Page 3 of Catch Yourself a Snowmance
“Hold the line!” Gage shouts at the television where the defensive line of our favorite team starts to fall apart.
“They can’t hear you. You know that, right?” Mitch asks Gage.
“Didn’t you guys record this game so we could skip commercials?” Liam asks the three of us.
“It’s recorded,” I confirm.
“So he’s yelling at a recorded game,” Liam says to me only.
“Basically.”
The commercials start and we don’t fast forward them.
“I love this one!” Gage says. “Makes me want hot wings, though. You got any hotwings, Carson?”
“I don’t.”
“What kind of host are you?” Gage jokingly complains. “It’s a football game, man. We need all the food. Don’t fret.” He grabs his cell off the coffee table. “I’ll get us delivery. What do you want? Garlic parmesan or hot wings?”
“Both,” Mitch says even though Gage is asking me.
“I don’t care. Get both, I guess.”
Gage orders the wings along with who knows what else, and he and Mitch entertain themselves with the commercials.
Liam angles toward me on the couch. “So, Noelle and I were talking about the first week of her Christmas break.”
“Uh huh.”
“And we want to go up to this cabin in North Carolina.”
“Sounds good, man. A romantic holiday weekend with your girl. If you’re into those things.”
Liam chuckles. I play up the perpetually single angle with all my friends. I’m not looking for a girlfriend. Been there, done that, got the list of ways I need to improve myself to show it. My friends fill my need for companionship. My job as a financial advisor keeps me busy. I’ve got hiking trails and events and hotspots in our small town to fill the hours I’m alone. I don’t need a woman to complete my life. I realized a long time ago that some men are the settling down type, fit for a bridle and saddle, and some are like wild mustangs, born to run wild across open pastures. I smile at the image. Yeah. I’m a mustang.
“You’ve got a little something …” Liam points to his own chin.
I brush my hand across my face in the spot he indicated.
“Just kidding, man. You’re good. The wings aren’t even here and all I’ve seen you eat are those sour cream chips.”
“You’re brutal.”
We both chuckle. The game resumes and I watch it while I listen to Liam who seems dead set on discussing his plans forthe holidays with his adorably sweet girlfriend. I love the two of them together. She’s a teacher and she’s got the perfect personality to work with kids all day. And she makes Liam incredibly happy, which is all that matters to me.
“Anyway, back to the plans for this getaway.”
“Mm hmm.” I’m listening, but I’ve got my eyes on the other team’s defense heading straight for our quarterback.
“Block them!” I shout, reflexively.
“Now who’s yelling at a recorded game?” Gage asks.
I laugh. “Busted.”
None of our eyes leave the screen until the play is over.
“We want you to come,” Liam says.
