Page 29 of Must Love Hockey
On the other hand, Ihaveto celebrate with James, right? It’s his big night. It’s now or never.
That’s what I’m going to tell myself, anyway.
Though, I already know what will happen if I do. That boy will kiss me. And I’ll let him. He’ll ask me out on another date, and I’ll probably say yes.
I’ve been single for five whole days. Before that, I hadn’t been single since middle school. But I’ve promised myself I won’t be anyone else’s doormat again or arrange my life around a man’s.
These deep thoughts are interrupted by another goal against Carolina. Delilah shoots out of her seat, and I’m right there with her. We scream for Leo Trevi, who just brought us into the lead.
“This issucha great game,” Delilah gushes.
“Yes!” I agree as we sit back down. “The best game.” Just hanging out with a rock star here in row D. No big deal, right?
“Your guy must be walking on air,” she says.
“He’s not really my guy,” I admit.
“Just keep telling yourself that,” she says. “The women will swarm him tonight. After that play? Just saying.”
Something goes wrong in my stomach.
Delilah chuckles. “You should see your face right now, girly. Better get in there before someone else does.”
She makes a few good points.
It’s only a drink, I tell myself as I pull out the phone.It doesn’t have to be a big deal.
Tell that to my shaking hands as I send him a text.
YOU GOT AN ASSIST! OMG. You should have heard me and Delilah screaming. I was like I KNOW THAT GUY.
I add a smiley face and then I plunge ahead.Can I buy you a drink to celebrate? I’m going to use the white card to try to find you. If that doesn’t work, I’ll look for the van out back. Unless you’re busy. Let me know!
Well, I was trying for breezy. The result was about as smooth as an eighth-grader asking a boy if he’s going to the middle-school dance. But in my defense, I was in the eighth grade the last time I was single.
This is hard. No wonder I spent so many years with Charles. It’s easier to accept the status quo than to get out there and get my flirt on.
I shove my phone back into my pocket and watch the rest of the game. Carolina already looks beaten, even with a few minutes left on the clock. They don’t manage to answer Trevi’s goal, either.
When the final buzzer sounds, we are victorious once again. Delilah’s handlers scurry down to get her, as usual.
“Before you go,” I say quickly. “Where do I go to find James with this?” I hold up the card.
She beams. “Follow us, toots. I’ll show you.”
* * *
I haven’t seen James up close for over a month. So when he comes out into the crowded hallway to fetch me, I’m a little overwhelmed at the sight of him. Was he always this tall and strapping? Were his eyes always that deep shade of brown, his lashes so long and devastating?
“Emily,” he says in a low voice. “Hey. Did you enjoy the game?”
“Are youkiddingme right now? It was the most exciting thing ever. I texted you after your assist. I’m hoarse from screaming.”
He flashes me a hot smile. “Come to the Tavern with us tonight? If you aren’t there to save me, these guys are going to get meverydrunk. It will be, uh, another half hour until I can leave, though.”
“That’s okay,” I say quickly. “Where should I wait?”
“Come with me,” he says, hooking his arm in mine.
