Page 197 of Cross Check

GRANT

MAY, TWO SEASONS AGO

AG

Game seven on home ice tonight!

I’m cheering for you!!

Me

I’ll make sure to score a goal for you, baby. I know you’ll be watching, and I’ll wink at the camera during my celly.

AG

Someone is sure of himself.

Me

Nah. Just glad I get to spend the summer with you!

See you when I get home?

AG

Can’t wait.

Hannah

See you tonight!

Me

Can’t believe we finally got you to a game!

Only took all season!

Hannah

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I went to a game back in December when Riley was playing.

Me

That was an AHL game, not MY game.

Hannah

Not everything is about you, G.

Me

It would be nice if it was, wouldn’t it?

I’ve played in hundreds of games in my career, but tonight is different.

The energy surrounding the team is subdued, as if we’re grateful to even be here. And I guess we are. We’ve clawed our way back to having a shot at advancing to the Eastern Conference final, and our fate hinges on how the next few hours go.

“Ready to get this party started?” Ethan knocks his knuckles against mine.