Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Have you reached out to the woman from the art show about the internship?” Hammer asks, moving her chair closer.
“I have! I’m meeting with Ellie next week, actually. We just firmed up the date yesterday.”
Lexi glances up from the application she’s reading. “I’m excited to find out more about that.”
“Me, too.” My laptop dings with another order from my online store.
Hammer’s eyes light up. “How many is that now?”
“More than fifty. The T-shirts are really popular.”
“I knew they would be. We’ll keep adding products, but a slow rollout is best, at least until the semester is over. We can ramp it up when you’re through exams.”
The art show, while initially scary, has given me so many amazing opportunities. Two professors have suggested I take their classes, and the student art gallery director requested that I apply for one of their on-campus summer positions.
The copycat artist decided to retaliate to my coming out by trying to frame me by spray painting a piece of art on the side of the art building. She posted a video and made it look like me, complete with a Tilton hockey hoodie with my boyfriend’s last name on it, but got caught in the act by campus security before she could escape. She was the same year as me and has since been expelled, which is sad since she’s quite talented, even if she’s still struggling to figure out her style. I hope she can find a way to pursue her art outside of Tilton.
Beyond that, my “coming out” from behind the social media mask has opened new doors. All the things I’ve always wanted are happening. Hammer and Hemi helped me set up my online store. For now, I have T-shirts, art prints, canvas prints, posters, and stickers. Mugs are next.
My phone buzzes with a new message. I glance at the screen and smile.
Mac
How’s girls’ afternoon going?
Fee
So fun.
I send him a picture of Lexi and Hammer, following with a selfie.
Mac
Tell them both I said hi.
“Mac says hi,” I repeat.
Lexi grins. “Tell him we say hi, too, and that we’re excited to see him play tonight.”
I relay the message.
Mac
I’m excited, too.
Fee
Practice was good?
Mac
It was great. Super smooth. And Brody is back on his game, so we’re going in with a positive headspace.
Fee
I’m so glad to hear that.
I’ll message when I’m back on campus.
Mac
Sounds good. Luv u. Xo
Fee
Luv u back.
Hammer snaps a picture.
I set my phone down. “What are you doing?”
She shows me her screen. “You’re so happy.”
I’m wearing a dopey grin, eyes slightly unfocused. “I truly am.” I don’t know what the summer will look like, but I know wherever Mac and I end up, we’re in it together.
“You and Mac are good for each other.” Lexi flips the page on my essay.
“I think so, too.” I return to my laptop. “I’m pretty much finished with the design. Do you think we have enough time to print it out before the game?” My hope is that I can wear one to the game.
“Absolutely.” Hammer grins. “Let’s do this.”
CHAPTER 42
MAC
“This is hilarious and awesome.” I spin Fee around so I can get a look at it. “When did you have time to make this?”
“I’m glad you like it. I’ve been working on it for a while. We’re all wearing one.”
“All of you?” Fee reworked the Tilton Blaze logo, and it now features a hockey player riding a howling wolf with a puck in place of the moon. Her player has my name and number on the jersey.
“Cammie has a Chase jersey, and of course I snuck Brody onto Enid’s, but we’re all representing tonight.”
“I fucking love it. I love you.” I pull her into my arms.
“You’ve got this.” Fee smooths her hands over my chest and links her fingers behind my neck.
I nod my agreement. “I do have this.” I’ve been on my game and only improving these last few weeks.
“You’re going to play a kick-ass game, and then we’re going to celebrate with our friends like we do, and after all the friend celebrations are over, we’ll have a private one of our own.” She tugs on the back of my neck, pulling me down until her lips are at my ear. “And you’ll insist I wear my socks because it’s your adorable kink, and you’ll whisper filthy things to me and make me come until I’m delirious, and then we’ll cuddle and you’ll spoon me to sleep.”
“It’s like you know me.”
“Right?” She grins impishly. “But seriously, Mac, you’ve been so smooth on the ice. And consistent. You have a ton of assists over the past month, and your stats are right where they were last year. You’ll be awesome tonight. I can feel it in my bones.”
I bite my lips together.
She grins and whispers, “And later you get to feel it in your boner.”
We both laugh, and I hug her tightly.