Page 25 of Hockey 101

She blows out a huge sigh. Damn. Hockey is a lot more complicated than I thought. Maybe I’ll have to get someone else to cover the games after all.

That’s a good idea. I nod emphatically.

She pulls out her phone. It’s too late for that tonight, I have to file my game story before midnight. Do you think I can go back in there now?

I hesitate, wondering if the guys will give her a hard time. But it’s tougher to be an asshole when you’re face to face with someone. Sure, we’ve given them enough time to get dressed.

Andy turns towards the dressing room and I can’t help but notice that her back view is almost as good as the front. And this is my opportunity to spend more time with her.

Hey, if you want, I could look over your story before you post it, I offer.

She swivels back around. Really? That would be great. But it’s asking a lot from you. It’s already pretty late, and I still have to finish writing it.

I grin down at her. Hey, I owe you, remember? Besides, I’m pretty amped after a game. We usually go for something to eat and then unwind. You could come along, I say.

Andy frowns. Wait, you’re not asking me out again, are you?

I shake my head. Hell, no. My ego still hasn’t recovered from when you listed the million reasons you’d never go out with me.

Technically, that statement is true, because I’m not asking her out right now. But I’d still like to go out with her. I’ve been following Mats’s advice and slowly meeting different women, but Andy’s still my number one. Yes, she’s cute, but it’s her spirit and honesty that really shine through. And her rocking body doesn’t hurt. Besides, it would be great to get to know each other better. She’s got this idea of me that’s just not true.

She crinkles her nose, and looks even cuter. Okay, but I won’t be able to write in a noisy pub. Isn’t that where you guys usually go?

I gently push back. Gosh, I don’t think the library is still open. Besides, can’t reporters write anywhere? Do war reporters ask the troops to stop shelling so they can concentrate?

Point taken. Andy’s smile is genuine now. This hockey thing must really be worrying her. Thank you for doing this, Jack. It’s very nice of you.

There are a lot of things I’d do for that smile.

I enter the dressing room first and announce, Hey guys, this is Andy. She saved my ass a couple of weeks ago, so be nice.

Saved your naked ass, you mean, Bergy yells.

Wait, is this the chick you’ve been crushing on? Swanny peers at Andy, as I try to calculate if there’s any chance she didn’t hear him. I throw him the bird behind her back. My teammates are so supportive.

She’s already marching across the room to talk to our captain, Big Z. Of course, since women flock to him. Sure, he’s smart, good-looking, smooth, and the best player on the team—but otherwise, what’s his appeal?

But Andy gets right down to business, with a notepad and her phone on record. Because she doesn’t flirt with jocks.

I take off for the showers. With Andy there, I get fully dressed before I return. The room is almost empty now. Andy is sitting on a bench alone and typing away on her laptop.

I slide in beside her. Hey. Ready to go?

She startles. Sorry. I get focused when I’m writing.

It’s all good. You’re in the zone. Just like hockey players during a game.

Ah, interesting. I’ve never thought of it that way.

We both stand. Andy packs away her laptop and slings her bag over her shoulder. She falls into step beside me as we make our way towards the pub.

Andy sighs. I’m still having trouble understanding how to work the player quotes into my story. Also, you guys know there’s not anything more than a hundred percent effort, right?

I chuckle. Hockey player clichés. We have a million of them: giving 110%, outworking the opposition, playing the full sixty minutes, not getting the bounces…

Andy’s eyes widen. Wait. Those are exactly the phrases I heard tonight. Does that mean I can’t use any of these quotes?

I shrug. Not seriously.

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