The Exchange

Chapter 46, Part 1

The day of Matt and Viktor's last hockey game arrived faster than I wanted. They were only a three-loss team, but with so many elite teams in the state of Minnesota, they didn't have a shot to get into the tournament they had dreamed of.

I was still proud of them. Viktor and David were going to Winterview University on scholarships for hockey. What more could I have wanted, besides Matt getting one?

And with that scholarship, the next year, Viktor would only be an hour away from me rather than in Sweden. I knew it was stupid and selfish of me to be happy about that, but it didn't stop me from smiling.

It would be easier to annoy the shit out of him with the closer proximity.

Matt and Viktor were upstairs, getting everything ready for their final game of the season for Viktor, and final game forever for Matt.

I looked over to Blaine and Arti. "I'm gonna ask them if we can come with them."

"They're gonna say no. They don't like Arti," Blaine said.

Arti punched his arm. "Literally everyone likes me. I'm perfect."

"But they both like me, so that cancels her out, and they're pretty neutral on you, Blaine. That gives us a net attraction of about zero," I said.

Blaine crossed his arms. "They're neutral? Breaking news: I'm pretty great too."

"I think so too. I wouldn't be dating you if you weren't at least half as cool as me," I said.

"Oh, did I show you what I found in the school bathroom? Here, I have it in my backpack," Blaine said.

Never mind.

Arti rolled her eyes. "I can't wait for you to break up."

But before I could jokingly agree, Matt and Viktor came down the stairs before heading to the last game.

"I'll be right back, so play nice." I stood up and peeked around the corner to where Matt and Viktor were walking. "Hey, guys. Can Arti, Blaine, and I come with you?"

Matt didn't hesitate before responding. "No."

Wrong answer. "Why not?"

"Because I said so."

"I'm not a child, Matt. You can't just use that to avoid explaining yourself to me."

Matt frowned. "I just don't want you there, okay?"

Viktor held up his hand. "Do you seriously think it's just a coincidence that the only times we lost were when she was hurt?"

"No, but I'm smart enough to figure out that it was just because you were a mess," Matt said.

"There's no other explanation, Matt. She's the piece we need."

"That's the dumbest thing you've ever said."

I crossed my arms. "He's said way dumber things."

Viktor smiled. "Thank you, Candy Cane."

"Look, you're just being superstitious and unreasonable. Amanda's presence has no effect on the outcome of the game," Matt said.

"Yes, it does. Every single time she was there, we won. There's no way that's just a coincidence," Viktor said.

"Come on. We're leaving."

"But—"

"Now."

Viktor sighed. "Sorry, Candy Cane. I tried my best."