Page 23 of One Shot

“So,” Lucas says, “you kissed me.”

That hope lasted less than minute. I just nod dumbly at him. I can’t think of anything to say.

“Cool, okay, we don’t have to talk about it. We aren’t allowed to practice for puck and chug or I’d offer to help you work on your shot,”Lucas is floundering, grasping at anything to keep the conversation going. “So, tell me something. How’s school? How’s working with the team and fundraising and whatnot?”

“Actually!” I light up. “Hold on.” I chug my beer to ease the nerves. I haven’t told anyone about Nick’s notebook yet.

“I found a little black book in my things the other week. My mom or Dominic must have put it in my things because it’s Nick’s.” Lucas goes wide-eyed, concern written all over his face at the mention of a possible list of sex-capades. Giggling at his expression, I explain away his concerns.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too, but it’s just random thoughts of his: notes on running trails, notes on different teams, notes on Wyverns players, and some random sketches too. There’s a page I found that has two different ideas for Wyverns jerseys. What if we created them as an alternative jersey for the team. We could sell them at games?”

Lucas’ concern is quickly replaced with vigor.

“Lauren, that’s an amazing idea!” I can see the wheels turning in his head while he brainstorms how this idea can come to life even more. “The whole team can wear ‘Bellinger 88’ jerseys during his jersey retirement ceremony later in the season. Have you told Bren yet?”

I don’t respond. Hot tears slide down my face as wrap my arms around myself. I can’t blame the alcohol for these tears. I’d still be crying sober. I had no idea that Nick’s number would be retired. My heart swells with love for this team and these people more every day I’m here.

“What’s wrong? I don’t think I said anything to make you upset, but I know I’m not the best with girls even if the entire school thinks I’m a ladies’ man. They are dead wrong.”

A smile takes over my features. It’s adorable how Lucas is distressed over the possibility of upsetting me.

“No, it’s not you, but you are a ladies’ man, you big flirt. I didn’t know that his number was being retired. Bren didn’t tell me. That’s—I’mspeechless. Nick would love that. You know how he always bragged about how he would be the next Gretzky.”

Lucas' laughter mixes with mine. “Oh, trust me, the first time I met him he told me.” Lucas puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him for a hug. I close my eyes, taking in subtle hints of his woodsy, warm cologne mixed with the fresh smell of clean linens that lingers on his clothes. The blend of these two scents is uniquely him. I cling to his side as I breathe in again, his scent starting to feel too comforting, too familiar, putting me at ease.

“I’m glad I came here—to West Michigan. I almost didn’t. But I learn more about Nick every day, and I almost feel like my old self again.”

“I’m glad you decided to come too, Laur.” I see a glimpse of something on his face like maybe he’s going to kiss me, but he hugs me again before standing up and reaching down to offer help up. “Let’s go. It looks like everyone is finishing up. I’ll go through the puck and chug rules with you.”

I shouldn’t be sad that he didn’t kiss me.I don’t even want him to kiss me, do I?I don’t know. But I can’t help wishing we could have shared a real sentimental kiss instead of my quick drunken-stupor kiss. I shake my head. No. No dating. No guys. Especially no hockey players. That was the deal I made with myself. I’ve sworn off dating. I’ve sworn off love. I do not want Lucas Donato, and I certainly do not want him to kiss me. We can be friends. That’s it.

Lucas shows me three lines marked on the ground that I can shoot from: the closest also known as the newbie line, the rookie line in the middle, and the farthest line, which he says all players must shoot from. He tells me not to worry because I can shoot from the newbie line and Bren has shot from it for the past three years.

Liam goes first. He makes the shot on the second try.

Bren goes next. She scoots an insane amount past the newbie line. She goes through puck after puck attempting to make the goal so the next player can go. After about ten tries, she makes it. We are so close to the team infirst place.

Lucas scores flawlessly and hands me the hockey stick. I move to the farthest line back that all the team has shot from. Lucas makes his typical Lucas questioning face—that is to say, he looks sexy and perplexed with one eyebrow raised.

I wink at him and draw in a quick deep breath. Closing my eyes, I picture Nick standing behind me in the crowd fist pumping the air, championing me on. I bring the stick back and hear a scraping clunk when I connect with the puck. My stomach is in knots with nerves as I watch the puck soar slightly above the ground before swishing into the goal.

A collective gasp fills the air. I turn to the crowd, smiling so wide that my mouth instantly hurts.

“Chug your beer!” Lucas screams at me. I almost forgot that’s part of the game because I am jumping up and down thrilled with my shot. It’s been over a year since I’ve even used a hockey stick.

I finish the beer and throw down the can. “DONE!” I shriek.

“WE WON!” Liam and Lucas both yell together. Lucas scoops me up into a hug. I notice most of the guys still have shocked faces that I not only made a one timer, but I made it from their designated “player” line.

I turn to Lucas. “See, friend, I didn’t need you to help me with my shot. You do remember who my dad and brother are, don't you? I am a Bellinger. There was no way Nico or Nick Bellinger would let me be so in love with hockey and not learn a thing or two.”

Chapter sixteen

Laur

Iwake up the next day with a raging headache but find water and aspirin next to my bed.God Bless Bren, the drunk mom.I have zero desire to get out of bed, but the enticing smell of bacon fills the house. I pop the aspirin, throw on some shorts with my XXXL Wyverns t-shirt that I claimed from the overflowing box of swag in locker room storage. It’s quickly become my favorite sleep shirt.

“Good morning, Chip,” Bren says cheerfully from her place at the stove. She looks abnormally put together for the long night of drinking we just had. Plus, she and Liam definitely drank more than Lucas and I did, so I know she should be hurting as bad as I am, if not more.

---