Worth the Chance (Watertown University #2)

17. Garrett

Chapter 17

Garrett

R elief. I felt immense relief when Eliza said she didn’t want to call it. That we should continue this fake relationship of ours. Something in my gut turned when she said the word fake but I didn’t care to examine it too much.

The past week things have been back to business as usual for us. We both go our separate ways during the day, heading to classes and practice. El makes me a plate for dinner whenever I have practice at that time and leaves it neatly wrapped up for me. It really is a small thing that means so much. Especially the little pink sticky note she leaves on top saying what it is signed with a little heart and her name like it would be from anyone else.

“You ready to put an end to the Eagles winning streak today?” Bryan plops down in the aisle across from me on the bus. The Eagles are currently undefeated this season and are number one in our league.

“Born ready.”

“We need your good luck charm.” Alex chimes in as he takes the seat in front of me.

“We don’t need a good luck charm.” I roll my eyes but there’s something in me that wants that good luck charm at the game. It’s weird how just knowing there’s someone in the stands rooting specifically for you can increase your performance and just your overall attitude.

The ride to Burlington Vermont is three and a half hours. The bus pulls out of the lot at exactly noon so we can get there and to the hotel to settle in before getting our ice time in. The rides have always been long to the games in other states but today it feels even longer. I put in my headphones and zone out the chaos around me. The freshmen will amaze you with their energy on a long ass ride. Thankfully, this is also quite a scenic ride. It’s mid October in New England which means the leaves on the trees are at their peak. I watch the swirls of yellow, orange and red as I listen to my pre-game playlist. We’re almost to the hotel when my phone buzzes.

Cupcake

Good luck tonight Garrett!

Me

Thanks, El.

Cupcake

Might go out tonight, Harry’s is playing your game

My stomach sinks at that text. Not because I don’t want her to watch but because I won’t be there to protect her. What if someone creepy is there. She can’t eat there, will she get hungry? All the scenarios of what could go wrong run through my head.

Me

Be careful, please.

Cupcake

Always .

I can’t lie, I’m in a crabby mood now. I can’t stop picturing Eliza all dressed up and out on her own, well, I’m sure she’ll be with Mia so not fully alone but still it doesn’t sit well with me. Will she be wearing my jersey or one of her little skirts? Guys could be all over her. You couldn’t blame them, she’s beautiful with curves to die for. It also sucks that she’s not here. I enjoy having her at our games, seeing her cheering in the stands. She always brings Mia and they both look like they actually have a lot of fun.

All throughout our warmups and while we wait in the locker room I try to shake my bad mood. I need to clear my head so I can focus on the game but nothing seems to work.

As we skate onto the ice I take in the crowd, subconsciously scanning for that one dimpled face, though I don’t expect to actually see it so I skid to a stop almost toppling over when my eyes connect with hers. There in the first row, middle of the rink. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.

“Surprise.” Bryan skates up beside me.

“You knew?”

“Yep, she said she wanted to surprise you.”

“Hey, our good luck charm is here!” Alex skates up to my other side waving to Eliza. El waves in our direction with a big smile on her face and another girl waves beside her, that’s the first time I notice Mia is also here. They look slightly out of place with their white jersey’s and El’s navy sweatshirt in the middle of a sea of red and black but it’s the sweetest sight. The referee blows his whistle forcing me to break eye contact with her and skate over to the center of the ice to start the game.

I win the puck in the face off and we’re quick to score a goal in the first period, our second attempt getting blocked by their goalie. Bryan blocks two shots in the goal from the Eagles. You can feel the intensity of the arena turn up as we enter the second period. The fans clearly are not pleased that their undefeated team is currently falling behind .

I start the second period with another goal, I sneak a glance over at Eliza who’s on her feet cheering. That sight just amps me up even more. I glide across the ice working with the other guys on offense.

The third period starts with a goal from the Eagles’ while I’m on the bench with my line. Ten minutes later they get a second goal and Coach Williams is quick to switch our lines and I glide back onto the ice alongside Alex.

“Let’s do this.” I nod to Alex as we take our positions and immediately get thrusted into the game. One of our defensemen, Dan, steals the puck from number thirty five on the Eagles and passes it off to me. I skate with it closer to the net before sending it to Alex who is able to successfully slap it into the goal with only thirty seconds left on the clock. From there we were able to defend our goal, resulting in a three to two win.

It’s chaotic leaving the arena, making our way down the hallway of disappointed fans and to the bus. I look through the sea of red trying to spot the one flash of blue but I have no such luck. God, I hope she didn’t drive all the way here to drive back tonight. She must be exhausted. As I make my way across the parking lot to the bus with the team I pull out my phone, ready to text El. Just as I do, I hear my name being called by a sugary sweet voice.

“Garrett!” My head swivels around until I find her, leaning against the hood of her car with Mia who is engrossed in conversation with Bryan. With a smile on my face that I can’t hide, I make my way over to her. She meets me halfway, with a little jog of her own.

“That game was great. You were amazing out there.” She beams up at me.

“Thanks, El. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“You deserve to have someone cheering for you.” She shrugs nonchalantly. I wish I could describe to her how much it means to me that she’s here but I don’t have the words. We hold eye contact for a while and I hope she can see how much I appreciate it, just through this look. A sharp laughter pulls us out of our staring contest, both of our eyes flicking over to where Mia and Bryan are now obviously flirting with one another.

“God, I hope I don’t get kicked out of my room tonight.” El laughs watching her friend.

“You guys are staying?”

“Yeah, same hotel as you guys. Bryan helped arrange it and I have a feeling I know why he insisted we stay at the same hotel now.”

“Boys! Let’s go!” Coach Williams shouts from the bus.

“I’m sorry, we have to take the bus with the team…”

“Don’t worry about it Garrett. I’ll see you at the hotel maybe.”

“Yeah.” Bryan comes over to us before I can say more.

“Glad you guys could make it, El. We’ll see you at the hotel.” Bryan nudges me in the opposite direction to the bus. Without thinking much of it, I press a light kiss to her forehead and then head to the bus.When we get on the bus, Bryan takes the seat directly next to me with a smirk on his lips.

“What?” I ask, knowing that look means something.

“How would you feel about spending the night with your girl?”

“You know she’s not really my girl.” I lower my voice so none of the guys hear me. More of my sake than Eliza’s. I have a feeling if some of them knew we weren’t really together they’d happily make a move on her.

“Whatever you say.” He chuckles and rolls his eyes. “I’m asking for myself anyways. I’d rather share the room with the cute blonde than you.”