Page 44 of The Golden Goalie

When I come back to the front a little while later, Rico is leaning against the counter. I take a moment to study him. He really is a good-looking guy with that dark hair and bronzed skin. He’s so tall and has muscles for days. I shake my head, disgusted with myself.You will not ogle the hockey player.He turns when I walk around the desk.

“Hey, this is for you.” He hands me a bowl with a lid, and I stare at it.

“What is that?”

“It’s dinner, since you didn’t eat. And probably lunch too because I’m assuming you didn’t eat.”

I don’t tell him that he’s right. “You didn’t have to do that.” I take the bowl and open the lid.

“It’s just chicken and rice; I was trying to go for something mild that wouldn’t make you sick.” I stare at it and then at him. I don’t know what to say to him. Why does he keep doing these nice things for me? I just don’t get it. He leans forward, a smile on his face. “Are you going to eat it or stare at it for the rest of the night?”

I shake my head and use the fork to take a small bite. I nearly groan out loud. “Oh my word; this is so good.” I take another big bite. “Thank you.”

His smile grows. “You’re welcome.” He slaps the counter lightly. “All right. My work here is done. See you.”

“Bye,” I motion to get out. I watch him walk out and take another bite.

“He’s got a great backside; that’s another bonus.” I choke on my food, and I snag my water as my eyes water. “What?” Mrs. Randolph says. “I may be old, but I’m not blind.”

I shake my head for like the hundredth time tonight and go back to my chicken and rice. I finish almost all of it beforemy stomach decides it’s had enough. After closing the lid and stuffing it in my bag, I get back to work. After closing for the night, I walk out with Mrs. Randolph. I’m surprised to see two college security guards sitting in a car near the entrance. Mrs. Randolph heads right towards them. “Evening, Ma’am,” the guard says after rolling down his window.

“Why are you here?” she wastes no time asking.

“We’re just doing our jobs, Ma’am,” he says politely.

“Oh, pshaw. You security guards have never been over here this time of night before. Why now?”

The guard shifts a little in his seat. “We’re just making sure the campus is secure.”

Mrs. Randolph looks at me and then back at the guard. “It was that hockey player, wasn’t it?” I frown and step closer. “He was upset about her broken down car and being alone in this parking lot. He pushed for more security, didn’t he?”

“I can’t tell you that,” he says.

She laughs. “You don’t have to. He probably gave a big chunk of money, didn’t he?”

The two men look at each other, and the first one steps out of the car. “Can we walk you to your cars?”

“Wow, he really gave a good donation, didn’t he?” Mrs. Randolph practically cackles.

A few minutes later, the guards wave as I drive off. When I get home, I stare at my car in the driveway. I hadn’t even bothered to look for it in the parking lot; I was going to deal with it on Saturday. I drop my stuff off in my room before grabbing one of my books for class and my phone and settling on the couch. Before I crack open my book, I open my phone and text Rico.

Me-my car is sitting in my driveway

Me-any idea how it got there?

Rico-No idea

Rico-but the keys are under the mat and it’s good to go

I stare at the phone and blow out a breath.

Me-you shouldn’t have done that

Me-you didn’t need to do anything about it

Me-i was going to deal with it on Saturday

Rico-now it’s one less thing for you to worry about

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