Page 25 of Must Love Hockey
“What do you need, Jimbo?” Silas asks. “We kinda owe you after pranking your date the other night.”
“Funny you should mention that. I am looking for extra comp tickets for home games. And I’d love for everyone to sign this.” I hold up a copy of the season’s program—the fancy one from the gift shop. “She’s a fan.”
“Give it here,” Drake says. “I’ll start.”
I produce a handful of Sharpies and start my way around the room. Everyone signs on his own page.
Stay cool Emily!Drake writes.Love, Neil Drake, friend of Jimbo’s.
“How rude am I allowed to be?” Castro asks when it’s his turn.
“Not rude at all. Should I skip you?” I hold the program out of his reach.
“Nah, nah. I can be good. Give it here. I have a comp seat for next week, too.” He signs the program.
“Thanks, man! I really appreciate it.”
“Have faith, Jimbo. If this grumpy ass is capable of winning a woman’s love, yours ought to be, too.”
“I feel so inspired right now,” I whisper.
“Oh, shut it.” Castro signs with a flourish and grins at me. “Now go get your girl.”
* * *
So, for the next few weeks I give it all I’ve got. I send her a ticket to every single home game.
Just one ticket, though. Her guy is on his own.
At first, she seemed a little unsure if she should accept them.James—this is really generous. I don’t want to put you out, she’d written.
You’re not, I’d assured her.Players give me their extras. No money changed hands.
That is a relief, she’d replied.The face value of these tickets is very spendy.
I don’t do spendy, I’d admitted.But you and I agreed that money isn’t everything. I see every game from rink level, and I don’t pay a thing. My dad is still unimpressed.
Good point, she’d agreed.Although at least your dad isn’t hounding you for tickets.
True! So will I see you for drinks after the game? That pass card doesn’t expire. No pressure though.
I don’t think I should, she’d immediately replied.I just need a little time to get my head on straight. I’ve been making some changes. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m getting to a better place.
And now I’ve probably read that text a hundred times, trying to decide what it means. She said she’s “making some changes.” That could mean anything. It could mean she broke up with the boyfriend.
But it could also mean that she’d changed her socks.
Out of respect for the lady’s wishes, I haven’t pressed her on it. Even though I’m dying of curiosity.
Meanwhile, it’s been fun to treat Emily to a good time. I get the feeling from our occasional communications that she’s under a lot of stress, so it makes me happy to give her a free night out. Whenever she comes to a game, I try to let her know I’m paying attention. So far:
I’ve sent an intern to her seat with a program signed by the whole team.
I sent her a hot meal from one of those vegetarian restaurants that Ariana likes.
And last week I sent the team’s mascot to her seat to take a photo with her. That picture of Emily hugging the Brooklyn Brown Bear is the lock screen on my phone now. She’s laughing, her clear eyes full of joy.
James—that bear!she’d texted that night.Hilarious. Thank you! I’ve had a really rough week, and I needed that laugh.
