Spiral (Off the Ice, #2) (63)

Uncle Marcus crosses his arms. “Since when does my approval dictate how you live? You’re dating the kid I made a mistake drafting to this team. And as much as I’d like for you to continue being happy, it won’t save him from being traded.”

I scoff. “He doesn’t need me to save him. He’ll prove himself, you’ll see.”

He pins me with his best parental stare. “You couldn’t have chosen anyone else?”

“Like who? Owen?”

Uncle Marcus always liked Owen and never understood why we broke up, because I didn’t tell him. To be fair, Owen was the ideal hockey-playing Canadian boy. Any general manager uncle’s dream.

His jaw tenses. “You know what? Maybe just stay away from hockey guys entirely.”

I snort. “You’re getting better at this fatherly advice thing. You should get married and have kids so you won’t have to practice on me anymore.”

“Maybe they won’t slash my tires.”

I wince. That incident was in the same era as the guardianship debacle. It was before I had the conversation with him like a real adult. I found out Uncle Marcus had gone to a family lawyer to discuss Sean’s adoption, and in a fit of teenage anger, I used my pocketknife to slash one tire. His use of the plural is an exaggeration.

“You sitting in the box?”

I shake my head. “Rinkside.”

“Have fun, but don’t expect to see anything meaningful from your player.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s your player, and don’t be rude.”

He grimaces and disappears down the hall where the rest of the men in fancy suits follow him. Those are the executives that are watching every player tonight. I’m sure they have a lot riding on the guys tonight, but I know no one feels as much pressure as Elias does right now.

By the time I find my section, the game has already started. I thought my outfit was cute, but I didn’t take into account that it would be cold at a hockey game. It doesn’t matter though, because I feel good. For years, I’ve worried about not looking good enough. Too big, too tall, too skinny, too everything. Now, after years of hard work, I’ve poured love into my body. The reason I get to do what I love.

So, when I get looks from other fans for my overdressed appearance, I don’t pull down my skirt or fidget with my jersey. If I did, I’d probably pull out some threads, because I’ve worn this skirt so many times it should be in the trash. But I’m a reuse, reduce, recycle type of girl. Sue me.

Right against the glass, I can see everyone clearly. I’ve never been inclined to watch sports on my own, but because of Sean and my uncle, and now Elias, I hold a soft spot for hockey.

I’d say it’s a little uncomfortable to sit at a game where a girl holds up a sign asking my boyfriend to puck her. Fake boyfriend, but I’m still jealous. I know it and the girl’s about to know it too. Maybe when my fist meets her face—

“Sage!” Summer’s voice hits me and I turn to see her approaching. She’s not wearing a jersey; she’s got on a jacket with Aiden’s number on it. “I was looking all over for you. You didn’t want to sit in the box?”

I look back at the women in the family box, having drinks and cheering on their partners. “Sean said it would be a disservice to hockey if I didn’t sit rinkside.”

“Smart kid.” Summer takes the empty seat beside me and offers me some popcorn. “These have always been my favorite seats. That’s why my dad reserves them for most games.”

“Do you come to all of Aiden’s games?”

“It was easier when he was at Dalton, but I still try to attend most of them. It’s nice to know someone’s there for you, you know?”

There’s no better feeling than looking into a crowd of strangers to find one that puts a smile on your face.

My smile slips when a familiar body bangs against the glass. Owen winks at me, his grin toothy and wide.

“You know him?” Summer whispers, giving the guy a once-over.

I stuff my face with a handful of popcorn to avoid answering her, but she gasps. Clearly she’s a genius. “That explains it.”

“Explains what?”

She points to number eighty-eight, Elias, who’s staring at Owen with an eviscerating look, one that does not make them seem like they are on the same team.

“Elias doesn’t know I dated Owen.” I say it to Summer, but it’s more of a reassurance for myself.

“Not to point out the obvious, but that’s a man who knows more than you think.”

I swallow, watching the hostile interaction between Elias and Owen. Even when Aiden approaches, Elias ignores whatever his friend says, and skates to shoot a practice shot in the net. It flies right by Socket with a precision that makes the fans behind me cheer.

Fidgeting with my hands, I feel an odd sensation in my gut.

“You okay?” Summer places a hand on my bouncing leg.

“I should have told him.” I chew my lip.

Summer laughs and shakes her head. “I know Eli doesn’t share a lot of his feelings, but trust me, being mad at you would never be one of them.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because he likes you.”

I choke on her words, or maybe a lonesome kernel from my handful of popcorn. Summer hands me her drink, and I swallow some of it.