PUCK ME ON ICE
Tristan was everywhere.
He read the ice like it was written in a language only he could speak. He stole the puck, split the defense, and flicked it past the goalie so cleanly the whole arena stood. The horn blared. The crowd lost its mind. He tore his helmet off, grinning, hair plastered to his forehead, and pointed at the stands.
At her.
I stood at center ice with my stick hanging from my hand, and something dark and sour crawled up my throat. The arena lights flickered once, a long stuttering blink, and I clenched my teeth and forced my breathing down until they steadied.