My stomach flips, and not just from the wine. "Principal Williams sprung that on me with zero warning. I’m really not sure what I’m going to do with four Blades players and PR handlers in my classroom in two weeks."
"The reading initiative was planned months ago. It just wasn't supposed to be your classroom until Mrs. Patel went into early labor."
"I know, and obviously I'm happy to do it. The kids will lose their minds meeting real hockey players." I take another sip of wine. "It's just a lot of prep on top of everything else."
"So." Elena steals a piece of my bread. "Once we know who's coming, I can prep you on the personalities. Some guys are naturals with kids, others... not so much."
I look down at my napkin. "I may have watched a few games. For research purposes."
"Research purposes." She arches an eyebrow. "Of course."
"I needed to refresh my knowledge of the current team! I kinda stopped following hockey when you left Chicago."
"Mm-hmm. And this intensive research has led you to...what conclusions exactly?"
I fiddle with my napkin. "That hockey is surprisingly engaging when you understand the rules?"
"Try again."
I glance around, then lean in. "Fine. Your dad's team is ridiculously attractive, and I may have spent more time appreciating that than analyzing power plays."
Elena's eyes light up. "I knew it! Anyone specific, or just the general hockey hotness?"
"I plead the fifth," I say, trying not to think about how I may have replayed one particular post-game interview more than strictly necessary for educational purposes. "But let's just say I'm very prepared for the visual component of this visit."
"Wait until you meet them in person. TV doesn't do any of them justice."
My stomach flips. "Great. So I'll be even more tongue-tied when they walk into my classroom."
"You'll be fine. Most of them are actually pretty down-to-earth, despite what you might expect from pro athletes."
Elena grabs my phone and quickly checks my Instagram history. It’s full of Blades players and fan pages.
"You've been doing a lot of 'research' lately," Elena says with air quotes.
"I told you, I need to get back up to speed." I can feel my cheeks reddening.
"Well, don't assume you know what to expect. These guys might surprise you. In a good way."
"Spoken like someone whose father is the head coach," I say. "Besides, I've accepted that the closest I’m going to get to men that hot is to admire them on TV. At least now I have a professional excuse for it."
Elena laughs, signing the check. "Your expectations are way too low. You’re a beautiful woman, a catch."
"My expectations are realistic. There's a difference."
Elena rolls her eyes at me.
"We’ll agree to disagree then. But you might be surprised by what happens when you stop assuming you know exactly how everything will go."
We stand and I follow her out of the restaurant, wondering what surprises await. After months of zero romantic prospects, I'm genuinely excited to have some serious eye candy visiting my classroom.
Outside, Elena pulls me into a hug. "Thanks for dinner. I needed this."
"Me too," I say, squeezing her tight. "Love you."
"Love you too. Now get some sleep and stop overthinking everything."
I laugh. "I make no promises."
