Page 84 of Slapshot
“But, I can still stay close to school and even closer to you.”
“I haven’t heard back from Hawthorne yet. They said they’d contact everyone before break.”
“You’ll get it. I’m sure of it. Things are looking up for us.”
“You’re cute when you’re optimistic. And congratulations, I’m really excited for you. What’s your dad going to say about you not going back to Phoenix this summer?”
“I think he’s expecting it. Last time I talked to him, he told me he’d hired another part-time high school kid.” Lex finishes his coffee. “Ready?”
“I don’t want to go to class. I’d rather hang out with you.”
“I’ll come by tonight after practice.”
I nod even as my heart squeezes, thinking about another day of pacing my room during practice. I really need to get a freaking hobby or something.
Lex walks me to my building, kisses me hard, and heads down the sidewalk to his own class. I slip into my seat in the middle row as the professor writes on the whiteboard.
The girl next to me is staring and I give her a small smile. We’ve sat next to each other all semester, but we’ve never spoken.
“Hi,” I say. “I’m Kaitlyn.”
Her smile gets bigger. “I thought so. You’re—”
I brace for it and coach myself not to flip out on her. There’s no escaping my father.She’s just curious, don’t make her feel like an ass for asking.
“Lex Vonne’s girlfriend,” she finishes.
It takes me a second to realize what she’s said. When it hits, I smile back. “Yes. Yes, I am.”
“I’m Naomi.” She leans on her elbow. “You are a legend. I heard that the first time you met Lex, you tossed a beer on him.” Her eyes are big with admiration.
I decide I like Naomi and I prepare to tell her the whole story. “Actually, it was my friend Vivian who poured the beer on him.”
* * *
Friday afternoon I head over to the arena before the game against BU. I assumed they’d have no trouble finding another manager, but it looks like tonight they’ll be on their own. I give Coach Garfunkle a quick rundown of how I’ve reorganized things in hopes it’ll all go smoothly tonight.
“I’m sorry,” I say for the second time.
Coach Garfunkle waves me off. “It’s all right. We’ve managed without before, but are you sure this is what you want?” His gaze narrows.
I wonder if he’s checking out my aura and if he can see right through the lie I tell when I say, “Yes, I’m sure. And you guys are managing fine without me.”
“That’s because we have a laundry fairy.”
“A laundry fairy?” I bite back a smile.
“Mhmm. Someone has been coming in at night and doing the laundry. Any ideas?”
“I just didn’t want to leave you guys in a bad spot like when Alec left.”
“And we appreciate it. Truly.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t found anyone yet. There must be lots of people dying for the job.”
He nods. “Yeah, there are. Takes a special person though. Our equipment manager has to fit with the team as well as any other position.”
I smile. My chest aches and I want to cry. “Thank you for everything. I will prep the locker room tonight. It’s the least I can do.”
