“It’s fine.”
“No, it isn’t. Okay. How many words would you say you’ve said to her?” I ask, mostly because I’m curious, but also because I kinda get why Denny likes this kid.
Who’s the drama? Callan’s the drama.
“You want me to count them?!”
“I figure you can.”
That earns me another harrumph. “Well, I asked her if she was okay.”
“Three plus the one for hello. Right. What else?”
“I asked if she liked ice cream.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know! It seemed appropriate.”
“Because she’s a server?”
“No, because she’d just served me apple pie. I don’t like it with ice cream so I figured she might want it.”
“That’s not weird.”
He shoves his glasses up his nose. “I think you’ll find that it’s environmentally friendly. Food waste accounts for?—”
“Okay, okay.” My lips twitch. “Did she accept?”
“She was about to but then that assface, Gregg, on your team, shouted her over.”
“Gregg’s a pretty decent guy, actually.”
“I don’t care if he is. He sexualizes her.”
“And you don’t?”
“Well… maybe. But not so blatantly.”
“Some girls like that.”
“Lex doesn’t. She smacks his hand if he tries to touch her. She has taste.”
“You sound proud of her,” I drawl.
“I am. Hanging out with you, Denny, and Pecan has taught me how insane girls are for hockey players. I mean, I thought I?—”
“You thought…?” I inquire when his words wane.
“There was this guy from my town who made it in the NHL,” he says uncomfortably. “I heard about the puck bunnies, but he didn’t bring them back. Seeing is believing with you guys. You’re not even famous yet!”
I snort. “Thanks, Callan.”
“You’re welcome. Denny’s told me to make sure your head doesn’t get too big. Apparently now that you’re dating, she can’t be trusted to do so.” He drums his fingers on the armrest. “I told her she smelled nice.”
“Who? Denny?”
“No!” He grunts. “I’m talking about Lex, Zach. Lex. Keep up.”
