Page 55 of Hockey 101

She shakes her head. Is Lloyd even paying rent here?

I’m not sure. I think he chips in for groceries, but it seems unfair to charge him to live in the laundry room.

Her voice rises. You know what’s unfair? He’s taking advantage of your good nature to use your bedroom to hook up whenever he wants. He needs to find his own place.

I’m surprised at how upset she is about this. But it also feels great to have Andy on my side.

It’s not a big deal, I protest, even after all my bitching.

Andy shakes her head vehemently. Have you told him that you need a good night’s sleep before a game?

Yeah. But whatever I say to Lloyd goes in one ear and into outer space.

Jack, you’re here because of hockey. That means you could lose your scholarships if you don’t play well and keep your marks up. You have to get a good night’s sleep.

I release a breath. Yeah, I know.

She softens her expression and takes my hands in hers. You’re a super nice guy. You’ve been so kind to me when I’ve needed help.

That’s different, I wanted you to like me, I point out.

Andy nods. Yes, but you never did it in a creepy way, like ‘Now that I’ve helped you, you better put out.’

What? Of course not, that wouldn’t be right. Hoping for sex isn’t the same as expecting it, is it?

However, there’s a line between being a nice guy and a pushover. You need to stand up for yourself. She makes a face. I know, because it happens to me too.

You certainly don’t seem like a pushover to me, I admit.

Maybe not. But I do things because I think I’m supposed to. I have an overdeveloped sense of duty, she says.

What do you think I should do? I really want Andy’s take.

You have to talk to him in a way that shows you’re completely serious.

I hesitate. I’ve been trying, but it hasn’t worked.

She frowns. Maybe you should talk to your roommates first. If he’s this much of a jerk, he’s probably bothering them too. Then you’ll have more conviction. She smiles up at me. You’re being too nice. And that’s from a Minnesotan.

I’m going to take that as a compliment. But even my coach complains that I need to be less of a nice guy out on the ice.

We’re still holding hands as we leave my house and go back to the party. The music is cranked and it’s a lot more crowded than when we left. We find Dawn in the kitchen with Emily. Both of them eye us up and down.

Damn. How did you find privacy in the midst of all this craziness? Unless you’re an exhibitionist now? Dawn asks.

Andy flushes. Don’t be silly.

Well, you can get back to bumping uglies. Just wanted to let you know that Emily and I are taking off.

Andy’s gaze darts between her friends and me. I’ll go with you. Is that okay? she asks me.

Of course, I say, though I wish tonight had ended on a better note. It’s not about sex, more about being in control of our night. Maybe a party wasn’t the best idea for our first date together.

As I’m getting my coat on, Andy protests that I don’t have to walk her home when her friends are with her.

I want to. I’d rather be with you than here, I insist.

Emily sighs. You’re adorable, Jack.

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