“It’s the NHL break; I can have a glass or two,” I say with a smirk. “Plus I know you like it, so I don’t think it’ll go to waste.”
He grins conspiratorially. “Alright. Just don’t tell your trainers I’m a bad influence or anything.”
I wink. “Never.”
We lock up and head down the block to the liquor store. I’ve been so focused on being on our league’s break that it isn’t until we’re inside that I realize what week it is for everyone else.
“Holy shit, what day is it?” I ask, looking around at all the decorations.
“Uh, Thursday,” Adrian answers absentmindedly as he searched the sparkling wine section.
“No, like the date,” I clarify as I take my phone out to check for myself. “Charming, did you know tomorrow is Valentine’s Day?”
That gets his attention, and he turns to face me fully. “Why would I care about Valentine’s Day?”
“Oh come on, you love holidays!” I insist. “I’ve lived with you through the multiple Halloween costumes in one night. I got to hear you sing a Christmas carol on the ice before a game because you lost the game of football on Thanksgiving. You got yourself three different advent calendars to count down to Christmas.”
“Yes, well, those were fun holidays about spreading joy.” He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. “Valentine’s Day is for people in relationships to rub it in the faces of single people. I feel like I’m back in school, and I’m the last to get chosen in gym class. I get it, I’m no one's favorite person, but I don’t need it shoved in my face with heart decor.”
“But that’s not true,” I blurt out, heart aching at how sad he sounds.
He raises a brow at me skeptically. “Which part?”
I know I should be casual right now. I’m not ready to tell him everything.
But he seems so defeated. I never want him to look like that. Adrian is strong and independent. I had no idea his lack of romantic relationship made him feel so alone.
I might not be able to tell him everything yet, but I can give him something. “You’re my favorite person,” I answer honestly.
He rolls his eyes again. “No, I’m not.”
“Butyou are.”
He uncrossed his arms. “Hudson, there’s just no way.”
“Then who the hell am I forgetting? Because I say it’s you.”
“I don’t know! Maybe your parents?”
I can’t help but chuckle. “They don’t count. We’re related, we have to love each other. You’re looking for someone who doesn’t have to be in your life but chooses you as their favorite person anyway. That’s me.”
He stares at me for a moment, jaw hanging open, brows furrowed in confusion. Finally, he clears his throat. “Well, that’s very kind of you to say, but it’s still different. You’re my roommate, not my valentine.”
I spin and walk away toward the register where there’s an elaborate candy display set up for the holiday. I pick up the box of chocolate hearts and head back to Adrian.
He still looks confused, but he’s laughing now as I approach. “What the hell are you doing?”
I give him my biggest smile, the one I save for when I’m really desperate for his help with something. “Adrian, will you be my valentine?”
His eyes are wider than I’ve ever seen them as his gaze flickers between me and the chocolate.
“Seriously, what the actual fuck is happening right now?”
“I thought I was pretty clear.” I hold the chocolates out toward him. “Just waiting for your answer.”
He shakes his head, but he’s smiling so I don’t think I completely fucked this up if that defeated expression he had is gone.
“Fine,” he finally agrees. “If you’re buying me champagne and chocolates, then I guess you’re a pretty good valentine.”
