“Everyone, of course. We can grab it if you ladies get us seats.” Jenna links arms with Kris, and they make a beeline for the popcorn cart to our left. Team rivalry abandoned as soon as they left the house.
“Follow me.” Maisie holds out a hand, dragging me down to the fourth row. We toss our belongings around to save the bench for our friends. Need to make sure we have space for ten.
The noise level in the old hall increases as students fill the long wooden benches. I crane my neck looking for Jenna and Krista until I spot them weaving their way down the middle aisle, arms overflowing with popcorn bags. It’s a relief we’re going to get a little more backup to hold the seats for the rest of the team. This is the reason I always show up early for anything that doesn’t have assigned seating. My anxiety about not getting a seat can destroy even the best experience.
The smell of rich, buttery popcorn surrounds me as Jenna hands me some bags to hold, and I tuck my legs in tight so she and Krista can slide by. The extra bodies are helpful in claiming our spots, but we still get a few other students asking us to scooch. As the holder of the aisle seat, I have to ward them away from our saved seats. Not my favorite pastime.
Maisie drags in a noseful of the popcorn and leans into my shoulder. “This is the best part of movie night.”
I turn to her. “So, what I’m hearing is you’re not actually a movie fan. You’re just in it for the popcorn.”
“No, never.” Her mouth twists up in her crooked smirk.
“Sure, sure.”
I’m about to dig into my bag when someone taps me on the shoulder.
“Sorry,” Sab says. “Can we sneak in?” I look up to see her looking at me with an apology in her dark brown eyes. A few more members of our team are lined up behind her. I tuck my knees in again to let the four of them by.
“Is Lil getting snacks?” I ask, turning to Sab. Our goalie usually doesn’t miss these movie nights.
“Nah. She’s doing something with Finn. He made plans.”
Of course her boyfriend planned something on movie night, even though she loves it. I have to check the first thought that slips into my head. What is wrong with me? I think I’m still thrown off by Whitaker. Not all men are conceited assholes. Finn’s a good guy, and I’m sure he planned something fun for her.
“Too bad she’s going to miss this one. It’s elite among the nineties flicks.”
Maisie twists around in her seat to check out the crowd. “You know there’s also the potential for meeting the man of my dreams, or just the man of my night here. Not that Lil needs to worry about that. Seen anyone with potential?” She tosses a handful of perfectly popped kernels into her mouth.
“Um, no. I’m not here for the guys. In fact, I don’t know how much dating I’ll be doing this year. I’ve got a lot on my plate.”
“Boo. You at least need a little fun. How about one of the guys on the hockey team? There’s some definite potential there. Especially now that we’re going to be working with them on the PR stuff.”
“Hell to the no. Absolutely not. They think they’re the shit. No respect for the women’s team. We’re not even on their radar.” An explosion of salty goodness fills my mouth when I toss in a delicious handful. I’m going to have to drink a gallon of water tonight to rehydrate after this, but Maisie might have been right about it being the best part of the night. I don’t let myself indulge too often.
A little snort accompanies my friend’s shaking shoulders. “Oh, I think you’re definitely on their radar. The captain’s at least.”
My fingers tighten around the bag, popcorn spilling out at the memory of his arrogant face when he told me to clear off the ice.
“I guess all my dreams are coming true, then.” I give her my best baby-deer eyes and bat my lashes. “I caught the attention of the captain of the hockey team. My life is complete.”
Maisie snorts again. “So, he’s not the one for you. I’m sure they’re not all jerks.”
“Who’s a jerk?”
A shadow falls over me as a deep male voice cuts into our conversation. I tilt my head up to find Jenson leaning over me. My stomach falls, and I look behind him, expecting to get caught by the captain himself, but there’s no sign of him. Just Jenson, reaching up to brush a chunk of wavy brown hair off his face. The mop of hair matches the grunge look he’s gone for with a burgundy flannel shirt layered over a white tee, and a pair of faded jeans.
“Your captain.”
His mouth falls open at my blunt remark, but I don’t regret it. If he wants to report back to Beau, fine by me. It’s not like I’m intending to keep my feelings hidden. I can fake it for the camera and in public, but I’m not going to lie to him, and I’m definitely not going to fawn over him like some puck bunny.
“Beau is okay. You caught him on a bad day.”
“Sure.”
“No, really.” He doesn’t move from his spot standing in the aisle even as the lights dim and someone steps up to the microphone, casting a shadow on the screen.
“You should go find a seat.” I tell him.
