Because It's You (Carolina Rebels 2)

Scotty pokes the puck away from a player who has found himself all alone, and Captain Hook swoops in to gain possession before any of the others are even close. Tommy Boy is perfectly positioned and wide open, so Brayden passes it to him. One shot and three seconds later, we’re gathering

for a hockey hug.

Six to one.

The crowd is mostly quiet, save for a few Rebels fans that are here. It’s always interesting to see how many of our fans are around when we’re in places so far away from North Carolina. It’s so cool when they come out in droves in the cities where you least expect them. That’s one of my most favorite things about road games. That, and experiencing the different arenas.

The rest of the game is fairly quiet. No more goals are scored. We shower, pack up our things, and soon, we’re on a flight to Arizona so we’ll already be there in the morning. It’s late when we make it to the hotel, and I’m beat. My body aches. It’s time to relax and sleep.

I’m plugging my phone in when I see a new text. I go ahead and set my alarm for tomorrow before opening it up.

Elizabeth: Managed to listen to the entire game. Glad I did! Congrats on the win.

Me: Thanks. You didn’t have to stay up so late for it. There’s this thing called highlights.

I’m surprised when she texts me back.

Elizabeth: I’d have to watch those.

Me: Right. Sorry. Why are you still up?

Elizabeth: Why are you?

Me: Just got settled into hotel room and just laid down. Answer me.

Elizabeth: I don’t want to tell you.

Me: Oh, now you have to tell me.

Elizabeth: I’m going to bed.

Me: You miss me, don’t you?

Elizabeth: God, you’re impossible.

Me: I’m right?! I miss you too. A lot. You might just have to be my first stop after we land.

Elizabeth: I don’t even know when you’re coming back. That’s how much I don’t miss you.

Me: You’re so counting down the days. Might as well save that night for the date with me.

Elizabeth: I’ll think about it. Goodnight, Marc.

Me: Goodnight. I’d say dream of me, but that’d be redundant, since I already know you will.

Elizabeth: OMG.

I set my phone to the side and go to sleep with a giant smile on my face.

The Arizona game is just as big. Sav gets another shutout. We win with four goals. The last stop is Philadelphia, where we are now. Noah and I always go out to eat at this sweet little hole in the wall when we’re here. Right now, we’re waiting for our food to arrive, and he’s on the phone with Meredith.

“Hold on a sec, Mere.” Noah holds the phone out to me. “I’m tired of her asking me about your love life. Just answer her questions.”

I take the phone. “Hey, Meredith.”

“So! Tell me! I’ve tried talking to Sylvia, but apparently, Elizabeth isn’t telling Sylvia much of anything. I know more has to be going on than what she’s saying. What’s her deal?”

“What do you want to know? Things are good.”