9781250209153

For the first hour of the party, my teammates and I are treated to hugs
and drinks and replays. Somebody sticks reindeer antlers on my head and
tells me I was the MVP, and I blush without caring that my cheeks turn the
color of my hair. I hardly speak to Irene, but I have this sense that she’s
letting me have my moment. When I spot her on the other side of the
garage, still sporting her cheerleading uniform, she grins and gives me
another uncharacteristic wink.
“Hey!” Honey-Belle shouts at the room. “Hey! Cut the music! I want to
make a toast!”
The thumping bass stops and people press closer to the center of the
room. Gunther passes Honey-Belle an eggnog cup that sloshes over the rim.
“Where’s Irene?” Honey-Belle shouts. She looks at me. “Scottie,
where’s your girl?”
Something about it makes my face warm; I can’t catch my breath to
answer her.
“Irene!” Honey-Belle yells. “Get over here! We’re toasting!”
Irene makes her way over, rolling her eyes but laughing at Honey-
Belle’s enthusiasm. She hands me a water like it’s second nature to her, and
I realize I’m staring at her without meaning to. Her mascara is slightly
smudged beneath her eyes; her skin is damp and glowing. Her cedar
perfume swirls around us.
“Cheers to the Fighting Reindeer!” Honey-Belle yells. “We’re definitely
gonna win the championship this year! And extra cheers to our MVP,
Scottie Zajac!”
I’ve never felt so important in all my life. People bang on my back with
such force that I almost double over. I even get a kiss on the head from
Gunther. The cheering halts as people knock back their drinks. Then there’s
clapping and shouting and more congratulatory hands on me.
“Irene, show her some love!” Honey-Belle yells.
I turn with a skip in my stomach to see Irene gaping at Honey-Belle, but
it only lasts for a second. She centers herself and pulls me in for an
obligatory hug, the smirk in her eyes telling me that we should have
expected as much. Her arms go tight around me and I pray she can’t feel my
pulse beating against her warm skin.