Page 59 of One Shot

Tyler pats my shoulder, understanding in voice. “I know. I trust you. Give her time, and I think she will too, Luc.”

I close my eyes and drift off into a more peaceful sleep. I’m still restless, but I don’t have any dreams or nightmares. I don’t wake up until we pull into the parking lot at West.

Chapter twenty-eight

Lucas

The next few days, I feel like a weight heavier than an elephant has been lifted off not just my shoulders, but my heart too. I feel lighter, happier, more at ease. I can see it in the way I move on the ice, more fluid and free than ever before. I’m ready to dominate our game in two days. I barely see Laur at our practices this week. She usually comes to at least half of them, even if she’s just sitting in the stands and multitasking on her computer.

The scent of freshly ground coffee beans greets me the second I walk in to Roast and Revelry. Suz and I grab a small table in the back. With a sparkle in her eye, she reveals she’s been keeping some big news from the team. Articles forUSA Hockey Magazinewill be published soon featuring the Wyverns and highlighting some of our key players.

“Don’t let it slip to the team Lucas. I want this to be a secret!”

Rolling my eyes at her need for surprises, I nod my agreement to keep quiet.

“I let Laur do the team write up,” Suz confesses to me.

“Wow, really? That’s surprising for a diva like you,” I tease.

“Don’t tell her I told you this,” Suz checks to ensure that no one is in earshot, “but she’s insanely talented. I’m not sure what it is, but the way she writes about hockey is almost poetic.”

“It must be because of her connection to the game, how she’s loved and lost around hockey in a different way than anyone else I’ve known. I won’t tell her, but you should, Suz. She’s probably terrified of you,” I tease her again.

“You’reright. Maybe I will tell her. The magazine editor reached out because they want to do a special feature on Nick Bellinger and on the team. I think they’ll want to be more involved. As much as I selfishly want to lead the process, it has to be her.” Suz checks her phone, before taking a sip of her extra sugary coffee.

“Laur will be thankful for the opportunity. But you’re right, it does have to be her,” I agree. My last comment has more meaning than Suz probably realizes. It has to be her. “Anyways, how are you? We haven’t caught up in a while. Still going on dates with the mystery picnic connoisseur?”

“I am, but the season’s in full swing so it’s not my focus. It’s still hard for me to talk about with a lot of people but it’s getting easier. I’m this poised Barbie bitch. People expect me to be interested in the hockey players I work with, not interested in girls.” Suz checks her phone again, sighing heavily, putting it face down on the table.

I’ve known her secret since we met, which is why we probably appear so close to anyone outside looking in. I can’t imagine how she feels, not sharing it with the world. Some of the team knows and, of course, Bren. I wonder if Laur knows.

“It seems like you won’t be the one people think I’m secretly dating for much longer. You are so in love with Lauren. I can see it written on your face when you talk about her. I can even hear it in your voice. I’m happy for you Lucas; you deserve that.”

“I haven’t told Laur anything about you. It’s your story to share. She’s asked, but I’ve just said that you’re not my type and I’m definitely not yours.” I can’t help but chuckle at the ridiculous notion of people assuming Suz is interested in me. She’s the big sister I never had.

I spill my heart out to Suz. I tell her about Laur drunkenly kissing me, the mock photo shoot and the real photoshoot, the date Tyler set her up on, and how Tyler said she wasn’t interested. I need to know that it’s not in my head, how close Laur and I have gotten over the past few months.

“Do you seriously think it’s in your head?” Dramatically rolling her eyes, she finishes the last of her coffee. “Anyone with functioning eyes can see the connection you two have.”

“No, I don’t think it is. You know I don’t like dating. Plus, she claims she swore off love.” Anxiety makes itself at home as I wonder if there will ever be a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if it’s evident how great we could be together, will it be enough to get Laur to want to jump into dating despite her claims?

“Well, if she’s going on dates with Tyler’s friends, then I don’t think she is really swearing it off.” Suz motions for me to finish my coffee, checking her phone again. “Maybe she had an awful past breakup and is protecting herself. Whatever it is, she’s interested in you, Lucas.”

Butterflies join the anxiety in my stomach hearing someone else validate Laur’s interest in me. Smiling into my cup, I take my last sip of coffee.

“Tyler knows why she isn’t interested in dating. I understand him not telling me, and you know better than anyone what that’s like too. But if she is into me, then why go on a date with Tyler’s friend?” I’m hoping Suz has a better perspective on this girl logic than I do.

“Maybe she wanted to see if her spark with you was real or if it was just her heart saying she’s ready again and has nothing to do with you. Who knows?” Getting to her feet, Suz signals she is ready to leave.

“Actually, she knows. Talk to her, Lucas. She’s the only one who can give you the answers,” Clapping my back like she’s closing a case with the assertiveness of a judge’s gavel, we leave Roast & Revelry.

She’s right. It’s time for me to just stop talking about her and start talking to her.

Chapter twenty-nine

Laur

“DID YOU GET THE MAGAZINE IN THE MAIL?!” I shriek to Mom on the phone. I am officially published inUSA Hockey Magazineas a writerandphotographer! My heart swells with pride as I pace around the living room with excited energy pumping through my veins.

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