Page 49 of One Shot

“Of course, I can,” Suz replies.

She’s being sweet now. Maybe I should give her more of a chance; I feel like I’m constantly saying that.

“Let’s make sure snippets are all over our socials too! This is so exciting! Let’s wait to tell the boys until after we’ve submitted all the content, okay? I want to surprise them!”

Bren dives into some details about ticket sales increasing this year with a few ideas on how to keep it going. We go through calendar sale dates, teaser content, pre-sale dates, and the custom jerseys.

I’ve zoned out a little bit thinking about what content I have that I can use for the articles. I think I have enough on Tyler from his interview, but I want to include more details on why Lucas wanted to be a Wyvern and his journey to captain. That means I’m going to have to sit down with him again. Hopefully Libby is free to come so I don’t have to be alone in a room with him.

Bren is talking about her plans for the rest of the day, but I missed the whole conversation preoccupied by the thought of being in close quarters with Lucas.

“I’ve got to head out. I’ll text details on the teaser content to you, Laur. I want these calendar sales to be big.”

“What if we do some posters or something cool for giveaways with the larger team shots or the Sexy Seven shots? Have the guys sign them? Enter to win by pre-ordering a calendar?” I’m always trying to think of new marketing ideas for sales and promotion. It’s my favorite part of marketing.

“I love that idea!” Suz and Bren respond in unison.

Bren waves bye to us as she bounces out the door.

Suz turns to me. “Listen, I’m sorry about the Tyler comment. I just assumed, which isn’t fair of me at all, especially because people usedto assume the same of Lucas and me when we became close friends. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

My eyes widen with surprise at her unexpected apology.

“It’s okay,” I say. “Thanks for apologizing.”

“I really am looking forward to your articles on Tyler and Lucas, Laur. You’ve been doing such a great job. We are lucky you joined us this year."

She squeezes my arm. Did she wake up on a different side of the bed today? She’s being so genuine.

Before Suz stands up to leave, she leans over and says quietly, “Her name is Shay. She’s a good friend of mine, but I’m positive he isn’t interested.”

A wave of relief washes over me.

I text Lucas as soon as she leaves to see when he’s free to try to get more out of him for the article. He responds right away. Perfect—I’ll see him the day before my date and then decide if I still want to go on the date. That seems logical, right?

Libby isn’t free to come help with the interview. I was hoping she would unknowingly play chaperone. I can just record on my camera and go back to take more notes later instead of having someone write them live.

I’m wearing jeans instead of my typical leggings as if they are my armor for the day. I toy with my braid, waiting for Lucas to arrive any minute as unease fills me, which is silly. I’ve spent a lot of time with Lucas. I enjoy spending time with Lucas so much that I’m thinking of canceling the date with Tyler’s friend.

I don’t want to be with anyone for the sake of being with someone. I vetoed any type of relationship for a reason. But with Lucas . . . I just can’t help it. I want to get to know him. Getting to know him could help me see that some romantic relationships are worth it. I keep saying I’m content being alone, but I won’t want that forever, right?

A knock sounds on the door. Lucas struts into the room. He’s freshly showered with his brown hair slicked back on his head. He smells like fresh cotton. He’s wearing jeans too. Damn it, I was not-so-secretly hoping he would wear his infamous gray sweatpants.

“Hi.” He beams at me.

His speckled golden-brown eyes seem like less of a thrill to me today. They feel more comforting and familiar.

“Thanks for meeting with me again. I want to be sure that I get more information from you. We are writing articles forUSA Hockey Magazineand—”

“Laur! Your articles are going to be published in a big magazine?”

“And my photos.” I blush. “But just two articles, one about Tyler, which I’ve already finished. I just want to ask you for more information to make sure I do you justice.”

“I have no doubt in my mind that you will do more than that. Congrats, Laur. That’s huge! I’m happy to help. What do you need to know?”

“Well, you didn’t tell me much about your first years as a Wyvern before becoming part of the starting lineup and becoming captain. You also didn’t tell me why you chose the Wyverns.”

A look flashes in his eyes that I can’t place.

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