I set my phone down. “I mean . . . I think I am. Look at the job, it’s amazing. The pay is unlike anything I’ll get here. The benefits . . .” I let out a deep breath. “It feels too good to be true. I probably wouldn’t have to live in an apartment that floods, you know? With a stipend, I could afford something nicer.”
“I guess so.” Penny frowns as she sets her cronut down. “I want to be happy for you, and I think in the depths of my best friend soul, I do feel happy for you, but I also hate Huxley Cane. And I hate that he came in with this amazing opportunity because I don’t want you to leave me.”
“I get it. I’d probably have the same reaction as you. When I first heard about the job, I was concerned about leaving you, leaving this job, leaving the guys I love working with, but I’m also extremely flattered to be considered. To be given the opportunity, you know? Not sure there is as much room for me to grow with the Agitators.”
“Yeah, I know.” She tips back her virgin mimosa. “God, I wish this had champagne in it.”
“Me too.”
We’re silent for a moment, then she says, “I’m proud of you, you know. That’s a huge opportunity, and if I weren’t so sour about you possibly leaving, I’d be throwing my arms up in celebration.”
“I appreciate it. We don’t have to talk about it.”
“Yeah, let’s change the subject. Uh . . . how is it living with Halsey?”
I shrug. “He hasn’t really been home, as you know. Oh, but . . . he did walk around the other morning with his shirt off.”
“Wait, really?”
I nod. “Yeah, I was just as confused as you. He doesn’t seem like that kind of guy, but there he was the other morning, drinking his coffee in nothing but a pair of shorts.”
“Dear God, what did he look like?”
I smirk. “Let’s just say I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man that ripped in real life. I’ve never noticed his forearms until the moment he lifted his coffee to his lips. They were all so rippley that you could see them twitch under his skin. It was hot. He might be the silent, quiet one, but man, does he spend a lot of time in the gym. I was flummoxed at first.”
“Oooooo,” Penny coos. “Looks like someone is crushing on their new roommate.”
“Oh my God, no, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Sure, he’s attractive, but yeah, there’s nothing romantic there. Although, he was joking a bit the other morning, and I thought that was nice. I think he needed to warm up to me, you know? Maybe trust me with his plant. I don’t know, but he was texting me the other night and joking too.”
“Joking with you in text? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him joke. Interesting.” She pauses for a second, almost as if she’s thinking about something. “You know, these last two games, he’s looked different on the ice. Faster, don’t you think?”
“Haven’t noticed.” I shrug.
“Hmm, and you say nothing is going on?”
I shake my head. “Nothing. I wouldn’t go there with him. He’s just . . . different. Not my type emotionally or personality-wise. But he is nice to look at.”
“Yeah, he is. He has that boy-next-door look.”
“He does.” I glance at the time and realize I have a meeting in ten minutes. “Ugh, I should get going. I have a meeting.” We both stand, and I give Penny another hug. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
“Me too.” When I pull away, she takes my hand in hers and says, “Seriously, I’m really happy for you, but please don’t make a decision without consulting me. I can’t possibly be blindsided. I need to prepare for your departure.”
I chuckle. “I promise.”
Blakely:[Picture] Sherman says good luck, Daddy.
Halsey:He does not call me Daddy.
Blakely:That’s not what he told me.
Halsey:Then he’s lying to you for attention.
Blakely:LOL. I bet that’s it. Are you ready to score some more goals?
Halsey:Prepping my stick now.
Blakely:Well, go get them. Good luck.
