"Yes! Duncan!" Jo fist pumps.
"Okay but what do I say?" I ask excitedly, getting swept up in the girls' enthusiasm.
"Tell him you want to think about it." Jo hands my phone back and then cracks her knuckles. "Make him sweat a little."
"That's risky." Harper shakes her head. "I would tell him you'd love to."
"Well then what happens when Duncan calls Lydia and she says I’m already here?"
"You could leave him on read?" Jo suggests.
"Cruel." Harper says.
"What if I tell him I’d love to and I’ll see if my people can make it work?"
"Dull, but it works." Jo frowns as she nods.
"Not bad." Harper agrees.
"Alright then." I type out the message as we reach the top floor. The game doesn't start for another hour but the girls all agreed getting here early would be the best chance at protecting the surprise.
***
He looks so small from all the way up here but it is fun to see him in action again. His body moves in a relaxed, languid way. I can almost feel the warmth of his smile as he and Crosby stop to trade pucks for candy at the glass with young fans.
I've mostly stayed in the area of the box behind the seats which makes it a little more difficult to see me.
The girls got me a D.C. Renegades ball cap and I wore a black hoodie with jeans in an effort to blend in. We don't want anyone to know I'm here until after the game when the plan is to surprise Duncan in the tunnel.
I'm still not sure what I’m going to say to him. All I really want to say is "I love you, please be with me."
Maybe that's all I need to say.
The last several weeks have dragged, despite me filling every hour of the day. Part of me feels like my life has slowed to a near halt.
Nothing gives me the joy it did before.
Even recording comes with this layer of film between me and the microphone.
Something in me is being held back, or is too dull to come to the forefront.
And I think it's the love I have for Duncan.
The warm ups wrap and the teams skates off.
I'm tempted to text him to tell him I'm here but we all agreed the surprise would be better.
I just hope they're right.
Chapter forty-nine
Duncan
Nick Cage On Ice
"IfeellikeI'mbringing some Nick Cage to the ice tonight." I say as Crosby and I slide over on the bench. "Power, action, wit. My chirps have been especially funny."
"Yeah, Pritchard loved your quip about holding a stick like a limp dick."
