Page 25 of Slapshot
“Daniels,” I call to him and then the other freshmen when we’re off the bus. “Grab a bag.”
Kaitlyn’s already got one large bag and Coach Garfunkle pulls the others out and sets them on the ground beside the bus.
“Question. Why did we hire an equipment manager if we were going to carry all the shit ourselves?” Jonah asks.
Cringing, I check to see if Kaitlyn heard. Yep. Totally outed. Her mouth opens, probably to yell at me, but I push Jonah forward and grab the biggest one myself.
“What the hell are you complaining about, man? We pack more extra sticks for you than any other guy.”
He chuckles, and I let him and Hudson go ahead.
I fall into step with Kaitlyn and take her bag. Surprisingly, she lets me. “So, Alec didn’t make the freshmen carry the equipment. He should have. What a bunch of whiny assholes we are.”
She huffs a laugh. “I won’t argue that.”
I manage to get the door and hold it open while she steps through. Jonah and Hudson pass us on their way out.
“You need a ride, Vonne?” Jonah asks.
“I’ll meet you guys there,” I tell them and then follow Kaitlyn into the building.
She flips on the light in the equipment room and I drop the bags. “
“Are you coming out tonight? We’re going to the Biscuit.”
“I don’t think so. I think I’ll enjoy the next twelve hours of freedom.”
“We’re not that bad.” I motion to the bags. “Can I help you unpack?”
“No, I’m going to leave it for tomorrow. I’ve got it from here.” She pauses and then reluctantly adds, “Thank you.”
“You can thank me by coming out tonight.” I’d really like to spend more time with her to better understand why my pulse quickens when she’s nearby. I don’t think it’s just because she’s a challenge. Plenty of girls have tried to get me to chase them. Those girls were playing games, but I don’t think Kaitlyn is playing at anything.
She hums a response that isn’t agreeable.
“Come on. We won. And thanks to you, I got my first college goal.”
“Oh no. I don’t want any of the thanks.”
“Why not?”
“Accepting your thanks assumes responsibility. It was the skates. Perhaps they’re lucky.”
“You don’t believe that and neither do I. I think you’re my lucky charm.”
And I kind of do. I definitely want to spend more time with her to find out why I like being around her so much.
But something tells me pushing Kaitlyn will only make her less likely to agree, so I glance around the room and ask again, “Are you sure you don’t need any help?”
“I’ve got it.”
I back out of the room. She looks up just before I disappear from sight.
“Congratulations, Lex.”
10
Kaitlyn
