Page 46 of Bad Crush
“Yes. I read ahead. It helps me retain the information in class better.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure your big head has no problem soaking it all in at once, but I have to work hard for this.” What she doesn’t say is she thinks I don’t have to work hard period, and that’s just not true.
“I like to read it again after class. I prefer getting the professor’s take first and then going over it a second or third time on my own. I work hard too.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply you don’t. I’m stressed about the scholarship and grades this semester.”
“Your grades are fine.” I know this because we’re in almost all the same classes. I’ve rarely seen anything other than a shining A on her returned work.
She rests her elbows on the desk and leans forward. “So, you and Reagan?”
Right. I almost forgot that Janine was there for the whole fake fiancée thing. The thought of coming clean to her and Dr. Salco makes me shudder. How do you bring that up? “We’re together, yes.”
I could tell Janine the truth right now, but if she mentions it to Dr. Salco before I do, that’d be shitty.
“Not just together,engaged. When did that happen?”
A little of that panic from the other night returns. I’m no good at acting the part without my leading woman. “We’ve known each other a long time.”
“Please.I’veknown Reagan a long time. You’ve known her what, three years?”
Two, actually. Since she and Dakota moved in next door. I nod. “Something like that.”
“Well, I’m surprised to see my childhood best friend engaged to my college rival, but I can see you two together.” I struggle to form an appropriate response before she adds, “It was good to see her. I’ve worried about her over the years.”
“You’ve been worried about Reagan?” My brows lift. “Why?”
“We lost touch when we got to college. That’s probably my fault. I’ve been so focused on grades and making sure I got into med school. But she’s doing well?”
I’m missing something, but I don’t know what. And I can’t really ask since I’m supposed to be her all-knowing fiancé. “She is.”
“Good. I really am glad. Lori was a mess for most of her life. She does seem to be doing better now, not that I blame Reagan for not forgiving her. Will you tell Reagan that for me? I tried to tell her the other night, but she didn’t seem like she wanted to hear it.”
Other people are starting to arrive to class, including the professor, so I nod, and then close the conversation by turning in my desk to face the front. “Of course.”
* * *
The music is loud,the crowd even louder, as we take the ice for warmups. I stand at the gate and give each of the guys a word or two of encouragement. I’m always the last one out. I see to them first. We’re only effective if each one of us is at our best, and that’s my job. I give them whatever they need to be their best.
Some guys like Jordan get pumped with a tap of the helmet, where other guys like Liam require “atta boys” periodically throughout the game. Mav likes me to check him into the boards during warmup. I know how to motivate each of my guys. It’s why Coach made me captain.
It’s never been my dream to play hockey after college, so it’s easier for me to look out for the team than guys like Heath or Mav who have already been signed. I love it, but it never felt like enough to base my entire life around. Here, with these guys though, it’s an experience that I know I’ll hold on to forever.
When I finally step onto the ice, I stretch and scan the crowd. I already know my parents aren’t here, but I can’t help but look for them anyway out of habit. They’ve had season tickets since my freshman year, same spot halfway up the lower level next to the bench.
I wonder if they’ll sit together when they come now, or maybe the seats will be a bargaining chip in their divorce. Season tickets for the china set or some other sentimental piece they acquired in the twenty-three years they were together. Since they split, I’m continually getting tripped up on things like that.
As far as I know, there haven’t been any real fights over furniture, but watching them divide the items that make up every memory of my childhood has been awful.
But tonight, since they’re not coming, Ginny, Dakota, and Reagan are in their place. Reagan’s wearing my hockey sweatshirt. It’s huge on her, but she is working it. My clothes have never looked so good. I tip my head at her, and a shy smile pulls at her lips.
Even sharing a smile in an arena packed with people feels intimate. It’s been a great week and it feels good to have her here. I like her. I want things to keep being great with her. Do I resist every natural instinct I have? Do everything different than I have in the past?
I don’t know what the secret trick is to lead our relationship as well as I lead the team, but I’m determined to figure it out.
14
Reagan
The planetary configuration makes it likely that you’ll reap the benefits of your hard work. You’ll be tempted to relax. Don’t! Lean in! You can sleep when you’re dead. Kidding! You’ll also need lots of rest to push through, so getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy is more important than ever.
