Page 26 of Slapshot
“No, I’m not going. This is stupid.” I pace outside of the Biscuit, cursing my best friend. “You don’t even like hockey players.”
“No, buteveryonewill be at the Biscuit. The multicultural house is totally boring tonight. I’ll catch a ride to you.”
“I’m going back to the dorm.” It took her two hours of texting me every few minutes to convince me to leave it and I’ve regretted it every step of the way.
“Absolutely not,” Vivian’s sharp tone screeches in my ear so loudly I pull the phone away. “Do not move. I’m getting in an Uber. I’ll be there in five minutes. You left me all alone last night. Tonight, you’re partying with me.”
“Fine,” I relent. “But when you get here, we’re going somewhere else,” I add, but she’s already hung up.
I button up my coat and pace to keep warm. It started spitting snow as soon as I got here. Tiny flurries that make the dark of night look like a thousand pieces of paper have been shredded and dropped from the sky.
It’s quiet outside, but every time someone opens the door, I can hear the loud noise of the busy bar inside. The hockey players will be at their usual table and everyone else will be crowded around to congratulate them and buy round after round.
It’s so not my scene. Could it be? Sure. There’ve been moments hanging out with the team that I’ve enjoyed myself more than expected. Well, not the team. Moments with Lex. But of all the guys I could enjoy hanging out with, he’s probably the one I should stay the farthest from.
He’s everything I’ve tried to avoid since I was old enough that boys started using me to get closer to my dad. Eager, obsessed, hockey-focused. I know the type well. I was raised by one.
I sneak a glance behind me, but I don’t let my eyes scan through the window long enough to recognize anyone. The door opens and I’m surprised when the guy I’m most nervous about seeing, stumbles out.
And he’s definitely stumbling. Patrick steadies him while laughing. “All right, Vonne, easy.”
“I’m fine. I’m fine,” Lex says, pulling free like the stubborn guy he is and then swaying. Patrick backs him up against the building.
“I know. I know. You’re perfectly capable all on your own,” Pat says sarcastically. “Don’t move.” He stands in front of him and then his gaze flits to me. “Dalager.”
I offer a small wave.
“Kaitlyn!” Lex yells and his eyes light up when he sees me. “You came!” He ambles over to me, creeping along the building. When he gets close, the smell of liquor hits me and I step back.
“Wowser. You got drunk fast.”
“Shots. So many shots.”
Patrick slaps him on the back. “Yeah, we each bought him a shot for his first goal.”
“How many did he take?”
“Only about half of them,” Pat says, like that isn’t still way more alcohol than any one person should consume.
“It’s okay because I’m really good at holding my liquor,” Lex says through hooded eyes.
“Clearly.” I take another step back.
Patrick chuckles. “Hey, Kait, are you waiting out here for a ride?”
“Uhh… Yeah.” I nod. “I’m waiting for—”
“Awesome. Can you keep an eye on him? It’s fucking cold out here.” He doesn’t wait for me to answer before speaking to Lex. “Pax is paying for his food, and then he’ll be out to take you home. Congrats, buddy.” He takes a step toward the door. “Thanks, Kaitlyn.”
“You’re welcome,” I mumble as Patrick hustles back inside.
I sigh as Lex grins at me and leans in. “You look pretty.”
“Oh, god.” I have to pull my lips tight to stop from smiling. Drunk or not, his words warm my insides.
“What? You do. Would you rather I think you’re ugly?”
“I’d rather you not notice me at all.”
