Page 10 of Put a Rink on It

I’ll definitely cut back.

“Let’s go inside. How much longer do you have until you’re at your destination?”

“Nineteen minutes.”

“Perfect.”

Since she’s still driving, Marina can’t see much of the apartment, so I do my best to describe it. If I have my way, she’ll be here soon enough. We hang up so she can get back to work. As much as I try to stay awake, the minute I lie on the couch, my eyes close, and I fall asleep, awakened by the ringing of my phone some time later.

Unsure where I left it, I stumble my way to the kitchen, finding it on the counter, grabbing it before the call goes to voicemail.

“Kaity-Kait, what’s up?” I answer, hitting the speakerphone button. I grab a soda from the fridge, cracking it open and taking a sip to wash away the cotton in my mouth. How long was I out? Did I sleep with my mouth open?

“You’re chipper, yet groggy. What did I steal you away from?” she teases, ever the mentalist at putting a few clues together and arriving at a correct solution.

“A much-needed nap after today’s practice. Especially if I’m going out tonight. Team bonding off the ice and all.”

“What time is it there?”

I glance at the clock above the stove. “Almost six. Is it really that hard to remember it’s a three-hour time difference?”

“Yes,” she mumbles. “My math skills suck.”

A low, rumbling laugh vibrates in my chest. “No math involved.”

“Uh, if I have to add or subtract time, it’s math,” she protests with a huff. “But I didn’t call to argue about math. I called because, when can I come visit?”

“As long as I’m not on the road, I’ll be here. You let me know when’s good for you.”

“There’s a performance that looks fun at TheaterWorks in April. How about then?”

“Send me some flight options, and I’ll see what works with my schedule. Will you be bringing the boy toy?”

I can’t stand her current boyfriend and am counting the days when she wakes up and realizes she can do a whole heck of a lot better than Niles. I’m not holding my breath. He’s been around way longer than I first assumed, almost to prove me wrong.

“Nope. Definitely not. I’m not sure how much longer he’s gonna be around.”

I fist pump the air and do a little shimmy before saying in my calmest voice, “Oh, how unfortunate.”

“Right. You’re so upset,” she deadpans, probably with an eye roll I can’t see through the phone. “I want to see Marina while I’m there. Will that be a problem?”

“I’ll see what her schedule’s like when you send me the dates. Even if she has to take the train down for the day.”

“Did you tell her you love her yet?”

Wrong time to have taken another sip of the soda. It gushes from my nose and my mouth at Kaitlyn’s comment. Nearly choking, I rush to the sink to contain the rest of the mess, spewing more liquid into it.

“I’ll take that as a no. You should get on that, big bro.”

When I’ve composed myself, I say, “I’m unaware of what you’re talking about.”

“Sure. Totally believable. Keep telling yourself that.”

“I don’t like where this conversation is going. I should get ready for the bar.”

“I got what I called for. I’ll send you the flight information for April. Talk soon. Buh-bye.”

The line cuts off, the call ending itself. Gotta love modern technology.