“I mostly paid attention to Zane,” I say, because it’s easier than explaining the truth. I don’t tell Blake about how the ice gives me panic attacks, and I fake my way through games. I don’t tell him how years of figure skating have damaged me.
“So what’s new with you? You moved back?” Blake asks as he rests his arm on the back of the couch. His arm is massive, and I can’t help but stare at the tattoos.
“I did. I arrived today,” I tell him as I proudly look around the room. “I couldn’t really settle. I missed Chicago life,” I lie again.
“Cool. Are you planning on watching any of the games?” Blake asks, and I nod.
“I’m considering it, yes. Why?” I ask in return.
“I’m trying to figure out when I’ll see you again,” Blake says, and the answer catches me off guard. I’m about to say something when his phone buzzes.
“Hey,” he says as he picks up. He remains nonchalantly seated on the couch, and I keep staring at him. I notice the rose tattooed on his right arm and feathers on his left. “I can’t make it tonight. My plans changed,” Blake says while he flashes me a smile. What is this man doing?
I get up and walk to the fridge. I protest to Blake’s presence by grabbing a beer for just myself and not him, though I am pretty sure he finished his.
“I don’t care about social media exposure,” Blake tells the person on the other side of the phone. I can’t help but feel intrigued. “Bye, Katie,” he says before he hangs up, and I somehow feel like Katie wasn’t ready to hang up yet.
I walk back to the chair and sit down with my fresh beer. Blake finishes his and gets up. I expect him to walk to the hallway, but he walks to the fridge as well and gets himself another beer.
“What are you doing?” I ask, surprised and somewhat displeased.
“I canceled my date. I need a drink,” Blake replies as he sits down on the couch again. “So what’s this movie about?” he asks as he nods to the screen.
“We are absolutely not discussingDumplin’,” I explain to him while Blake stares at the paused scene.
“Dumplin’?” he asks, confused, and I hold in a laugh.
“It’s the name of the movie,” I say in a way that must make him feel like it’s obvious.
“Don’t you want to know why I canceled my date?” Blake asks as he leans forward and places his elbows on his knees.
“No,” I lie.
“Tough crowd,” he smiles.
“A date that has something to do with social media exposure couldn’t have been a real date,” I say as I cross my arms.
“Ah,” Blake says cheerfully. “So you were listening,” he determines.
“This is a small room. I couldn’t avoid your voice even if I tried,” I counter.
“Go out with me,” Blake says, and I’m shocked.
“Go out with you?” I ask.
“Yes. Go on a date with me,” he says again, and I can’t tell if this is a weird joke or if this is really happening. “I have to use the bathroom,” Blake says, like he didn’t just throw my entire night off balance.“I’ll be right back.” He places his beer on the table and walks around the place as if he owns it. He has definitely been here before and knows his way around.
As soon as the door to the bathroom closes, I quickly text Anna.
ME: Spa night got interrupted by my brother’s ice hockey friend, who asked me out, I think. What’s the weather like in New Jersey? I might book a flight soon lol
Instantly, I see the typing bubble pop up after I text Anna.
ANNA: This kind of thing only happens to you, lol. You’re allowed to have fun now. Get a little crazy.
I assumed Anna would be with me and would tell me to kick him out.
ANNA: Don’t overthink. Live.
