Page 27 of Her Goal
Emerson says, “You have to. For my sake and the good of women everywhere.”
“What about Jett?”
“We’ve been together for eleven years. If the guy doesn’t propose soon, I’m going to be your official wingwoman.”
I adore Emerson, but she has no verbal filter so the next time I see Jett, I’m going to urge him to lock it down. No sense in having her on the street, trying to help me find love.
Heidi gets a text from her mother and has to get going. “Bunny bumped her head.”
“Is she okay?”
“Oh, I’m sure she’s fine. She just wants a kiss from me and a jelly bean. I’ve created a monster,” Heidi says with a warm laugh.
“Thanks for the—” I start, ready to conclude withjob offer,when Heidi cuts across me.
“I’ll text you the open ice time schedule. Be sure to sharpen your blades for tomorrow.”
I want to protest, but she breezes out the door. Unlike back in high school, when Heidi was a mean, cheerleading terror, she’s become a kind, thoughtful person. Not only is she my boss’sfavorite niece, but she works for the Knights and thought of me as a good enough skater to sub for her. That’s high praise.
Also, the extra money could go toward my big goal of hosting an unforgettable Happy Hockey Days event here in Cobbiton.
I swish my lips from side to side. But this is Hudson we’re talking about.
While we prepare for the dinner rush, Emerson winks at me. “Thinking about Love Candy on Legs, aren’t you?”
Unfortunately, he’s been ruling my mind since he replied to my email.
10
HUDSON
I’m usually prettystrict about my diet but couldn’t say no to a trip to O’Neely’s. Their bacon blue burger and French fries hit different. It’s possibly the one spot in Cobbiton that I can tolerate. It’s not that this place is necessarily bad. More like the town made it clear that I wasn’t wanted.
Leah too.
Not that I want her. She’s out of my league with her striking good looks. The woman turns heads wherever she goes and doesn’t even realize it. Her eyes are mysterious, the laughter that comes out of her full lips could hypnotize a guy, and she’s a force of nature with her passion, ambition, and independence.
Not thoughts I should be having at my first official practice. I’m teamed up with Beau Hammer, the other goalie.
While we do rush save drills, I ask, “When you joined the Knights, did Badaszek have you do anything special?”
We’re not in full pads and protective gear so I have a clear view of his expression which remains blank. Maybe he didn’t hear me.
“Did Badaszek have you take any special classes or extra?—?”
“Like ballet?” he asks, picking up what I’m putting down.
“Exactly.” Or ballet on ice skates.
Beau is typically steely-faced and stormy-eyed but makes a sound that I interpret as laughter.
“I take that as a no.”
Pierre slides toward us. “When it comes to Badaszek, trust the process even if it seems outlandish at first.”
I snort. “Says the guy who married his daughter.”
The other players nearby go still, quiet.
