Page 76 of Neo

I nod, my eyes glued to the game. “He’s amazing.”

The first period is intense, with both teams playing aggressively. Neo’s on top form, dodging and weaving with a grace that’s almost balletic. But when the Chiefs score the first goal, a collective groan rises from the Valencia supporters.

“Come on, Suns! You can do this!” Kennedy yells, her enthusiasm undiminished.

I join in, cheering and clapping, feeling every check and shot as if they were my own. Halfway through the second period, Neo steals the puck and races down the ice, his focus absolute.

He shoots–and scores!

The crowd erupts, and I jump to my feet, screaming at the top of my lungs.

“Yes, Neo!” I yell, more out of reflex than anything.

“The boys are on fire tonight,” Kennedy laughs and high-fives me. “And Neo is a machine! Did you see that shot?”

The game continues, a nail-biting back and forth. The Chiefs are tough, but Valencia is tougher. In the final period, with the score tied, the tension is almost unbearable. Neo’s playing like a man possessed, his determination clear in every move.

With just minutes left on the clock, Neo gets the puck again. He skates past the defenders, a blur of speed and skill. This time he passes the puck to Bass, who shoots–and scores the winning goal! The crowd goes wild, and I’m screaming and jumping, hugging Kennedy in a burst of joy.

“We did it!” I shout, my heart racing.

Kennedy grins, her eyes shining. “You guys are going to celebrate hard tonight!”

“You’re not coming?”

“I’m going to pass on this one. Ray and I are going to grab some dinner, plus Shane wouldn’t want me there.”

“Okay,” I say, still wondering what in the world happened between those two.

As the team lines up to shake hands, I can’t take my eyes off Neo. He looks up, finds me in the crowd, and gives me a smile that sends my heart into overdrive. I blush, feeling a flutter in my stomach.

The game ends, and the crowd starts to disperse, still buzzing with the excitement of the win. Kennedy and I make our way out, talking and laughing, the thrill of the game still coursing through us.

“Um, I would wait with you,” Kennedy starts. “But I just don’t really want a scene with Shane.”

“Would there be a scene?”

“Maybe. I know I don’t usually do the whole by yourself thing, but would it be okay if Ray and I left? If you stand at that doorway right there in about fifteen minutes, Neo will find you as he exits. Just text him.”

“No worries. I’ll be fine. You go ahead and have a good time.”

“Thanks, Violet.”

As I wait by the South entrance for Neo to change and finish celebrating their win in the locker room, I can feel someone staring at me.

It’s Vikki.

I pretend to not notice and start playing with my cell phone, but it doesn’t matter. She approaches me anyway.

“Look at you in your jersey,” she taunts, as she pops a few Peanut M&M’s in her mouth, one at a time.

“Hey, Vikki.”

“I have to give it to you. You worksofast.”

“What are you talking about?” I sigh with indifference.

“A freshman locking down Neo Major? The only other girl able to pull that off was me.”