Page 71 of Cross Ice

Game-winner.

The arena went absolutely insane. I was screaming, jumping with my hands in the air. Chloe hugged me, and we laughed like idiots.

On the ice, Nico’s entire line crashed into him, and through all the chaos and celebration, he looked up toward our section.

I knew he couldn’t really see me in the crowd, but I felt it anyway—that connection across the distance.

San Jose held on for the final three minutes, and when the buzzer sounded, they’d won 3–2.

As the crowd started filing out, Chloe turned to me. “First time at the family lounge?”

“I don’t even know what that is.”

“It’s where we wait for the guys after games. Come on, I’ll show you.”

She led me through the arena, past security checkpoints where I showed my all access pass, and down a hallway to a room with comfortable couches and a TV showing the post-game highlights.

A handful of other people were already there: other wives and girlfriends, some parents, all chatting and laughing. The energy was celebratory, with everyone riding the high of the win.

I stood awkwardly near the door, not sure what to do with myself.

“First time?” an older woman asked kindly.

“Yeah. Very first.”

“You’ll get used to it. The boys usually take about thirty minutes. They have to cool down, shower, and do media if they played well.”

Thirty minutes felt like an eternity.

I pulled out my phone and texted Danny.

Evan

He scored. Twice. Game-winning goal. It was incredible.

Danny

I’m so proud of you for going!! How are you feeling?

Evan

Overwhelmed. Happy. Waiting for him now.

Danny

Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

Evan

That leaves me with a lot of options.

Danny

Exactly.

I was smiling at my phone when the door opened and players started trickling in, freshly showered, in street clothes, looking for their guests.

Jonah came in and went straight to Chloe, kissing her and asking how she liked the game. André appeared next, hugging his parents who’d apparently flown down from Quebec.