Page 38 of Pucking Matt
I point at him, joining in on the dancing.
Harvey puts his hands on his knees and arches his back to the beat. He keeps his ass in one position and only moves his back. Fucking hilarious. Me and Crew start rolling in laughter. Harvey laughs, breaking his pose. Others start laughing, so now he’s doing the stanky leg to stay in the spotlight. We’re all fanning our noses to get rid of that stank. And then he dances back to his place to continue the game.
“The nice guy is always winning,” I mutter as a few people call out Harvey’s name. Harvey fist pumps the air to some of the guys from the team.
I throw the ball and it lands in the last cup. I point at Jen. “Drink, drink, drink!”
She chugs, finishing off her beer. I join in and finish mine. I grab her bottle from her so I can throw it in the recycle bin.
“Hey, Jen,” I say, walking back to her. “I’m heading out, but don’t forget about what’s in your pocket. I know it’s a huge favor. Promise me you’re going to make it happen.”
“Yes, I promise, I’ll make it happen.”
I look her in the eye, making this even more awkward. “Promise?”
She chuckles nervously. “Promise.”
“Okay. I’m counting on you.”
She gives me a thumbs up. “Got it, Matt. Don’t worry.”
Mom: I met someone
Matt: (Draft) Again?
Matt: (Draft) What?
Matt: Who is it?
I’m trying to catch up on some homework. Thanks to my roommates for pestering me over it. Smartasses put a whiteboard in the living room, so on Sunday night, we sat in the living room and asked each other about our assignments. Alex drilled into me because I have the longest list. But he needs to cut me some slack, I’m putting in effort now. Before my mom texted me, I was in the flow. But now, my mind is trying to connect the dots with this woman. She cannot be single for one moment. Her biggest joke when I was younger was that she needed a bouquet of men. One for every occasion. I’ll never forget that for the rest of my life. My mom is the biggest red flag. I’m sure the new guy is a dick, but I know there’s nothing I can do about it.
Mom: His name is James. He’s a mortgage loan officer. He’s a dad. His daughter is married with kids. He’s a good guy.
Matt: He sounds great.
Mom: You have to meet him. He’s dying to meet you.
I flick my pen a little too hard, and the pieces of it go flying everywhere. I scratch my face, wondering when text messages like this will no longer bother me. The woman is infatuated with the honeymoon stage, and I guess I get it, it’s all exciting and fun until time sets in. Then everything’s different.
Matt: Okay
Mom: You’re going to get along really well with him. You’re going to like him. How does dinner sound?
Matt: I’m getting a part-time job, and I have hockey. Plus games. I don’t know mom
Mom: That’s okay. We will figure something out. Check your schedule for your next open night, and we’ll do dinner then. Have a good night. Get back to me soon.
Matt: I will
I find the spring from the pen and put it back together. When I try to write something else on the paper, the pen breaks again. I gather the pieces and throw them away this time. I’m searching for another pen when my phone notification goes off again. I huff, grabbing my phone.
Jen: Hey, Matt. It’s Jen. So, I talked to the manager, and he’s cool with hiring you because I told him you’re my good friend. He warned that he has no problem firing you if it doesn’t work out. But everything is ready. You start training with Amber tomorrow. Does that sound okay?
I smile. My mood has turned upside down.
Matt: Yes, that’s awesome. Thank you so much. I will be there tomorrow. What time?
She sends over details. I’ll need to fill out more paperwork to get on the payroll, but I’m officially a part-time sandwich maker.
