After practice, on the bus to the airport, my phone buzzes.
EDDIE:Chaos.There was apparently a dance competition at a local seniors home and I had seven of them come in with fractures or brakes.Then two sprains, a guy who thought he broke his toe but actually stubbed it on a Roomba, and a karate kid with a broken ankle.Water consumed: approx.three sips per patient.Yes, I’m ashamed.Don’t lecture me.
I smile down at the screen.
SIDNEY:Drink.Your.Water.
EDDIE:Bossy.
SIDNEY:You know you like it.
A pause.Then the dots begin to dance.
EDDIE:I do.
EDDIE: Fine.I’m drinking.Are you happy?
SIDNEY:I’m talking to you, so yes.
An announcement comes through the cabin, notifying passengers of takeoff.Cursing under my breath, I flick my eyes up from my phone and see Coach Taylor staring my way.I had promised him I would go over game footage during this flight.The Calgary forward had some fancy footwork that had tripped me up last year, and I need to acquaint myself with his style before we land.
Giving Coach a nod, I wrap up my conversation with Eddie.I let her know what’s happening.
SIDNEY:Hey, so the plane’s about to take off and I need to put my phone away and focus on game footage.Coach's orders.I’ll call you tonight.
Max’s words come back to me about asking her out.Sealing the deal and making thisusa reality.
SIDNEY: When I’m back in Toronto at the end of the week would you like to go out to dinner with me?A real date.Just us.
Three dots appear.Stop.
Appear again.Stop again.
My pulse thuds like I’m in overtime and waiting for the slapshot.
Finally…
EDDIE:Yes.
My whole chest unfurls, warm and wide and dangerous.I don’t grin.Ibeam.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
EDDIE
As I walk the long hallway toward the exit of the hospital, the same words keep spinning in my head.You can do this.There’s nothing to be nervous about.
I’m gaslighting myself.There is a lot to be nervous about.
Sidney Crane, NHL goaltender, annoyingly handsome human, and the man who has been texting me good morning for a week straight, is parked outside the hospital, leaning against a dark SUV…and smiling at me.
Hey,he says as I come to a stop in front of him.How was your shift?
Long,I say honestly.
Well.He opens the passenger door.Let’s make this long day into a delightful night.
Sounds great,I tell him.I hesitate before sliding into his car.The thought enters my mind, and I don’t fight it.I give him a kiss on the cheek.He’s stunned, but the smug grin that takes over his face has me wanting to giggle like a schoolgirl.
