Even though we’ve spent most of our time arguing, I can’t deny the tension between us. He looks at me with fire in his eyes, and part of me thinks he likes the challenges I throw his way as well.
I call Sarah, hoping she can help me sort out this whole mess inside my head. She picks up immediately.
“Hey girl! How is everything in Europe? Or is it Asia?” She chuckles through the phone.
“Honestly, I don’t know for sure myself. Asia, I think?”
The first part of the season begins at the borders between Asia and Europe, starting in Baku. Then we’re heading to Bahrain next.
Sarah shares all the latest campus gossip.
Apparently, even Seth’s father couldn’t help his son get an opportunity in F1, and I’m gladI won’t be seeing him here. The journalism world can be tough, and even though I thrive on challenges, it’s reassuring to know that Seth can’t get every opportunity handed to him on a silver platter.
“Can’t say I’m going to miss having him around,” I tell her, and we both laugh.
Several people from our program were sent to work in the NHL, such as Sarah, but since everyone is assigned to different departments or teams, they won’t really see each other.
We catch up on our latest tasks before shifting to the topic of men.
“I honestly don’t know what I’m even going to tell you. If there’s anything to tell you, but I figured I must either way because I’m going crazy, or at least that’s how I’m feeling,” I say, and Sarah looks intrigued.
Having a best friend to confide in, even if they are far away, is comforting.
“Have you met someone? Omg, is it someone on your team? Please tell me he’s hot, and maybe that he’s got some hot friends as well?” I shake my head at my best friend, who always sees the opportunities.
We’ve always joked about ending up with anyone other than athletes. Maybe a ripped cowboy or a white-collar man. Athletes can be full ofthemselves, and so far, our experiences have been varied.
I tell her about the whole Luke situation and how we met. Him storming into us before I gave him a piece of my mind about his behaviour. Then the roses and my lame attempt to let him down.
Bringing me to today’s situation, where I again acted like a total bitch, very unlike my character, and he told me to be ready at eight because apparently, “we’re not done.” I drag my hand through my hair.
“I don’t even know why I acted that way today. He just irritated me, waltzing around with his million-dollar smile and carefree attitude, as if everything were a joke to him,” I say as I pace around the small space.
“While I try to make a name for myself and establish myself as a professional. Maybe I’m just being dramatic, but he makes me feel all sorts of things, and I just don’t know what I’m going to do.” I honestly thought that after our initial meeting, I’d never interact with him again.
Either because he would have me fired for insulting him, or because he would just stay away from the girl who told him to get lost. Sarah sighs and smiles into the phone.
“Well duh. Obviously, you’re going to get ready to meet a manwho has set his sights on you. Or at least that’s how it sounds, and for once, just enjoy yourself, Jessica. Honestly, you’re always thinking so much about everyone else and what they’re thinking. When was the last time you did something for yourself? Not for a goal, but just because you wanted to enjoy something? Or someone?” She wiggles her eyebrows, making us both laugh.
I think about what she just told me.
When was the last time I did something just for fun? I’m always focused on the next thing on my list. The next goal, the next achievement.
Maybe it’s time to do something simply for enjoyment.
“For all I know, Luke will come here only to get the last word in and then leave me behind,” I say, and Sarah rolls her eyes at me.
“Stop doubting yourself, Jess, and start getting ready for a fun night with a man who seems like he matches your wit and your fire. I would choose a sheer top with some tight jeans and your killer heels. He won’t stand a chance.”
We hang up, and I do my best, focusing on the advice from Sarah.
Trying to push my insecurities and worries out of my head.
I can enjoy the evening with a handsome man without the world coming to an end.
Putting on some music, I start getting ready for Luke Hastings.
Chapter 7
