REM [A.G]

four

Today was the day.

After weeks of training and gaining chemistry with my new team, it was the first game of the season. My family and friends were here to watch, the arena packed to the brim.

I could already feel how good of a game it would be.

But, as I walked around the backstage of the arena, I felt my phone continuously ringing and no doubt knew it was Lori.

I've been ignoring her for weeks which is something I never did but what she pulled at the club rubbed me wrong. I may sound like a lovesick puppy but she was singlehandedly breaking my heart and knew it. So, I avoided her.

I ignored every 'I miss you' text, every 'I'm in LA' invite. All of it I screened. And I knew she wanted to get to the bottom of it because she resorted to calling me.. she never calls me.

I almost slipped up a few times when I felt sad as shit but luckily Rome and Alesha were there to snap my ass back into shape. I'd have been crawled on my knees for her if it wasn't for them.. how pathetic that sounds, right?

"S.E, you ready?" Will asked with a smile, clapping my back as he waved the clipboard. "You're in the starting lineup."

My eyes widened. "What? I'm technically a rookie," he nodded knowingly. "You sure? None of the guys are gonna try to kick my ass for taking their spot?"

He laughed and shook his head while resting his hand on my shoulder. "Y/n the guys told me I should put you in the lineup." Well damn.. I didn't expect that. "Trust me, my men aren't misogynistic assholes, Y/n. On the ice they can kick ass but off ice, they're all nice guys."

I've noticed that. First practice they were so nice, I thought I landed back on the good side of Canada. But starting line? I figured I'd come in during second half.

Not that I was complaining.

After him reassuring me I'd do great, I walked to the locker room to get changed into my game jersey. No matter how many times I walked in here, seeing Souza-Estefan on the wood above the cubby with the LA Kings jersey hanging beneath it, it gave me chills.

I've been working for this since I was seventeen and that may not seem like a lot for most people, but four years of playing for scraps and being told 'women shouldn't be in the league' is heartbreaking to say the least.

Of course I already had money (thanks to my parents) so the 'playing for scraps' part would hurt the other players more, but I like to make my own money. I like taking care of myself so yes, it still sucked.

Now, with the kings, I would be making six figures by the closing of this season. A major step up.

"Alright you guys, gather in." Drew, our captain said and I looked up after lacing my skates, then raising up to move toward him. "First game of the season against the Canucks and I'm not too worried because the name of their team still makes me laugh." I chuckled softly, along with the locker room. "No but honestly, I've seen every one of you in practice either for years or months and I know it's going to be a great season. Especially with you, Y/n." He said with a friendly wink. "Hands in. Kings on three. One, two, three,"

"Kings!"

The guys were suddenly wound up as they grabbed their hockey sticks and started out of the locker room while cheering. I silently followed behind them while holding my helmet in my left hand.

Just as I reached the tunnel, I heard someone whisper my name. My head swiveled just in time it came again. "Y/n!" I looked to my left, surprised to see Lori leaned against the wall.