Pucks and Pirouettes

Chapter 24 | A third to know

I held her tight, and she let me, she let me for just long enough to assure me that it was more than we'd make the world believe it was.

All the other girls had now joined us, the group hug that followed warming my heart. Still, it was me and Holly in the centre, our hands holding on tightly to one another.

"That was incredible, you guys.", Lani shouted close to my left ear.

"Thanks", I replied with a laugh and finally turned my attention to something other than the pair of blue eyes in front of me.

"The way you just found that perfect moment to send your pass to her. It was like magic.".

"Magic.", I heard Holly repeat quietly.

I stopped myself from looking back at her, even though it took a lot from me not to do so naturally. I was not going to risk anything for her just because the adrenaline rushing through me made me more lovesick than I already was.

We exchanged high-fives with our opponents and finally made our way off the ice.

I got separated from Holly when all of our friends and families started making their way to us, but I didn't pay it another thought, when I saw Theo coming my way.

"B!", he exclaimed loudly, pulling me into a hug, "You were incredible. That last pass, wow.".

"Thanks, man. I'm so glad you could make it.".

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'm sad Sam couldn't be here today.".

My uncle had to back out spontaneously because his friend had invited him out on his boat before it was brought to land for the winter.

"Yeah, me too. But I know you just cheered for the both of you.".

Theo nodded and messed with my already messy hair.

"How about the two of us grab milkshakes to celebrate. And maybe a burger and fries, you must be starving.".

I let my eyes wander over the crowd at his proposal until I could make out Holly. She was standing with her parents and Tobias, and I could feel my blood boil at the mere sight of him.

"Yeah, sounds good. I just have to catch up with one of the girls quickly. Why don't I just meet you by my car. It's in the parking lot.".

"Sure, see you in a bit.".

I made my way over towards Holly. I really wanted to spend time with Theo, but I remembered what she had said about tonight, so I just needed to make sure.

When I got close to them, I could hear Tobias' voice and I involuntarily began listening in to their conversation, not wanting to interrupt just yet.

"Yeah, her name is Becca. She is in our year.".

"Becca? The girl who picked you up earlier?".

I could see Holly nod, her face telling me how uncomfortable she was with the situation.

"It's really not my place to know, but she picked you up?", Tobias asked with played innocence.

Another nod from Holly.

"What kind of girl is she?".

Of course, her mother had to ask a question like that, and of course, it was Tobias beating Holly to a response.

"Oh, she is really nice. If you can see past her interests. Or rather who she is interested in.".

Holly's parents exchanged a look before they focussed their attention back on Holly.