When Brienne joined us in the box before the game, she set the tone right away. Off camera, she said, “Teli, we’ve unfortunately had to release Matt Keller from the organization today, and Bill Perry will be the interim head coach. I’ll be glad to set up some time with him, if you’d like. While I can’t tell you any details, I will say there was a difference in core values that precipitated these events, but his exit was based upon a mutual agreement.”
She then invited them to stay during the first period to film the activity that happens at the executive level during a game.
I’ve learned it’s a lot of socializing. Brienne or Callum extend invitations to visiting team owners, league VIPs, and even celebrities. Tonight I was a little agog that Joslyn Meyers and her husband, Kynan, were in attendance. She’s only my favorite actress, and she was so kind and gracious.
Turns out to be quite the small world as Kynan apparently owns a security company here in Pittsburgh, and he asked me if I knew Sophie. His company installed her security system, and one of his employees has two brothers who play for the Carolina Cold Fury. We chatted for a bit between the second and third periods, but now that the game has resumed, I’m back in my seat, watching anxiously.
While the Titans are ahead, it’s only by one goal. My eyes are pinned to the action, or rather, to Gage most of the time. I’m worried about him. While he seems to be playing just fine—stellar, even, as he has a goal and an assist so far—I know that what happened with Keller bothered him deeply. Gage is such a good man, I was a little shocked to see that level of violence from him. For a few terrifying seconds, I was afraid he’d kill Keller, and there’s no doubt in my mind it could’ve gotten a lot worse.
On the flip side, I can’t comprehend the feelings he stirred within me knowing that he was protecting me.
Avenging an insult directed at me.
It definitely shows that Gage’s feelings are deep, which is a relief. Mine are the same.
Regardless, I can’t help but feel guilty for causing all this. I mean, I was at the core of Keller’s reaction. I chose to wear my hair away from my face. I chose to be my authentic self, and the first time I did it, it led to something horrible.
The rational part of me knows that had nothing to do with me and everything to do with Keller being an asshole.
The scared woman inside me says I’m meant to stay in the shadows, and I shouldn’t have taken that risk.
Fortunately, since meeting Gage and receiving his repeated affirmations, I choose to listen to my rational side. I shake off the dark thoughts and instead concentrate on the bright spot in my life that is Gage Heyward.
Leaning forward, I watch the second line take to the ice. I’ve gotten to know the players and lines well, and I recognize a tiny wobble in the cogs of the second line since Boone Rivers moved up to Coen’s place on the first line. Still, they hold their own, and luckily, Patrik Stenlund is solid tonight.
It’s the first line that’s on fire, though. Stone, Boone, Gage, Kirill, and Camden are gelling so well, it’s hard to believe there’s been so much discord the last few days. They only need to continue playing as they have been for the first two periods, and they’ll skate away with a win.
Gage’s line moves onto the ice, and I lean forward in my seat until I’m nearly at the edge. My hands grip the metal rail before me that would keep me from pitching over if I leaned much farther.
The puck moves back and forth over the center line, switching possession from one team to the other. Gage skates fluidly and with such power and confidence. He sends a clean pass to Boone who carries it into the Brooklyn zone, and the rest of the team follows.
Boone shoots it over to Stone, who dekes around a player only to make a short backhand pass to Gage who is crashing the net. He takes a quick shot, but the Wolves goalie grabs it out of the air, and the ref blows the whistle.
I yell in frustration, having come out of my chair in excitement.
“You’re cute as all get out,” Brienne says as she moves down the row to take a seat next to me. I startle to hear her voice and give her a sheepish grin.
“I should’ve videoed you just now and sent it to Gage so he could see how excited you get for him.”
A double entendre, offered intentionally if I’m correct in reading Brienne’s playful smirk.
I sit again and mutter, “How can you be so calm?”