Page 56 of Offside and Off-Limits
As he returns to the boards, I give him a slow clap like he’s in a 90s movie, and he takes a theatrical bow that's more Clément’s style than his.
“The deepest respect,” Clément says, bowing back.
“Yeah, man. That was awesome,” I tell him and give him a fist bump.
“Better than yours?” Asher asks, and I give a begrudging nod.
“Yeah, better than mine.”
“You guys were all amazing. Thank you so much for this,” Clara says, tapping her phone.
“Will you tag us individually when you share them?” Asher asks.
“Of course. Our followers are going to love these.” Clara clicks her phone off. “Cade, we need to do another video, if you have the time?”
“Sure thing,” I reply.
Clément smirks. “You are enthusiastic when it comes to social media,non?”
“Yeah, Lennox. Whyisthat?” Asher asks and wins the side eye from me.
He knows exactly why.
“My boss thinks Cade and I work well together on camera,” Clara explains, and I raise my brows at the guys as if to saySee? Totally legit.
“We’re doing the Hockey 101 video, right?” I ask Clara.
“That’s right. Kind of like hockey for dummies,” she explains.
“Oh, Cade’s your man, for sure. He practically defines the word ‘dummy,’” Asher teases.
“Whatever,” I say with a good-humored shake of my head.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you at Drench for Defense this Saturday, Asher. Are you sure I can’t persuade you to join us, Clément?” Clara asks.
“I don’t like to have water thrown at me,” he sniffs.
“Dude, it’s not likewelike it,” I say, but all he does is sayau revoirand head toward the locker room.
“Thanks again for volunteering, you two. The forecast looks mild enough and sunny, you’ll be glad to know.”
“We’re hockey players. We’re used to the cold,” I assure her.
“Yeah, but we don’t usually have buckets of water thrown at us,” Asher replies. “We wear our game day gear for the event, right?”
“That’s right, plus a change of clothes. We’ll supply towels and hot chocolate afterwards to warm you back up in the tent,” she says.
“You got it, Clara. Enjoy yourvideo,” Asher says, emphasizing the word before he throws me a look and leaves.
I pull the door open and step off the ice. Towering over Clara due to the fact I’m almost a foot taller than her plus my skates, I sit, and she does the same.
“You’re looking especially good today, Triple. Red’s your color.”
“That’s nice of you to say,” she replies.
I shrug. “I just say it like it is.”
“Look, I want to say something that’s been playing on my mind.”
