Page 7 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

I stare at him, and then I stare at Sabrina. “Sabrina, why did I let you convince me to hang out with my brother tonight?”

“Brothers,” Wes says with a cocky grin. “Miles is going to be there, as well.”

“I know, but you guys are like cock blocks. No one’s going to come up to me to chat or flirt.”

“Didn’t you just say a dude just texted you to go for ice cream?” he says. “What other guys do you want?”

“Fine,” I say, texting Darren back quickly.“Ice cream under the stars sounds amazing. What time are you thinking? I do have plans earlier with my friend.”I press send before I can stop myself. “I sent it,” I say to Sabrina. “Do you think I should have played a little harder to get? I mean, it’s the same day. Should I have pretended that?—”

“Don’t pretend anything,” Sabrina says. “It’s so much better when you’re honest, and this way you’ll know.”

“Yeah, true. I mean, what an amazing meet-cute, if he turns out to be the one,” I say dreamily, thinking about Darren, with his blond hair and blue eyes. He is the epitome of a golden boy. And I am here for it. I am here for a hottie to date and be my first. But I’m not gonna say that in front of Wes. I do not need him telling me to wait for marriage.

“So, where exactly are we going?” I take a seat on the edge of the bed and study my nails. “And do I have time to take off this chipped nail polish and redo it? Because I don’t want Darren thinking I’m a slob. Also, I should really change.” I look down at my faded jeans and basic white blouse. “I know I wasn’t looking all that when we met, but I don’t want to look like a frump again tonight.”

“You do not look like a frump,” Sabrina says quickly. “You’re beautiful. Plus, you should see if he likes you at your worst, and then you know he’ll love you at your best.”

“What are you saying?” I blink and then glare at her. “Are you saying I look like trash?”

“No, you don’t look like trash.”

“Sis, you look beautiful. Do you look like you’re ready to go to a nightclub? No, but that’s good. You want to dress casually. You don’t want to be all boobs and butt out and have him thinking that you’re just up for a good time.”

“Why is my brother talking about my boobs and my butt? Ugh.” I pretend to throw up.

Wes rolls his eyes. “You’re so immature, Erica.”

“And you are so annoying, Wes,” I say, and Sabrina just giggles.

“Guys, come on. Erica, you look great.”

“Uh-huh. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend to my annoying older brother.” I’m only half telling the truth and half joking, but I feel bad at the guilty expression on Sabrina’s face. “It’s okay,” I say. “Look, I get it. You guys just got together, and you’re in love and want to spend all your time together. And honestly, I know that whatever I tell you is gonna get back to Wes anyway.”

“No, if you told me to keep a secret, I would totally keep a secret,” Sabrina says quickly.

Wes frowns. “So, you’re saying you wouldn’t tell me absolutely everything?”

“I mean, if Erica has said, it’s between us, it will remain between us. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No,” He smiles. “I do not want to be privy to your private conversations.”Wes heads out of the bedroom. “I’m gonna go text Miles. Just let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll head out.”

“Okay,” Sabrina says, walking over and kissing him on the cheek before closing the door slowly. She heads over to the mattress and takes a seat next to me. I can see there’s slight anxiety and remorse in her eyes.

She grabs my hands and squeezes. “Hey, I think I owe you an apology.”

“What?” I stare at her, feeling bad but waiting to hear what she is gonna say.

“I feel like you’re upset that I’m spending so much time with Wes now, and we don’t have as much time together. He’s all up in your business and”—she makes a face—“he’s annoying about it.”

“He is very annoying about it. I love him, but ugh.”

She makes a face. “I promise that I’m not going to speak about your boy issues with him.”

“Even if he says, 'but we’re together, and I love you?’” I say in a sing-song voice. And she laughs.

“No, you’re my best friend. And whatever is private for you stays between us. You have my word, Erica. I don’t want you to ever think you can’t trust me. I love your brother, but you’ve been my best friend practically my entire life. And well, that means something. Our bond is sacred to me.” She gives me a warm smile. “So, has Darren responded? Do you think he could be the one? Tell me more.”

I lean back in the bed and let out a dreamy sigh. I close my eyes and picture his face. “He’s really cute, Sabrina. He has these pink lips and perfect white teeth and big blue eyes and thisfloppy blond hair that you just want to reach over and smooth it down. He was kind of funny and charming. I mean, he likes theater. Yeah, maybe he doesn’t have money, but I don’t care.”