“I can’t believe you can make me blush even over the phone.”
I grin. “Mission accomplished, then.”
“I’ll call you later, ’kay?”
“Text when you get back home safely.”
“I will.”
The sound of the call ending reaches my ear, and I groan, falling backward onto the bed. I have no idea what drama Jackie is stirring up, but it can’t be good. Too bad some people don’t come with warning signs that they’re too selfish to be in a relationship. If so, I would’ve steered clear, and nothing would prevent me from having a great relationship with Val. As it is, I’m afraid she’ll get home, and one word from Jackie will have her ending this before it truly begins.
Val did say yes to adate despite Jackie. Surely that means something.
Noise sounds from the hall, and I press the button on my watch for the time. I have about fifteen minutes before I need to be on the bus and ready to head to our next game in Jersey. I grab my suitcase, thankful I’m already dressed, and toiletries already packed. There’s no way I want to be left behind. Talk about catastrophic.
“Yo, Crank, got you a coffee.” Raimo’s voice sounds near my right as I enter the lobby, and I turn.
A cup comes into view in my periphery, and I latch on to it, dragging a long sip. Unlike a lot of the guys on the team, I can’t drink the stuff black. Give me creamer and sugar. When I need a cheat day, I’ll eagerly down a sugary Frappuccino. I’ve always loved sweets, but keeping fit for hockey means I limit my intake. Even though I’m not skating as much, I’m still limiting sugar.
If it weren’t for the iceplex near my place, I’d feel more aimless. Being back on the ice has given me freedom and the ability to clear my head. I don’t have to worry about my deteriorating eyesight because no one is on the ice with me. Though someone did invite me to their pickup hockey game. I had to be honest and tell them about my vision, but then they informed me it was a low-vision skate club. I’m still thinking about the possibility.
“How was your date?” Raimo asks.
“Good.”
“That’s it. Good?” His Finnish accent is strong, emphasizing just how put-out he sounds.
“What more do you want me to say?”
“We don’t need to gossip like the women, but you can give me a little more to go on.”
I crack a smile. “She loved the restaurant. Took lots of pictures before we left.”
“Of the two of you or the plants?”
“Ha. The plants.” Though we did take a picture together—not that he needs to know that.
“Good, good. Maybe when we get back to DC, we can double-date.”
“Who’s double-dating?” Javier asks.
“Me, Steff, Val, and Crank.”
“What, I don’t get an invite?”
I’m not sure how these two guys ended up being really good friends, but I’m thankful for their antics. “Of course you do.”
“Good, because my fiancée loves Val.”
“You’re just going to keep saying that to remind everyone she said yes, aren’t you?” I ask. But I’m happy for the kid. Now that I’m dating Val, I want all the guys to have a healthy relationship.
“Until she’s my wife. Do you still refer to Steff as your wife whenever you can?” Javier asks Raimo.
“I mean, we’ve been married three years now, so I don’t marvel at it like I used to. But I still say it often. That or her nickname.”
“Whoa.” I hold up a hand. “We don’t need to get personal. If I find out you’ve been calling her your little bunny bear or something ridiculous, I don’t know if I can look at you the same way.”
“Good thing you can’t see me, then.”
