"The room blurred until I saw him."
The energy from the Whale had followed the entire student section across campus to the traditional post-game gathering spot. Silver stood on the sidewalk outside the old off-campus house that served as unofficial hockey headquarters, watching students stream through the front door while bass-heavy music rattled the windows.
"You're coming in," Americus announced, linking her arm through Silver's before she could formulate an escape plan. "This is non-negotiable."
"Riley said this would be low-key," Silver protested weakly.
"Riley lied to get you here. It's for your own good."
The house was exactly what Silver had expected. Half frat house, half hockey shrine, every surface sticky with spilled beer and Gatorade. Someone had strung fairy lights across the kitchen doorway in a failed attempt at atmosphere, and the walls were plastered with team photos and signed sticks from previous championship seasons.
