Skating on thin ice

Chapter nineteen: surviving toronto

Jossan

I settled into the backseat of Dad's car, holding back a grin as Mat slid in next to me, looking like he was heading to his own funeral rather than a hockey game.

John; "Everyone buckled up?" Dad asked, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror.
Mat: "Yes, sir," Mat replied, his voice higher than usual.

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

As we pulled out of the driveway, I leaned over to Mat, whispering:
Jossan: "Relax. He's not going to bite."

Mat shot me a look that clearly said he didn't believe me.

John: "So, Mat," my dad's voice came from the front seat, making Mat jump slightly.
John: "Jossan tells me you're quite the hockey player yourself."

Mat straightened up, clearing his throat.

Mat: "I've been playing since I was a kid."

John: "Is that right?" Dad's tone was neutral, but I could see the glint of interest in his eyes through the mirror.
John: "What position?"
Mat: "Center," Mat replied, some of his usual confidence creeping back into his voice as he talked about hockey.

I raised an eyebrow, impressed. Maybe Mat would survive this trip after all.

Dad nodded approvingly.

John: "Good position. Requires a lot of skill and strategy. You know, back in my day..."

As Dad launched into one of his many hockey stories, I leaned closer to Mat, whispering:
Jossan: "Nice save. You might make it out of this car alive after all."
Mat: "Don't jinx it, Wood. We've still got a long way to Toronto."

I grinned, unable to resist teasing him a little.

Jossan: "Scared?"
Mat: "Terrified," Mat admitted.
Mat: "But don't worry, I've got a secret weapon."
Jossan: "Oh yeah?" I raised an eyebrow.
Jossan: "And what's that?"

Mat leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered:
Mat: "I spent all night studying Leafs history. I'm practically an expert now."

I pulled back, staring at him in disbelief.

Jossan: "You did not."
Mat: "Oh, but I did. Ask me anything about the Leafs. Go on, I dare you."
Jossan: "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
Mat:"Ridiculously prepared,"

Our quiet conversation was interrupted by my dad's voice.

John: "So, Mat, what do you think about the Leafs' chances this season?"
Mat: "Well. I think the Leafs have a strong chance this year. Their offensive lineup is one of the best in the league, and if their defense can step up, they could be real contenders."

Dad nodded, clearly impressed.

John: "That's a good analysis. Any players you're particularly excited to watch?"
Mat: "Oh, definitely," Mat said, launching into a detailed breakdown of the Leafs' players that had me biting my cheek to keep from laughing.

The way he talked good about players I knew for a fact he'd cursed at during our last viewing party was hilarious.

As we hit the highway, Dad turned on the radio, filling the car with the sounds of a sports talk show discussing the upcoming game.

Jossan: "So, Mat," I said, loud enough for Dad to hear.
Jossan: "since you're such a big Leafs fan, I bet you're excited about tonight's game, huh?"
Mat: "Absolutely."
Jossan. "You know," I continued.
Jossan: "I seem to remember you having some pretty strong opinions about the Leafs' goaltending situation last time we watched a game. What was it you said again?" I teased him.