“I know!” She’s practically jumping. “Did you see that pass at the end, and the way he just slung it in like it was nothing? I love it!” she exclaims.
“Alright, buddy. I get it; you’re glad they won.” Leaning down to grab my jacket, I give her a quick look. “You want to go now, or wait a few?” I gesture toward the stairs that are cluttered with people waiting to exit.
“Nah, let’s wait a few. The players usually come back out. I’m not in a hurry, although I wonder if my car is okay.”
Taking my seat, I text Rhett to get the status.
Me:
So, did you get it on, fucker?
Rhett:
New phone, who dis?
Me:
Don’t be an ass. Did you fix it?
Rhett:
Oh, I wonder if this is my brother Atlas… Or supposed brother.
Shaking my head, I sigh, noticing most people have now left.
Me:
Don’t be dumb.
Rhett:
Rude. No wonder we’re your only friends.
Me:
The car?
Rhett:
No go. It was deep, and we couldn’t get the lug nuts off. Had it towed to Max’s garage. He’ll get to it tomorrow am.
Me:
K. Thanks for nothin’.
Rhett:
*Middle finger emoji*
Turning toward Cora, I’m prepared to explain that her car had to be towed. What I’m not prepared for is the player from before the game, standing on the other side of the glass, tapping on it.
Cora’s startled gaze meets his, and a huge smile breaks across her face. “Hey there! That was an amazing game. Great shot at the end!” she gushes.
The player points to his ear, then to the side of the glass where there’s a gate.Jackass can hear her just fine.He makes a motion for her to follow him, and she goes.What the hell?The urge to grab hold of her and stick her to my side is overwhelming, but I tell myself maybe she knows him, and I’m trying to behave.
Watching the two of them chat feels like torture. Like someone scraping their fork against a plate or one of those damn videos where someone is constantly tapping on something with their nails. It makes my skin feel both too tight and as if something is crawling on me. I’m about to get up and walk over when he hands her a puck and skates away.Weird.
She tucks the puck into her bag and approaches with a small smile. “Hey. You all set?”
