Page 92 of Neo
“You sound a lot like him. Are you trying to kick me out of your place?”
“Never!” She playfully bumps into my shoulder. “It’s just that you glow whenever you are in the hockey god’s presence and it’s my job as your roommate and your friend to do everything in my power to help you keep it. The glow looks good on you, girl.”
“You know I never thanked you for opening up your home to me when I needed a place to stay, and pulling me kicking and screaming into the rink that first night. My head was jumbled up into a million pieces and you help me put myself together again.”
“Ugh, stop getting so sentimental. We’re at a freakin’ hockey game.”
“I know you hate it, but I couldn’t let any more time go by without me finally saying thank you.”
“Well, you’re very welcome.”
Uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation, Kennedy distracts herself by applying a fresh coat of lip gloss, so I think it’s best to lighten the mood.
“It’s a shame your stepbrother couldn’t join us tonight.”
She whips her head to the right angrily, facing me.
“That’s not funny, Violet.”
“I’m just saying,” I shrug, trying my best not to snort when I laugh. “Neo and the Devils come to Vegas to play the local team and Shane couldn’t make it?”
“You know full well that Shane and Bass have their own game to get ready for.”
“Aren’t the wedding plans in full swing? Are you and Shane standing up for the bride and groom? ”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
“You’ve been saying that for a year and they’re still engaged, Kennedy.”
“Hey, I don’t want to talk about it. All you should be focused on is hooking me up with one of Neo’s teammates. What about that number twelve? You think he likes tiny girls like me?”
I just shake my head at that, knowing full well that Neo would never let that go down, not while Shane is still breathing.
“Ooh, second period’s starting.” I clap. “Pay attention, Kennedy,” I laugh, throwing back the words she’s often said to me.
The game ends with a Devils’ victory, and we make our way down to the players’ area, greeted with cheers and congratulations. Neo’s teammates have become like a new family to him, embracing him as one of their own. It’s a relief to see that he was able to move from his super close VCU family to another and still find his footing. I’ve met some of the players on the team, but Neo introduces me again to some of his teammates.
“Eddie, Vlad, this is my girlfriend Violet and her friend Kennedy.”
“Hi ladies! Love to meet new Devils fans.”
“Hello to you too,” Kennedy flirts.
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
As the arena empties, Neo takes my hand, leading me out into the night air and we walk. Kennedy says her goodbyes and ends up taking an Uber to meet someone for pizza. I think Ray.
“Did you enjoy the game?” He smiles.
“You know I did. How’s your hand feeling?”
“It’s good, baby.”
“Are you still going to have the surgery during the off season?”
“Well, I wanted to talk to you about that.”
“Neo Major, I promised your mother that I wouldn’t let you chicken out again over this surgery.”