Page 20 of Lucky Shot
“It’s not information aboutyouthat I would be looking for. Think of it as research not an interview.”
He doesn’t immediately say no, so I keep going.
“It shouldn’t take long,” I promise, which is more hope than truth. I’ve never tried to swap out details like this after the book was written, but how hard could it be? “I just need the basics.”
“The basics of hockey?” he asks as if still trying to make sense of it all.
“Enough to convincingly write a story about a guy who plays hockey.” Then with a hand wave. “His job is a minor part of the story.”
I give him my biggest, best smile, hoping it silently communicates how easy and breezy this can go. I’ll ask him a few questions, then we’ll go our separate ways. No big deal.
“I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing.” This time there is a hint of sincere apology in his voice.
“Please?” I said I wasn’t above begging but it still pains me to do it. “I came to Moonshot because I need help. I have six weeks to do the research I need and edit my book. If I don’t…” I can’t bring myself to finish that sentence. I’m not even sure what will happen if I fail. I guess I’ll lose the contract with Doreen and have to repay the very large advance, and the likelihood that anyone else will want to buy a book from me in the future will drastically reduce. That is if I can ever bring myself to write another book. So much rides on this, but I can’t put it all on him. This is my mess.
“It’s important to me. I love my job, and I am…struggling.” The truth hurts to admit. Especially to him.
His jaw works back and forth, and he stares at me as if considering the offer. Holy shit, is he really considering it?
My heart pounds, hopefulness swirling inside me. I almost add a please, for good measure, but I’m afraid it’ll hurt my chances instead of helping.
“All I’m asking for is a day or two of your time. Then if you really want me gone, I’ll find somewhere else to stay while I edit my book.”
“Hey,” a guy on the ice says to Nick then flashes me a smile. “Sorry to interrupt.”
His gaze slides back to Nick. “Lori was asking if you could help on the two-on-two drills.”
“I’ll be right there,” Nick says, letting his arms fall to his sides.
I give them both a closed-mouth smile as the hope I was just feeling vanishes. He’s busy and I shouldn’t have come.
The guy nods, then glances from Nick to me again. “I could swap with you, if you want.” He sends the next question to me, “Anything I can help you with?”
There’s something in the guy’s tone and smile that is teasing, though I can’t figure out why.
“No thanks. I was just leaving.” I need to call Molly, buy myself a coffee the size of my head, and binge the newest episode of Hook Up Island while I figure out what to do next.
Nick’s grumpy glare returns, this time aimed at his friend.
“Wow, so it’s not just at me,” I mutter, realizing too late I’ve said the words out loud. My face heats. “Sorry. That was supposed to be an inside thought.”
The other guy laughs, freely and loudly. “I love inside thoughts, and trust me, he gives that look to everyone.”
“Good to know.”
“I’m Travis.”
“Ruby.”
“Nice to meet you, Ruby. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“You have?” I look at Nick. I cannot imagine what he might have said.I met this girl at the airport who joked about transporting a dead body and then she showed up at my house.Turns out my dad rented the cabin to her and promised she could interview me without my knowing.
“I’m his best friend.”
“Only friend?”
Travis lets out another loud laugh. “I like you.”
