pride. "You boys made history tonight," he starts, looking around at each of us. "Remember this feeling, this team. Whatever comes next, you've earned it through hard work and determination."
After the meeting, as we pack up our gear, Ivy waits for me, her presence a calm oasis in the storm of activity. We walk out of the rink together, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the heated atmosphere inside.
"So, dinner to celebrate?" I suggest, feeling like I could take on the world with her by my side.
"Definitely," Ivy agrees, her hand finding mine as we walk to the car. "But first, let's just enjoy this moment, just us."
And we do. We drive to a quiet spot overlooking the city, the lights twinkling below like a field of stars. Turning off the car, we sit in silence, the only sound our breathing and the soft music from the radio.
"This is real, right?" I ask after a moment, half-joking but needing the reassurance.
"As real as it gets," Ivy assures me, leaning over to kiss me gently.
Every worry melts away then, I'm just a guy in love with the girl who makes every vicotry so much sweeter.
