My Hockey Alpha

Nina

My encounter on the football field with Enzo left me both confused and upset.

First of all, how had he shown up like that just in time to catch the football helmet before it hit me in the face? Second, why did he continue following me around campus like a lost puppy? For someone who was supposedly the campus playboy, it felt odd that he was so obsessed with me of all people.

After seeing Enzo and Lisa talking so dramatically, I felt for certain that this was all some sort of huge prank. Surely Justin was in on it, too. They wanted me to be humiliated for getting involved with the hockey team.

Just a little more and I could walk away from this internship and not have to deal with it any longer…

The next day, Friday, was the day of Enzo’s game. Jessica used her VIP ticket to go and sit in one of the VIP box seats. I let her use my ticket to bring Lori, who really only ever liked going to hockey games to see the fights. I didn’t want to go at all, but it was my job now to attend sports games in case anyone got injured.

I wore a lowkey outfit that day in the hopes that Enzo and Justin wouldn’t notice me as much. It was chilly out, even in the arena, so I wore a university hoodie, jeans that weren’t too tight, and a beanie. I even wore my glasses, even though I had been wearing contacts since I left high school. I usually only wore my glasses at home because I thought they looked dumb on me, but I figured that maybe they would get Justin and Enzo to leave me alone.

Tiffany and I stood on the sidelines

while the game took place. She bought me a hot cocoa and a soft pretzel while we watched.

“You know, he clearly really likes you,” Tiffany said, leaning closer to me so I could hear her over the roaring of the crowd.

“I know,” I replied, taking a bite of my pretzel. I didn’t bother saying that Enzo was the person I slept with because I figured she already knew.

“I totally understand if he’s not your type, but let me just say this…” Tiffany paused to take a sip of her hot cocoa. Her red lipstick stained the white paper cup. “I’ve known these boys for two years now. They’re obnoxious and full of themselves, but most of them are good kids. Enzo especially.”

at Tiffany’s words. I looked out at the rink, where Enzo was taking the

this way and that to control the puck as he flew

said, I thought back to the night that Enzo and I had sex. He had been so gentle and understanding with me, not bothered at all that I

his actions genuine that

enjoyed the night I spent with him, I knew I wouldn’t do it again. I didn’t

my thoughts were broken by the sound of splitting wood and a collective gasp from the crowd as a player from the other team slammed full-force into Enzo, knocking him

punching him deliberately in the face, repeatedly. The referee blew his whistle several times and skated over, but he couldn’t get the other player off of Enzo

He seemed like he hit his head on the ice when

the referee managed

hot cocoa and pretzels running over to the rink Chapter 14

of his teammates. He was conscious now, but his face was bruised and bloody and there was some blood coming out of his mouth from all the

the locker room,” Tiffany said. I stepped out of the way to let them through, my heart pounding as I watched them carry him away. My chest ached to see Enzo injured so badly, and

a bench. He was fully conscious now and able to sit up on his own. Tiffany

guy is having a seizure. I think he

questioningly. I Chapter 14. Qualifying

handle Enzo on my own, then she stood up and ran out

down,

for

clean the worst wounds and