Page 3 of Zero Pucks Given
Neither had I, unfortunately.
“I’m going to try posting ten videos a week instead of seven,” I told her. “Extra videos on the weekend, and maybe another on Tuesdays. I don’t know why, but my Tuesday videos always do a little better than the others.”
“Monday is my best day,” Sharon admitted. “Everyone’s meal-prepping at the start of the week, I think. Maybe I should do two videos then. But it’s hard not to get discouraged.”
“We just have to keep at it,” I said. “Eventually, a video will go viral, and then everything will change.”
“You don’t sound very convincing,” Sharon replied.
“It’s because I’m trying to convince myself, too,” I said with a laugh.
Sharon’s glanced at the TV on the wall. “Dang. We’re losing.”
“I couldn’t care less. I hate hockey.”
“I know you do,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You don’t have to tell me every time I bring it up. Next you’ll remind me that you dated a hockey player in college.”
“High school,” I corrected her. “And yes, I’m annoyed that we haveto work hockey games now. The sport shouldn’t be played in a state that gets triple-digit heat in the summer. It should exist in Canada, and, like, a few northern states.”
“Win a date with Grayson Steele, captain of the Surge!” the announcer said. “Scan the QR code to enter!”
“Ugh, he’sso hot,” Sharon said.
“Please do all of your swooning while I’m not present.”
Her eyes cut to me. “Come on. Even if you don’t like hockey, you have to admit Grayson isfine.”
“I will do no such thing. There’s more to a man’s attractiveness than how he looks.”
“True, but Grayson is so hot it overwrites everything else about him. He could have the worst personality in the world and I would still go out with him.”
“Then you’re in luck, because I’m pretty sure he has as much charisma as a cardboard cutout,” I muttered. “Have you seen the car commercials he does?”
“You’re no fun,” Sharon said.
“I’m plenty of fun. Just not when it comes to hockey players.”
The television camera zoomed in on the Steele Wall himself, sitting on the bench during the game. A heavy scowl was glued to Grayson’s strong jawline, like he’d just bit into a lemon.
“I’d love for him to pin me to the board,” Sharon said.
“I’m going to the bathroom so you can swoon by yourself,” I said, sliding out of the booth.
“Good! I’ll swoon without anyone judging me!” she called back at me.
I weaved through the bar crowd to get to the restrooms. Two different men smiled at me on the way, one of whom was pretty good looking. But I was serious about what I said to Sharon: I didn’t want to get involved with anyone right now. I was glad things were over withBrent, but the relationship had left me emotionally drained. I needed time to recharge.
When I got back from the bathroom, Sharon was quickly tapping on her phone. “Texting Kyle?” I asked.
“No, something else,” she replied absently.
I leaned forward so I could see her screen. “Wait. You’re not signing up for that stupid Grayson Steele contest, are you?”
“Maybe…”
“Sharon! What about Kyle?”
“I’ve only been dating Kyle a month,” she replied, still tapping on the phone. “Besides, there’s no chance I’ll win. I think every woman in San Antonio has entered this contest.”
