Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
The town was in full celebration mode. Banners flew across Main Street thanking the parents, campers, and coaches. There were complimentary cookies at Henderson’s Bakery, half-priced drinks at Rise and Grind, and a party at the diner after the festivities at the rink had wrapped up. And later tonight, there was an end of summer barbecue for coaches and friends hosted by Dad and Smitty.
I looked into the stands and let the feeling of belonging wash over me. Elmwood was special.
My high school biology teacher stood behind Crabby Annie and Hank. Penny Henderson was in an animated conversation with JC and Ivan. Nolan was cheering with his kids and Mary-Kate. My mom, who’d arranged her travel schedule to fly to Boston to join me next week, was chatting amicably with my dad and the kids.
No one here would care about my sexuality. They wouldn’t care if I had a boyfriend. They probably wouldn’t even care that it was Mason Trinsky.
There was so much love in this arena. Sometimes it was hard to remember it wasn’t like this in the real world.
“Jake! Hey, there! I’m Cindy Sample from Hockey News. We’ve managed to hunt down Mason Trinsky too, and I know Denver fans, Boston fans, and hockey fans everywhere would love a chance to check in with you both.”
I pulled my gloves off and cast a wary glance between Mason and the bubbly blond reporter with a microphone in her hand. Her frozen smile had a steely edge to it that indicated she wasn’t going anywhere until she got her story.
Mason quirked his brow, an amused grin playing at the corner of his sexy mouth. “We survived camp. Hashtag No Shiny Jackets.”
“Ha. Ha.” I rolled my eyes for the camera. “This camp means a lot to Elmwood and the hockey community at large, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re both proud to be part of it.”
“Does that mean you’ve put aside your differences? Or can we expect some fireworks in the coming season?” Cindy asked.
What a weird question.
Trinsky looked equally amused. “You can definitely expect fireworks. Jake and I will never stop being competitors. We’ll push and fight like we always have, and hopefully bring out the best in each other. That’s what life is all about. That’s what hockey’s all about.”
I nodded my agreement. “Yeah, what he said.”
“Well, you sound like you’ve become real friends. Is that true?”
My heart thundered uncomfortably in my chest as I peered at Trinsky. “Yes.”
My voice cracked, but I doubted Cindy noticed. She’d gotten her sound bite. The story would end with her. Two hot-headed hockey players had put aside their differences for the future generation, raising money and awareness like a couple of upstanding citizens.
Mason brushed his pinky along mine. And there was nothing more to say.
27
JAKE
Dad and Smitty’s huge yard was perfect for hosting events. C’est Bon had catered a beautiful buffet and had sponsored two bars and a dessert table with towering cakes and pastries. Music hummed in the background under lively conversation and laughter. The party was off to a raucous start.
My mom danced with Charlotte and Ella under the fairy lights, a dozen tough-looking hockey players huddled near the dessert table sharing their favorite camp moments while another group tossed a football around.
It was the kind of wholesome, feel-good fun I loved, yet I felt as if I were floating above the surface. There, but not really present.
Trinsky and I stayed close all night. If he was hungry, I followed him to the buffet. If I was thirsty, he joined me at the bar or grabbed something for both of us while I waited nearby. We chatted with friends and colleagues about campers, told stories, and laughed at jokes aimed our way. The dysfunctional duo, they called us. We didn’t mind.
It wasn’t true, and we knew it. Just as we knew the minutes were ticking by. There were bags to pack and planes to catch.
As much as I loved everyone, I wished we had the night to ourselves. We didn’t, so I pasted a smile on and did my best to stay engaged and spend time with the people who mattered most: Vinnie and Nolan, MK and Ronnie, JC and Riley, Court and Ivan, Hank and Denny, Mom and Eric, and of course, Smitty…and Dad.
“It’s always so bittersweet, isn’t it?” Dad shook the ice in his glass and sidled next to me. “End of summer, beginning of a new season. I can remember the first time you put on skates. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but time really does fly.”
“Yeah.” If my mask slipped an inch, my normally observant dad didn’t notice and that was okay by me.
Or maybe he did. Dad followed my gaze and gestured at Mason. “I heard you’ve made peace with your former foe. I’m glad. I like that kid.”