I searched for my phone then, feeling the need to vent to TJ.
I started typing out my description of the interaction I’d just had, and then paused looking at my phone. I touched the goofy smile on my face. It’d been so long that I felt the need to touch base with anyone or share any part of my day… and it made me feel special that I had someone who cared about what I had to say.
43. TJ
Good luck tonight! Score some goals! Wish I didn’t have a wedding tonight, but I’ll be watching the game when I can sneak itin!
I reread the text while I was doing some warm-up exercises, and it got me feelin’ the butterflies in my stomach, and no, I didn’t feel like a girl saying that- guys got butterflies too.
I hoped she could catch some of the game, but I also hoped that the bridezilla and monster-in-law she was dealing with this week wouldn’t catch her.
I started getting amped up in my own little world, listening to my Rocky music playlist and replaying some plays in my head as I did high-knees under the bleachers, when I heard my namecalled.
I ripped out my headphones and turned to see the rink’s broadcast reporter named Dominique with a small crew behind her staring atme.
“Can I pull you for some pre-game questions?” she asked eagerly, to which I noddeddumbly.
I guess I really was making a statement here, I thought happily.
She pulled Duke from the other direction and shuffled us to stand in front of a painted solid red wall.
“Hey Detroit fans! We’re back with Pregame Games with the Crewmen! Today we’re playing what’s in your pockets with TJ Vonnie and Duke Callahan!” Dominique said into her microphone as she looked straight at the camera.
It was a good thing my sisters always shoved cameras in my face growing up because they eliminated any fear I could have potentially had of screen time… and I’m not gonna lie- they totally built my confidence a bit by always sayin’ how cute I was. The only thing that faltered my confidence was the mention of the game, because I didn’t have anything cool in my pockets.
Dominique turned to us then with a beaming smile.
“TJ and Duke, what do you guys have in yourpockets?”
I shoved my hands into my workout shorts and came up with my car keys and wallet… prettyboring.
I looked at Duke and realized he was either prepared or more of a weirdo than I thought.
“Well, Dominique, I’ve got my lucky rabbit’s foot, my lucky legos, and some energy boosters.” Duke showed off his lucky charms with a cocky smile.
“By energy boosters, you mean starbursts?” Dominique asked.
“Yes, ma’am, eat two yellow ones before every game.”
“And TJ,” she said, turning to face me, “you have a wallet and keys… and what is on your wrist I see?” Dominique asked with a tiny smile etched onto her face. Her head cocked to the side like she knew exactly what it was. Damn, cold-blooded. She was gonna embarrass me like this? I felt my face heating up.
“Uh… well, my uh…” I cleared my throat and she nodded at me to go on. I hung my head in resignation. I’d have to just admit it.
“Well, Dominique, my girlfriend doesn’t like when her ponytails are too tight so I’m stretching this one out. I’m trying to make it perfect for her.” I curled my arm into a flex to look more manly as I showed it off. “It’s a style, I think, yeah?” I asked her.
She threw her head back and laughed. I guess that was exactly the kinda answer she was lookingfor.
She talked at the camera then, previewing the game with some random facts and stats about us and Dallas, who we were playing.
When she wrapped up, she thanked both of us with a bright smile and then stormed off to grab other players.
“Dude, you’re stretching out her ponytail? Whipped!” Duke teased, looking totally amused.
“Whatever,” I shook off his comment, but I couldn’t shake the smile that came to my face whenever I thought about Ellie.
44. Ellie
When dinner ended and the dance floor began, I felt my body sag with relief. I was almost in the clear with Bridezilla and Monster-in-Law.
