He scored again before the first intermission. Zoey was so excited. She didn’t even remember seeing much of the other players. Every time he was on the ice, her eyes were on him. The only one she even noticed was number 19. He seemed to be Alex’s partner by the way they played.
“They don’t have partners, Zoey,” scoffed Madison. “They have line-mates and there are five on the line, two defensemen and 3 forwards. Number 19 is Nicklas Backstrom. He’s the center forward. He’s the boss on the ice.”
“Alex is not the boss?” Zoey asked in shock.
“No, Alex is a left wing. He doesn’t drive the play. Nick does. But Alex is the playmaker. He’s the big star. Alex makes things happen.”
A fan moved toward them and Zoey had to shift her weight to let him pass. Intermission was a bustle of energy. It was seventeen minutes of chatter and commotion and anticipation. People were moving about going to concessions, meeting with friends that they only see at the games. Zoey enjoyed looking around Verizon Center and taking it all in. She looked all around the stands. Most people were excited and happy. She saw a great deal of red jerseys, but also more white jerseys or blue jerseys supporting the opponents, the New York Rangers, than she thought would be there. There was a couple sitting a few rows behind them. He wore a Washington jersey and she wore a Rangers jersey. She found herself wondering now their evening might end up depending on the outcome of the game. She glanced up to the top of the stairs and noticed a very large man coming toward them. He was in a suit, but he had the look of security. He moved with a purpose. He held his head high and took in his surroundings. He finally stopped at the row where Zoey and Madison were sitting.
“Are you Miss Simmons? Zoey Simmons?”
“Yes,” Zoey answered slowly. bewildered.
“Mr. Ovechkin would like you to join him for a few minutes after the game.” He pulled out two passes on lanyards and handed them to Zoey. Zoey looked up at him openmouthed. Madison squealed.
“If you will wait here after the game, I will come escort you to the locker room.”
“T-thank you,” she finally said. Madison took the second pass from Zoey and squealed again.
“I can’t believe it! I get to meet Nick, oh my God, Zoey!” She threw her arms around her friend in a quick embrace and began to chatter again.
Zoey didn’t know why she was surprised by this. It was just like Alex. It was something so insignificant for him to do, but it would normally be out of her reach. Madison was so excited. But Zoey got nervous all over again. Seeing him was wonderful. Watching him play was amazing, but the idea of actually standing in front of him again was a little unnerving. Her heart was beginning to soar again.
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