Page 28 of The Golden Goalie

Her eyes light up. “You made your famous pecan bars.”

“Well, they’re not famous; but yes, I made them.”

“You’re too good to me,” she says, giving me a hug, being careful not to smoosh the bars. My throat tightens because I know I haven’t been.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out.

She pulls back and looks at me. “For what?”

I shake my head. “I should be taking better care of you.”

“Amber, why would you say that?”

“I just...I need to do better.” She studies my face, but I don’t want her to see all the ways I’m so broken. “We’d better get you to your party.”

Thankfully, she lets it go, and we head out. When we pull up to Aiden and Brielle’s place, I park on the street. “Are they having other people as well?” My mom asks.

“I don’t know.” I really don’t. The last I discussed it with Brielle, she said it was just going to be the four of us—her and Aiden and my mom and I. Of course, that was over text; so maybe things have changed. I grab the pecan bars and put a hand under my mom’s elbow as we walk to the front door. Before I can open the door, it opens for us.

“Well, if it isn’t the guest of honor,” Sebastian says, stepping out onto the porch.

“Sebastian, what are you doing here?” my mom asks.

“I’m here to celebrate a pretty amazing woman,” he says with big eyes.

“Who?” my mom asks conspiratorially.

“You!” He says with a big grin as he puts out his arm. “May I do the honors?” My mom laughs and puts her arm through his, and he leads her inside. I’m left standing on the front porch, wondering if I can get away with just dropping off the bars and leaving. If all of Aiden’s hockey buddies are here, I’m definitely not going to fit in. I’m like the odd shoe out with that group.

“Amber?”

I look up and see Rico standing in the doorway.Because of course. “What are you doing here?” I blurt out.

“Brielle invited me.”Of course she did.I take a deep breath.

“Here, do you mind taking these inside?” I thrust the bars at him. “Can you just tell my mom that I didn’t feel good and went home?”

“Amber, wait.” But I’m already turning around and heading back to my car. My mom will get a ride home; Brielle will make sure of it. “Amber, wait. Please.” Rico steps in front of me, halting my progress. “Did I do something?” he asks.

“What?”

“Why are you leaving? Is it something I did?”

Because I’m confused, I blurt out again, “What?”

“You won’t answer my calls or return any of my texts. And then tonight, as soon as you see me, you’re ready to bail. Did I hurt you somehow?”

His eyes are so sincere, and he sounds...I don’t know.Hurt? “Rico, you didn't do anything.” Then his words hit me. “Wait. What? What do you mean I don’t answer your calls or return your texts. You've never called or texted me.”

His eyes widen. “Amber, I’ve called multiple times and sent more than a few texts.”

His words surprise me, and I remind myself not to look into it at all. I’m not interested in dating, especially another hockey player. Once was enough to make a mess of my life. “Rico, I’m serious. I’ve never gotten a call or text from you.”

“What in the world? What's your number?” I rattle off my number. “Seriously? Then what is this number?” He shows me his phone, and a small smile forms on my face.

“Where did you get that number?” I ask.

“I thought it was yours,” he says in frustration. “Who have I been calling and texting then?”

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