11. Isla

11

ISLA

I will go to my grave saying that there is nothing like game day. And if you disagree with me, you’re just wrong.

The energy in this arena crackles around me as I take another shot with my camera. I swear I can feel the adrenaline coming from the ice flowing through my veins, even though I’m not one of the players going after the puck. The crowd’s roars echo off the walls, but they fade into the background as I zero in on the action in the rink. My nerves are on high alert, being that this is the first game of the season that I am capturing, but I think I’m handling it well.

The other reason I’m slightly freaking out? Because of Asher Bennett.

I fix my gaze on him as he races down the ice. I pan my camera, tracking his movements while keeping my finger over the shutter button.

There’s a grace to his aggression, and I want to get it in all of its beauty.

Click. Click. Click.

I capture the moment his stick connects with the puck, sending it flying past the goalie’s outstretched glove. The red light behind the net flashes, and the crowd erupts into a deafening roar. Asher briefly throws a fish up in triumph, and I can spy the smile that appears on his face.

Not only have I captured the image on my camera, but it’s also seared in my memory for life. There’s something so raw and unfiltered about this that I can’t even bring myself to hate Asher at this moment. What he did will help our team win, and that’s the bigger picture here.

Our team. I’m already referring to it as our team.

Not to mention, if I hadn’t taken photos of the scene before, I wouldn’t have been doing my job properly.

Several of the Red Wolves players swarm Asher as they celebrate the goal. I snap a few quick shots of their celebration, knowing these will be some of the most impactful images of the night.

As the team gets ready for the next face-off, I find Asher looking in my direction. I glance to my left and to my right to see if there is anyone next to me he might be watching, but when I look back at him, his gaze is still on me. He gives a quick nod of acknowledgment before turning away, and I’m left momentarily stunned.

What the hell was that all about?

I swallow hard and dig into my pocket for the Skittles I’ve stashed in there for emergencies such as this. Or just when I need a jolt of sugar. I toss a couple in my mouth and get back to the task at hand.

The game resumes, and I push any thoughts about Asher to the back of my mind. I readjust my stance and put my lens back through the photo hole to take more shots of the game.

A few more minutes pass before the buzzer signals the end of the second period, and the players skate off the ice. I lower my camera and take a deep breath before I grab a seat to review the photos I’ve taken so far. The screen on my camera lights up as I scroll through the images. I find myself analyzing each shot’s composition, lighting, and emotions.

One image was taken just seconds before he scored the goal. I study the image that shows his stick connecting with the puck and the goalie from the opposing team diving to make a save. The red light behind the net glows in the background, adding a dramatic flair to the shot.

I can’t stop smiling as I admire the beautiful photos I’ve captured. Sure, I might have been freaking out before I stepped foot in the arena today, but after working out some of the technical issues I had during practice, I have a clearer mind and more confidence in myself.

I check the scoreboard and realize we only have a few minutes before the third period starts. I quickly pop another Skittle in my mouth and head back to my position at the photo hole. Deep down, I know that eating this isn’t the best thing for my PCOS, but I’m choosing today to give myself a break.

As I get my camera ready, I can’t help but glance over at the Red Wolves’ bench. I can see the players huddled together, no doubt discussing strategy for the next period. And there’s Asher, his helmet off now, his dark hair damp with sweat. He has this intense look of concentration on his face as he listens to what my father tells the team.

The buzzer sounds, and the players take to the ice again. I refocus my attention on the game, determined to do my job. The third period kicks off with a bang, and I swear the noise from the crowd fuels me. I can’t get enough of the energy and vibes, let alone the action on the ice.

It takes everything within me to contain my excitement as I witness how relentless the Red Wolves are. I can’t wait to tell Selene all about this once the night is over. I know she doesn’t give two shits about hockey, but there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll listen to me ramble.

“Come on, boys! Let’s go!” I can hear my dad’s voice when there’s a slight lull in the noise from the crowd. I shoot him a quick glance and can’t help but grin at the enthusiasm coming from him. He’s been coaching for years, but watching him lead this group of guys feels different—it feels much more personal.

But I’m not sure if that will be enough because the opposing team seems to have other ideas. The Red Wolves are up by one, and as the time ticks down, the pressure is on to prevent the opposing team from scoring. It appears as if the players are focused on defense, doing everything they can to maintain their lead. I know the game is almost over, but it feels like every second drags on forever.

The tension in the arena only intensifies as the players take their positions for the closing minutes. This game wasn’t supposed to be this intense, and I can’t help but feel both excitement and a twinge of panic at the thought of the Red Wolves losing their lead. How did it come to this?

As soon as the puck drops, chaos ensues on the ice. I click away, focusing on every movement, not knowing who will come out on top. Part of me wishes I could just be another fan in the stands, cheering without this being about work, but standing this close to the action is indescribable.

The crowd is on their feet, chanting and cheering as the last seconds tick away. Even though I can’t take my eyes off the game because of my job, I almost wish I could shut them because I am nervous. I reach up to touch the white bow in my hair before rubbing a hand down the front of my Red Wolves hoodie. This isn’t good for my heart.

My heart pounds as I watch Levi snag the puck and weave through the opposing team’s defense. I snap a series of shots, capturing the determination etched on his face.

Levi intercepts a pass, but the opposing team quickly regroups, and the puck ends up back in their possession. Asher skates back, helping Levi as they track the puck while the opposing team moves toward their goal. Blaise is right there with them, adding extra coverage. Levi goes in for the block, Blaise positions himself to guard against any loose pucks, and Asher supports by cutting off the passing lane, ready to deflect any rebound. Levi blocks the shot, and I swear I stop breathing as Asher scrambles to his feet and clears the puck out of the danger zone. I let out a shaky breath while hoping they can hold the lead.

The final buzzer sounds just as the puck clears the Red Wolves’ defensive zone. The arena erupts in a deafening roar as Red Wolves fans leap to their feet in celebration. I lower my camera, a wide grin spreading across my face as I watch the team swarm Levi, Asher, and Blaise, congratulating them for the game-saving play.

Although Asher and I are not on good terms, I’m still thrilled for the team. Although I’ve only been part of this organization and this school for a couple of days, I feel an enormous sense of pride. Then again, I’ve been part of this community since Dad took the head coaching job here over a decade ago.

I snap a few more photos of the team’s celebration before lowering my camera. The adrenaline rush from the game is wearing off, and I can feel the exhaustion seeping into my bones. I pack up my equipment and consider the edits I need to make before sending the photos to Bailey.

Once I have my things slung over my shoulder, I leave the ice rink and walk to the tunnel. I find Bailey in her office. I make my way over to her with a small grin on my face.

“Hey, Bailey!” I say as I approach her. Was that too enthusiastic? “I’m all done for the evening. I’ll have the edited photos sent over to you by tomorrow afternoon.”

Bailey smiles warmly. “Excellent. I can’t wait to see the shots.”

Before parting ways, we chat briefly about the team’s victory and the upcoming schedule. I’m ready to head home, take a hot shower, and collapse into bed. But as I walk out of the office, I hear someone call my name.

“Isla!”

I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Asher. I consider pretending not to hear him and making a quick escape, but something in his tone makes me pause for too long. As I make a move to walk away, I feel him touch my arm. Against my better judgment, I stop and turn to face him. “Yes?”

He jogs over to me, his hair still damp from sweat, I assume. “Can we talk sometime soon? Privately?”

I stare at him, momentarily taken aback by his request. A rush of conflicting emotions hits me like a ton of bricks—surprise, confusion, and what-the-fuck-ism. The last thing I want to be right now is alone with Asher, especially after everything that’s happened between us.

“What’s the point? What’s done is done, and it’s been years.”

“But now we’re both working for the same team, in different capacities, obviously. I thought maybe talking things through could make things less awkward for both of us.”

I cross my arms over my chest, feeling a mix of annoyance and exhaustion. Part of me wants to tell Asher to kiss my ass. However, I’m intrigued by what he could want to say after all this time. That doesn’t include the short conversation we had when we ran into each other after my job interview. I chew on my lower lip, weighing my options.

“Fine,” I finally say, my tone clipped. “We can talk. But not now because I’m busy.” I was only going to go back to my dorm room and work on these photos and pass out, but he didn’t need to know any details.

Asher nods as his expression relaxes. It’s as if he’s relieved by my statement. “Of course. Whenever you’re ready. Just let me know. My number hasn’t changed.”

I raise an eyebrow at his last comment. “Oh, so you assume I still have your number saved after all this time?”

Asher rubs the back of his neck. “I mean, uh…”

Is it wrong that I can’t contain my happiness at the thought of him feeling uneasy? “Don’t worry about it. I’ll text you when I’m ready to talk.” I adjust my camera bag strap on my shoulder, eager to end this conversation and get out of here.

However, the intensity in his eyes has drawn me to him like a magnet. I’m not sure if I can walk away from him.

Like he walked away from me.

“I have to go,” I say, stepping back. “I’ll be in touch... or something.”

Before he can respond, I turn on my heel and walk away, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel his eyes on my back as I leave, but I refuse to look back.

It takes some time because the guests who came to tonight’s game are still trying to leave the arena. When I reach the exit, I step out into the crisp night air, grateful to be out in the cool breeze. I take a deep breath as I try to calm my nerves after the events that took place tonight. I spot my car and make a beeline for it, eager to put some distance between myself and Asher. What I need to do is stop running from him, but that will have to be saved for another day.

Everyone loves a self-aware queen.

I unlock the vehicle and place my camera bag in the passenger’s seat. Once I’m inside with the doors locked behind me, I lean my head back against the headrest and close my eyes. I’m not ready to deal with this, but what he said makes sense. We’re going to see each other a lot more now, and it will be awkward if we don’t clear the air. That doesn’t mean I want to do that, however.

I grab my phone to type a quick message to Selene.

Me: You’re never going to believe what happened to me today…

Instead of getting a text message back, my phone rings. “Hey, Selene, can you hold on a second? I need to get on the road first, and then I can tell you what’s up.”

“No problem. I could tell by the vibes from your text that this was going to be good, and I only have a couple of minutes, so talking is easier.”

I laugh out loud, harder than I should have because I needed it. After the conversation with Asher and deciding to talk to him about our past at some point, I want all of the unicorns, butterflies, and rainbows in my life.

Once I’m on the road, I tell Selene everything that happened. When I’m finished, I wait for her reply, but she’s silent, which isn’t like her.

“Did I make you speechless?”

“Not really. I’m trying to decide whether I should actually tell you what I’m thinking.”

I glance at the phone before returning my focus to the road. “Why wouldn’t you just tell me? What is that supposed to mean?”

“After you talk things out, I think you should fuck him.”

My eyes widen as I tighten my grip on the steering wheel. It’s a miracle I didn’t drive off the side of the road. “Can you warn me before you say something like that?”

“Sorry.”

No, she isn’t.

“Didn’t you tell me at one point it took all of your control to stop you from wanting to beat him up? Now you want me to fuck him?”

“There’s a thin line between love and hate.” I can see her shrugging even though I can’t actually see her. “I’m glad you’re going to talk to him, but I don’t think it will be enough. You’ve been thinking about him a lot, and I think the best way to get him out of your system is to hate fuck him.”

“This might be one of the worst ideas you’ve ever had, including when you convinced me to sneak out and go to a college party where we ran into my sister, met Asher, and almost met the cops.”

“It wasn’t a bad idea, and you know it. We had fun, just like you’re going to have fun when you have sex with him again.”

I can’t believe the words coming out of her mouth, but I’m not surprised she’s saying them. “This is pure madness.”

“And you love it and me. I have to go, but I’ll talk to you later. Think about what I said because I doubt he’d turn you down, anyway.”

“Bye,” I say, not bothering to explain to her why what she said made no sense. I’m left wondering why we are best friends again and what that was all about.