Page 76 of Wildcat
SCARLETT
Jade comesto have lunch with me at work on Thursday. We take our food to the ice where the team is doing skills work—lunch and a show.
“How much longer until Anna is back?” she asks as she fishes out another chip from the bag in her hand and tosses it in her mouth.
“Not long at all. Another couple of days. A week at most.”
“Then what?”
“Well…” I start and then sneak a glance at Leo on the ice. “I was thinking of applying for some entry-level photography jobs, working as an assistant or apprentice.”
My best friend smiles. “Damn, he’s good.”
“Who?” I look around and then take a bite of my pizza.
“Leo fucking Lohan, that’s who. He really did fuck the confidence back in you.”
I smother a laugh with my arm as I chew and don’t bother denying it. I didn’t even realize how I was holding myself back until I wasn’t. None of it was intentional, but I guess I wasn’t willing to put myself out there professionally, so I didn’t have to worry about another possible blow.
I swallow and take a long drink of water. “He’s pretty great.”
“I’m happy for you, babe.” She squeezes my knee. “Truly. I’ve got my eye on him, but I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” I laugh. Honestly, he’s so different than Rhyse, my early fears of dating him because he’s a professional athlete are gone.
“So… are we telling Coach Miller any time soon?” She looks out at the action on the ice. Dad is skating around the perimeter, calling out orders every few seconds.
“We haven’t talked about it, but yeah, I think we’re going to have no other choice. We’re spending so much time together, sneaking time during the day when we’re both free and hanging out at night when he’s not traveling. Mom knows I’m dating someone. She sniffed that out real quick, but I told her it wasn’t serious, and I promised to bring him for Sunday dinner if that changed.”
“Now, that’s a dinner I want an invite to.” She stands. “I have to get back to work. I got my first real writing assignment.”
“Ooooh. Is it about bridezillas? Please say bridezillas.”
“No.” She smiles and gives her a head a shake. “I’m writing about wedding cake. Specifically, the most sought out wedding cakes in the state.”
“Ooooh, cake.” I place a hand on my stomach. My appetite is like no other lately.
Her face lights up. “It’s a short online piece about this amazing local wedding cake business. I go Saturday to meet the owners and sample some cake.”
“Wow. Best job ever.”
“You should come,” she says and then nods her head. “Yeah. The magazine told me to grab a couple of photos while I’m there.”
“Don’t they have staff photographers for that kind of thing?”
“Only for the print edition. The online articles are a lot more casual.” She sticks out her bottom lip. “Please? What’s the perk of having a photographer bestie if she won’t sample cake in exchange for a few photos?”
“I’m in,” I agree. “Any excuse for cake.”
After work,Leo is waiting for me in the parking lot. My pulse races at the sight of him leaning against his Jaguar, arms crossed over his chest. He’s in gray slacks and a white T-shirt, somehow dressed up yet still casual, and he smells divine.
“Hi,” I say and move into his space, allowing the slightest body contact, knowing there are eyes everywhere around here. “You look nice. Hot date?”
He grins with a devilish glint in his hazel eyes. “Hope so.”
He pushes off the side of his car and opens the passenger door.
I glance around before sliding into the seat, and he shuts me in. He rounds the car and hops in.
