Blue: Oh, you mean when I was talking about five years in the future. Right.
Liza: But you won’t have practice. You're a finance bro. You meant the office. Like, you’ll catch a ride to the office.
Blue: I didn’t mean the office. I meant practice.
Liza: But why? Who calls their 9 to 5 “practice”? That’s not corporate speak.
Blue: Thanks for the heads up. If I were going to grad school, that tip would be helpful, but I’m not.
Liza: Yes, you are.
Blue: I never thought I’d say this to you, Liza, but you sound like my dad.
Liza: You're not going to grad school?
Blue: Nope.
Liza: And your dad is okay with this?
Blue: Nope.
Blue: But he’s dealing with it. He was pissed at first, but I think he’s starting to like the idea of telling his buddies his son’s going to be a pro athlete. He thinks it might help him get some big name clients.
Liza: You’re going pro?
Blue: That’s the plan. I mean, there are no guarantees. Just ask Coach Van, but I’m going all in.
Liza: That’s great. I’m really happy for you.
Blue: Did Dutton text you? Your car needs a fuel pump. He should have it back to you by mid-day tomorrow. You can keep my car until then.
Liza: That’s not fair. You’ll need it. I can catch a ride to work or see if somebody can drop me off.
Blue: I don’t need it. I can walk to the Wolf’s Den or grab a ride with Sparky.
Liza: Thank you. Really. I don’t know what else to say.
Blue: You don’t have to say anything. Just drive safe.
I set my phone back in my bag so I can get some work done, but it’s pointless. I’m about to pack up and head home in case a change of scenery is what I need. But before I’m up off the couch, a goddess appears with a magic elixir.
Well, Bridgette appears with a cup of coffee, but that’s basically the same thing.
“Are you leaving already?” she asks. “I heard you had a rough morning, and I thought you could use a pick-me-up.”
I inhale the nutty scent of the hot drink and give her a grateful smile. “Thank you. This is just what I needed. My dad got off to a rough start, butBlue came to my rescue. And Dutton did, too. I guess he’s got my car at his folks’ dealership and he’s getting her fixed up, which is amazing.”
“He’s a pretty fantastic guy,” Bridgette agrees. “Well, I’m biased, of course. But I happen to think the hockey team is a pretty special bunch, and not just because I’m in love with one of the guys and related to another one. They really are like a family. They take care of each other. And you’re one of us now, so you might as well get used to it.”
I mull her words over, because I guess she’s right. Even if Blue and I aren’t together, I’m still part of the team. My job hasn’t changed. And it’s only awkward at work because things are different now. We’re not exchanging glances or waiting until the other is done so we can walk back home together or meet up later.
“Are you okay?” Bridgette asks. “Is your coffee too hot? They didn’t have one of those cardboard collar things.”
“I’m fine,” I tell her. “And my coffee is perfect. Thanks again for that. It’s just…”
She doesn’t prompt me or pepper me with questions. She just leans back into the cushions and waits for me to put the words together. “I miss him.”
My friend just nods, like she understands what I’m going through.
