Page 7 of No Rhyme or Roughing
No one cares.
Tell us how you really feel.
I’d learned long ago no one really wanted to hear what I had to say.
“Yeah, well, I wanted to meet you. Most of the people who come here are the hand-sitter type. These guys could use more fans cheering for them, even if it’snot out loud.” With that, she shoved the head back on, wobbled, and bounded up the stairs two at a time.
I plopped back into my seat and watched as a new line hopped over the boards. But it wasn’t until Ryder was back on the ice that I fully tuned in again, tracking his every deke, the way he seemed to float across the rink with his long, steady stride.
If only he knew what hitting on me after the accident had done—how it fulfilled a lifelong daydream that he’d return even an ounce of my crush.
Now, I could move on.
They lost.It wasn’t much of a surprise, but I still felt for my brother and his team. It hadn’t even been a close game.
Seven to two, with some guy named Keaton O’Connor scoring both goals.
Teddy’s gesture to me after the final horn left no room for question; he wanted me to meet him down by the locker room.
I milled around the concrete underbelly of the arena, surrounded by the family and friends of the other players. A few tried to engage me, but I wasn’t one for small talk.
The heavy door leading to the hall where the locker rooms were opened, and out walked the redhead I’d met earlier. Without her dog costume, she looked even smaller. Clad in leggings, an oversized sweatshirt that read “Put me in solitary,” and those same thick glasses,she was so adorable I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home.
Well, to Teddy’s home.
I’d never done well making friends, but I wanted to change. Maybe this time in the Bay Area could be different from the last.
I hurried forward, stepping in line with her as she headed for the exit. “Hi.”
Hi? What was this, first grade? How did one make a friend?
She stopped, her high laughter echoing off the stone pillars. “You’re the girl Valentine couldn’t stop glaring at while we talked.”
“Oh, he’s just mad I didn’t call before coming.”
One brow lifted.
I pointed to myself. “Sister.”
“Ah, okay. Well, Valentine’s sister… can I help you with something?” She looked toward the exit and then back at me.
“No. I mean… I don’t identify by my brother. Name my is Sydney.” I cringed. “My name is Sydney.” How could I date a rock star and lead entire rooms of people in dance steps, but when it came to small talk, I was a mess?
She bit her lip, studying me. “You don’t do this much, do you?”
“Do what?”
“Talk to people.”
“Oh, not unless I’m forced.” My face heated. Did I really just say that? Shit.
“Well, awkward Sydney, I’m Shai Walton, Golden Guardian extraordinaire.”
“Shouldn’t a guardian be a knight? Or at least a more aggressive dog?”
Her laugh was soft. “Welcome to the Golden Gate Guardians. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
She was still laughing when she reached the door to leave.
