Page 15 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
Because it will be over, eventually. Hockey doesn’t last forever. Youth doesn’t last forever. Bodies break down, reflexes slow, and then what? I’ve seen too many former players who never planned for anything beyond their next contract.
So I study hard. I save money instead of blowing it on expensive cars and designer clothes. I think about the long game.
My phone buzzes.
Sirus:She’s really cool, Cole. This is going to be perfect.
I ignore it and go back to my assignment.
Sirus:Did I mention she works in marketing and criminal justice? Smart and pretty. Your type.
I’m not sure what Sirus thinks my “type” is, considering I haven’t seriously dated anyone since sophomore year, but I appreciate his confidence.
Sirus:Friday at 7. Just give me a solid yes.
Me:Yes.
I turn my phone face down and try to focus on the financial projection spreadsheet on my screen, but Sirus’s enthusiasm of this girl has me curious. It’s been a while since I went on an actual date. And it’s not like I’m opposed to meeting new people, I just prefer it to happen organically instead of through elaborate schemes involving teammates and their dating lives.
Friday arrives faster than I’d like. We had a Thursday night game. By four o’clock, I’m staring at my phone with my thumb hovering over Sirus’s contact. I should just call and cancel. Tellhim I’ve got too much homework, or I’m not feeling well, or literally any excuse that will get me out of this.
Instead, I find myself dialing his number.
“Please tell me you’re calling to confirm,” he says instead of hello.
“Actually, I’m calling to bail. Sorry, man. I’ve got this paper due and I’m way behind—”
“No. Nope. Not happening.” Sirus’s voice takes on that stubborn edge that means he’s not going to let this go easily. “This is Maddie, Cole.Maddie. I’ve been trying to get her to go out with me for three weeks.”
“You’ll live. You’re good with people. You don’t need me there to have a successful date.”
“Her cousin is coming no matter what. What if it’s awkward? What if her cousin blows the entire thing for me? What if—”
“Sirus, you’re overthinking this.”
“Says the guy who’s currently overthinking his way out of leaving his house.”
“Look,” I say, “Blind dates just aren’t my thing. Find another wingman. Liam said he would go.”
“Can’t. I already told Maddie you were coming. She’s excited it’s you.You.Not fuck boy Liam. It can’t be Liam. Maddie will be pissed.”
That stops me short. “You told her about me?”
“Just that you’re a good guy. Responsible, smart, not a complete disaster with women.” There’s a pause. “I may have also mentioned you’re single and looking to meet someone.”
“I never said I was looking to meet someone,” I scoff.
“I’ll make it up to you,” Sirus continues. “I’ll do your laundry for a week. I’ll write your next paper. I’ll—”
“You’re not writing my paper.”
“Then what? I’m begging, bro. Come on.”
Before I can answer, there’s a knock on my door. Rex starts barking, and I frown at the sound. I’m not expecting anyone, and Finn’s at work until late.
“Hold on,” I tell Sirus, walking to the front door. “Someone’s knocking.”
I look through the peephole and see Sirus standing on my porch, grinning at me through the glass, phone pressed to his ear.
