A young Latino man gives me an awkward smile. He’s holding a plate piled with protein and what looks like every fruit the buffet offers. “Sorry, it’s pretty full.”
I blink at him, then recognition dawns. “You’re the new massage therapist. Mateo.”
He smiles sheepishly. “Sorry, I thought you would recognize me. I can sit somewhere else…”
“No, no.” I wave him back. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”
Mateo joined at the same time as Enzo. Guess I was more focused on Enzo’s arrival.
Mateo slides into the chair across from me. His emerald eyeshadow shimmers.
“How do you like working for the Blizzards?”
“It’s amazing.”
I grin. “It totally is!”
“I never thought I would be working for a professional sports team,” he says, then catches himself, like he’s said too much.
I nod. I understand.
Coach gave us a pretty stern speech about respecting others before Mateo started, and I’m pretty sure Mateo isn’t straight. At least, I haven’t been around many straight guys who wear emerald eyeshadow at breakfast.
“I’m sure you’re qualified,” I say.
Mateo shrugs and spears a strawberry.
We chat some more—about the hotel, about the game tonight—and then I see dark curly hair by the entrance.
“Excuse me.” I leap up so fast my chair scrapes against the floor.
I hurry toward Enzo, weaving between tables and dodging a waiter with a coffee carafe. I slow my steps because, yeah, maybe you’re not supposed to run in a breakfast room where people are carrying platefuls of food and clutching hot drinks.
I aim for casual. “Hi Enz.”
“Hi.” He has that nervous look on his face, scanning the room before his gaze lands on Mateo. “You were talking?”
“Uh-huh. Sit with us.”
“I-I don’t want to disturb you.”
“You won’t.” I look around. The room has filled up. Every table is claimed. I spot an empty chair five tables over. “One moment.”
I weave back through the breakfast room, lift the chair, and carry it toward our table. A woman in designer sunglasses watches me over her latte and frowns.
I plonk the chair down next to mine. Mateo looks up, surprised.
I wave Enzo over. “Here you go, Enz.”
Enzo sits down.
“Enzo, have you met Mateo, the team’s new addition?”
Enzo smiles. “We did paperwork at the same time.”
Mateo nods.
“Enzo and I are best friends,” I declare. “We live together. We’re very close.”
