Page 58 of North

North blinks in surprise. “Am I the only person you’ve ever admitted that to?”

“Yes,” I say. “Now, excuse me… I need to shower.”

North lets me go but he does look thoughtful, as if this conversation isn’t over yet.

Fine by me. It’s no secret I’m aimless and haven’t found my calling in life.

CHAPTER 20

North

The café issmall and tucked into the corner of a bustling street a few blocks from the arena. Sunlight filters through large windows, highlighting the polished wood tables and scattering golden patterns across the floor. The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of toasted bread, and the quiet hum of conversation creates a relaxed atmosphere. I eat here at least once a week, usually after a workout, such as is the case now.

Atlas and I grabbed a table near the window, the view giving us a glimpse of people bundled up against the Pittsburgh winter. We shed our coats and ignored the menus, both knowing what we want to eat. We come here enough that the waitress knew too and merely asked, “The usual?”

After a solid post-flu workout, my muscles ache in the best way, and my appetite has finally made a roaring comeback. A turkey club sandwich piled high with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato and thick bacon sits before me,accompanied by a creamy protein shake and a side of fresh fruit. Across from me, Atlas demolishes a double cheeseburger like it’s a personal vendetta.

“Thought you were on some kind of nutrition plan,” I tease, nodding at the grease dripping from his burger onto the wax paper wrapper.

He grins around a mouthful, completely unapologetic. “Cheat day. Besides, you’re one to talk.” He gestures with a fry toward my plate. “That thing’s packed with bacon. Hypocrite.”

I laugh, picking up my sandwich. “Fair enough, but bacon doesn’t count as cheating. It’s basically its own food group.”

Atlas snorts, shaking his head as he reaches for his drink. “You keep telling yourself that.”

Our waitress, Amy, stops by to check on us. She’s pretty and I usually flirt with her. “Everything okay over here? Need anything else?” she asks, her eyes lingering on me and perhaps waiting on some playful banter.

“I’m good,” I reply, stabbing a strawberry with my fork. “Thanks.”

She frowns and glances at Atlas who gives her an easy grin. “I think we’re all set.”

“All right,” she says hesitantly, tucking her pen behind her ear. “Just holler if you need anything.”

As Amy moves to the next table, Atlas glances at me, his eyes crinkled with mischief. “You just totally ruinedher day.”

I roll my eyes, taking a bite of my sandwich. “You’re delusional. She’s just doing her job.”

“Yeah, but you’re not. It’s your job to flirt with her every time we come in and you didn’t, and now she’s probably having an existential crisis.”

I snort, reaching for my protein shake. “I highly doubt that.”

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye as I take a sip through the straw. A boy, maybe ten or eleven, approaches hesitantly with his dad a few feet away. The kid’s wearing a Titans hat, his cheeks flushed like he’s been working up the courage to come over.

Atlas notices too and chuckles. “Incoming.”

I wave them over as I wipe my mouth, and the boy beams, pulling his dad along.

“Hey, buddy,” I say, angling in my chair to face him. “You have the distinctive look of a hockey fan.”

The boy nods vigorously. “Yeah! I watch every Titans game with my dad. You’re North Paquette, right?”

“That’s me.”

“Cool!” His voice cracks with excitement, and I can’t help but grin. “You’re my favorite player.”

“Appreciate that,” I say, glancing at his dad, who looks just as excited. “You get to any games?”

“Partial season ticket holders,” the dad says with a proud smile. “The Titans are going to go all the way thisyear.”

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