Page 13 of Hockey 101

Andy exhales loudly. Okay, well, as much I’m enjoying this home I chat, I do—

Wait, I interrupt. I brought back your clothes.

I reach into my pack and pull out her sweatshirt. Here’s your bunny hug.

She snickers. My what now?

Your bunny hug. Uh, that’s what we call these where I’m from.

And where would that be? Planet Miffy?

I cock my head to the side. I’m not sure where or what Planet Miffy is.

Uh, no. I’m from Rosetown, it’s a town near Saskatoon. Her face remains blank. In Saskatchewan, I add.

Okay, Saskatchewan I’ve heard of. But I’ve never been there. Do you have a lot of rabbits?

The normal amount, I guess? I’m not sure what she’s getting at, so I hand her a small bag. I also got you a new pair of leggings. I kinda blew through your old ones.

Oh…wow. You didn’t have to do that. You went all the way to the Target in Duluth? She unfolds the leggings and holds them out in front of her. They look perfect. I’m impressed that you got the right size.

I have three older sisters. I’ve spent a lot of time in women’s changerooms. Oh shit, way to sound like a perv. I quickly add, Not in, I mean around, like outside. Jesus.

Andy laughs. It’s the first time I’ve heard her laugh, and it’s nice. Soft and lilting. Her laugh makes me smile.

Seriously though, this wasn’t necessary. She looks up at me and smiles. Her whole face glows when she smiles.

Well, you’ve done a ton for me in the past twenty-four hours— I begin as she gets up to put the leggings in her dresser.

Yeah, but this is it, right? She turns to face me, and she’s so cute. A little scary too, because her eyes are stern and searching. I could never bullshit her. But that’s exactly what I want, right?

Since it doesn’t feel like there’s going to be any more small talk, I plunge right in. Would you like to go out sometime? We’re having a party next weekend at the hockey house. You could come by—with friends, if you want.

I’ve never seen a jaw drop in real life before, but Andy’s mouth hangs open in shock as she blinks at me. She looks like she wants to say something, but no words are coming out. It’s not a good kind of surprise, either.

I backpedal hard. Or, if you don’t like parties, we could do something else. Watch a movie? Coffee? We could just start with coffee.

Andy closes her mouth and straightens her shoulders. Are you asking me out? On a date? She makes it sound like I want us to go on a trip to Mars.

Uh, yeah. Why is this so unbelievable to her?

She smiles at me again, but it’s a pitying smile. Look, Jack, you seem nicer than my first impression, but I don’t think we’re really compatible.

I don’t agree. I think we have a lot in common.

Like what? she asks skeptically.

I don’t mention that we’re both fresh off serious breakups because she’ll get mad all over again, but before I can come up with a different answer, she continues.

Realistically, I don’t see why someone like you— she motions to my face and chest, —is interested in someone like me. I’m more the indie, intellectual type. Not the sports girlfriend type.

You seem pretty set on stereotyping me as a dumb jock.

Yes, I’m a hockey player. And maybe my grades are on the average side. But I have other interests too.

Andy crosses her arms and squints at me. Is this some kind of bet or challenge? I’m sure a guy like you has lots of women to choose from. You can skip the ones who aren’t interested.

I make one last attempt. No, it’s for real. I’d like to get to know you better. I really think we could be good together.

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