Page 12 of One Shot

This girl is going to be a distraction and not just one of the sexual variety. I said I wouldn’t fuck around with her, and I won’t. I wouldn’t even without my oath. I don’t fuck around. Wayne Gretzky is a hockey God, and I’d never swear against his career and not mean it.

Lauren Bellinger will just have to become my friend or maybe my good luck charm. She’ll be at every game anyway and we’ll be around each other all the time. That’s harmless enough, right?

Chapter six

Laur

Last night went better than I expected. I didn’t have any crying spells. Of course, I thought about Nick on and off, but once I was talking with Tyler, it was easier to just try to be myself and not overthink. Tyler was a wonderful surprise. He was my first crush growing up, but now he’s more like a cousin or brother to me. Having him here will remind me of happier days when hockey brought so much joy into my life instead of just heartache.

Bren and Tyler both know the old happy-go-lucky version of me. Mom was right, being around people who bring out that version of me is exactly what I need. Lucas was also quite a surprise, but not the good kind. I bet he’s bad news. Any guy that looks like the heartthrob out of the newest pop song music video is bound to be bad news. I know I don’t want to date.

I am making a promise to myself: I will not let Lucas Donato derail me in any way, physically or emotionally.

He is part of the team, just like all the other guys. He might be the most enjoyable of them to look at and I might be still wondering what he looks like with his shirt off, but that’s it, nothing more.

Eye candy can increase endorphins, right? I need more endorphins.

I finally get out of bed and notice a text from Bren. It says she is grabbing us coffee before we head to the rink at 8am to talk to the coach and the team would be there shortly after. I glance at my clock, it’s 7am. Shit. I needed to shower and wash my hair after the day of moving. I rush to get ready.

“Laurrr,” sings a cheery Bren dramatically dragging out the syllables at the end of her sentences, “I’ve come to scoop you up and lift your non-morning human spirits with caffeineee! A caramel macchiato, complete with an extra shot of espressooo. Get moooving!”

I forgot how much of a morning person she is. I come out of my bathroom, towel on with hair and makeup at least done.

“Chop, chop, Chip! We’ll be late!” Bren says as she hands me my coffee.

I finally emerge from my room in leggings and a Wyverns t-shirt.

“That’s what you’re going to wear?” Bren gives me a once over, critiquing my outfit. My face scrunches in confusion. She has on jean shorts and a similar t-shirt.

She giggles. “I forgot how precious your confused face is. I’m kidding. Let’s go!”

We’re out the door and on our way to the arena. Before passing through the doors, I pause. I haven’t been here since last October. Bren raises an eyebrow, tapping her foot as she impatiently waits for me.

My feet finally take me through the door of the hall that eventually leads to the locker rooms. I’ve never been back here before. This locker room is where Nick thrived, making a name and reputation for himself in college hockey. I just wish he could be here with me.

“Are you coming?” Bren asks.

I didn’t realize I’d stopped walking again. I take one of my deep breaths and let it go. I'm going to psych myself out. I need to be in the right frame of mind when I meet the coach and professionally meet the team. I’ve met Coach Andres before, but he probably doesn’t remember me.

We reach the locker room and Barbie—I mean Suz—is waiting for us outside. She is dressed to the nines in fashionable slacks, a bubblegum pink chevron-patterned tank top, and Tori Burch sandals. Should I have dressed up more? Bren is very casual like me, except for the fact that her shorts barely cover her butt. At least I have on leggings!

Suz barges into the locker room without even knocking. To my surprise and relief, it’s silent without a trace of the raucous behavior I expected. The guys must not be here yet. Bren starts down a long hallway lined with old jerseys, hockey mementos, and photos. My heart races as panic sets in seeing the photos. I keep myself focused on the end of the hallway, not wanting to see Nick’s smiling face in any pictures for fear of a panic attack or worse.

“How is my favorite coach this morning?” Bren says, as she walks into the coach’s office and handing him a coffee. I hadn’t even noticed she had an extra in her hand for him. I glance around the locker room wondering how much time Nick spent here. Bren looks down the hall, gives me a ‘what the hell are you doing look,’ and motions for me to come into the coach’s office. His office walls are decorated with more photos and Wyverns’ memorabilia that I avert my gaze from.

“Coach Andres, this is Lauren Bellinger. She is the junior representative this year for the Wyverns’ PR and Marketing team!” Bren attempts to stifle her enthusiasm but bounces back and forth with glee as she pulls me into the room.

“Hi, Coach Andres. It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m not sure if you remember me.” I reach my hand out for a handshake.

“Of course I do, Lauren.” Coach Andres ignores my hand and pulls me into a quick hug.

“We’re lucky to have you. I knew you would be joining us eventually. Your brother always bragged about how you would make the team look the best we have ever looked to fans with your marketing skills. I am glad you joined us.”

Coach Andres’ eyes are soft as he meets mine, the same color blue as my brother’s. The familiar long face of grief appears briefly before he turns to Bren. He tenses, weariness now replacing the grief on his face.

“Apologies for getting into business so quickly, but I need to give you a quick rundown of the key players you are focusing on and any PR nightmares we need to get ahead of.”

“Of course, Coach. Suz has a quick print out for you and the details are in your inbox.” Suz hands Coach Andres a paper as Bren continues.

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