Chapter 81 Orange Tulip
Grayson's POV
"Hey captain, we're gonna slaughter The Devils."
"Yeah, let's show them how fierce we are."
"Let's win this game. Come on, everyone!" I shouted, to cheer on my teammates. We were still in the locker room, finalizing our strategy.
This game was really special to me because it was my first game after making up with Quinn. Now my enthusiasm and energy had increased, even though part of me was still worried about what Quinn and Kelly might talk about.
I was worried not because I was keeping a secret, but because I knew Kelly was very cunning. I was worried that she would betray her promise to me to explain the misunderstanding to Quinn.
The thing is, when she approached me at that time to explain her relationship with her fiancé, I was willing to forgive her as long as she was willing to explain to Quinn that we didn't have a relationship and that I was no longer interested in her. She did agree, but now I'm worried that she might change her mind.
"Grayson, c'mon."
"Yes, coach."
I signaled to my teammates to get out. Once we were outside, the sound of shouting filled the arena.
But that wasn't what distracted me. It was the scent of someone who said she wouldn't come to see my game. Someone who made me feel better.
Quinn.
I smelled Quinn.
I looked for her in the stands as I passed through the tunnel to make sure what I smelled was real. I wanted to make sure I wasn't hallucinating or imagining things.
And it turned out I wasn't dreaming.
Quinn, she really did come. She was sitting in the top row. And now our eyes met!
Oh damn! My Quinn! She’s back to watch my game!
Gosh, I'm so happy. I can't express it in words, but I really feel like I can fly right now.
It feels like my energy has increased by 200 percent. It feels like I've gotten a boost and the confidence that I will defeat our rival, our long-time rival.
My Quinn, wait for me. I won't let you down. The time you spent supporting me this time won't be wasted. Believe me.
"Yash, good job, everyone. Especially you, Grayson. What got into you? Your game was really fierce. I'd even say it was the most terrifying of the season."
I smiled broadly. "Thanks for the compliment, coach."
"Wooo, look, everyone. Our captain is smiling after the game!"
Everyone immediately looked at me. Some laughed and some shook their heads. And there were also those who quipped, "Maybe he's in love, coach!"
Damn. I couldn't deny it because it was true.
I could only quickly put all my equipment in my bag and hug my coach before leaving the locker room.
There was one thing I really wanted to do even while the game was going on, and that was to see Quinn.
Throughout the game, I also took the time to look at her occasionally, making sure she was still there. And after successfully catching sight of her, I immediately went crazy again on the rink.
But the problem was, now I didn't know where Quinn was.
Damn! I forgot to ask for her phone number after we made up yesterday. Now I couldn't contact her or ask about her location.
Oh shit, don't tell me she's already gone home.
This is messed up, this is really messed up.
I didn't want to disappoint her by not meeting her after the game. She had come all this way, alone, and if I didn't meet her, that would be outrageous. I would even hate myself for it.
I finally decided to run out of the arena. I looked around while trying to ignore the flashes of the cameras.
And after looking carefully for a few seconds, I finally saw Quinn. But of course I didn't go straight to her, I gave her a signal to come closer to our bus.
Luckily Quinn is smart, she understood my signal right away. I covered my face tightly and joined my team as they moved towards the bus to camouflage ourselves. And when we got close to the bus, I pulled Quinn away to a quieter place.
Once we found a place that was safer from the media, I immediately uncovered my face. "Sorry for making you hide like this. I'm just trying to keep us from being caught by the media."
Quinn nodded. "I got it. Besides, I don't want to be in the media spotlight either. And yeah, congratulations on Frost Maple's victory."
Suddenly, Quinn took something out of the paper bag she had been carrying. It was a bouquet of orange tulips.
I accepted it happily. And after that, I stared at the flowers intently. They were as beautiful and lovely as Quinn.
"Sorry, those are the only flowers I could get," she said.
I immediately looked up when I felt my eyes getting hot. And after that, I looked at Quinn earnestly. "Thank you so much. This means a lot to me. These are the first flowers I've ever received from someone."
"Really?"
I nodded quickly. "Yeah. These are very precious. I have to preserve them."
Quinn chuckled softly. She acted as if there had been no argument between us yesterday. "Then I'm glad you like it."
"Of course I like it, Quinn. I didn't expect and couldn't believe you would give me such beautiful flowers. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much."
I stretched out my arms to hug her, but then I stopped because I was afraid of making her uncomfortable.
"It's okay, you can hug me."
Having received permission, I didn't hesitate to pull her into my arms.
Oh, this felt like the most special victory night I had ever experienced in my career. Someone I loved came to watch my game and gave me a very sweet and meaningful gift. My night was truly made special by Quinn's arrival and all her gifts.
"Thank you," I said again, tightening my hug.
If I could, I would want this to last longer. If I could, I would also want everyone to know that I had found my fated mate and now she was starting to show her interest in me.
I stroked Quinn's hair. "I am a lucky man. Thank you, Quinn."