She tilts her head back, looking down at me through half-shuttered lids. But the smile that slowly creeps up her face is more alarming than anything else. “I think I’ve got an angle.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
Her smile has the insane level of glee you only see in comic book villains. I feel like I should be terrified. “You mentioned hard work. Have you ever had a part-time job? Volunteer work?”
“I’ve been learning and working for my father since I was old enough to type. And you know community service is part of the deal as a college player.”
“Yes, but have you ever done anything with your hands?” The way she’s looking at my hands folded on the table makes me think of all the things I’ve done with them, and all the things I could do to her.
I place them on the polished wood table, leaning toward her. “Oh, trust me, I’m good with my hands.”
She scoffs. “Not what I meant.”
“Wait, you didn’t mean manual labor? What did you think I was talking about?” I give her my best wide-eyed, innocent look.
“I wasn’t… You’re impossible. Are you sure I can’t trade you for JJ? He seems pretty harmless, if a little obtrusive.”
“JJ? You want to work with him? I’d say go for it, but I’ve been told they want us to set the example as team captains.” What does she know about JJ? Is she into him?
“Yeah. He is a bit annoying. I think I’d rather you. At least we know our feelings are mutual. He seems like a wild card.”
“Aww, I’m touched. You’d rather spend time with me. Thanks.” This conversation is frustrating and does not appear to be going anywhere. I can’t help glancing at my watch.
“Got someplace better to be?”
“There are a hundred places I’d rather be, so let’s get on with this and make a plan. Then we can both get back to our own shit.”
“Fine. I’m thinking we can do some volunteer work together.”
“Sure. We work with a local hockey league and the school lunch program. The food bank that we raise money for. Jacks was doing something with Habitat for Humanity last year. I’m game for anything.”
“Oh, I have something specific in mind. It will really showcase your softer side. And the eyes we could get on the team and on the charity. Infinite possibilities.”
Don’t love the sound of that. “My softer side?”
She leans in closer. “There’s a local cat shelter the women’s team has been working with for a few years now. Paws For Thought. We help out there regularly. Wherever they need us.”
My shoulders tense up, back going rigid. “I’m not much of an animal person.” We didn’t have any pets growing up, and animals are a little too unpredictable. Not to mention the mess. My sister acquired a ferret and a couple of guinea pigs recently, but I’ve mostly managed to avoid the furry little creatures.
She ignores me, clapping her hands together. “This is it. This is the thing that’s going to win everyone over. Oh. I wonder if they’d be interested in a calendar. Hockey players and kitties? Can you imagine the money we’ll raise? We could help rescue so many fur babies. Throw in some pictures and videos on social. Done. I’ll get you signed on immediately.”
She’s fucking with me, but also serious. And she already has a low opinion of me. Dissing this idea would sink me faster than concrete blocks. But I can’t help one last protest. “A calendar?”
“Yes, think of it. Hot hockey players, cute animals, and, of course, the great Beau Whitaker. Star power all around.”
She makes no effort to hide her sarcasm when she says my name. My dad does condone volunteer work. Giving back to thecommunity for the optics alone. But I don’t think he’d approve of his son starring in a charity calendar for some Podunk animal shelter. A light flicks on. He’ll hate this. Her smile falters as mine grows. “Sounds fantastic. I’ll do it. We done here?”
She’s back to studying me through the suspicious slits of her eyes. “Really? This is a commitment, you know. No backing out or showing up late. They’ll be counting on us.”
“I’m never late. Can you say the same?” I push up from the table, tilting my wrist to check my watch. “I’ve got to get back to the house. Send me the details, and I’ll see how many of the other guys I can get signed up.”
I turn to leave, but a soft mutter catches my attention.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” She snaps.
Rustling sounds and some bangs follow me out the door as she gathers up her things. My step is a little lighter knowing I won this scrimmage.
