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Dad and Terry are laser-focused on the TV, so much so that their beers are going warm. I’m paying attention too, but I’m not leaving my drink behind.
“Look at that defense!” Dad yells, slamming a fist down on the table. The attack of the Icehawks barely made it through the Glaciers’ defense, and their goalie finished it off with a tremendous save.
“That’s going to be a problem,” I say, impressed, nursing my beer.
“Nothing you can’t handle, right, golden boy?” Terry taps me on the shoulder and turns his attention back to the big screens.
“Let’s see what Coach Hanson does. The Glaciers are burning the ice this season,” I say, leaning back on my chair.
The game’s second period ends, and I finish my beer for good and announce to the table, “Going to take a leak!”
I head for the restroom at a fast pace. After relieving myself and washing my hands, I head back. I only make it halfway to my table when a blonde in a light green sweater comes spilling all over me.
“Hi! Are you Andrew Connoly who plays for the Razorhawks?” She flirts in a feline purr.
“Yes, I am.” I smile like an idiot. Being recognized never ceases to make me look like a fool.
I offer her my hand to shake, and she comes in for a full-on hug. She kisses my cheek, and I tap her on the back, attempting to pry her away, but failing miserably.
“I have a weird request,” she continues, looking sheepish.
I bob my head around and consider her words.
“First of all, what’s your name?” I ask as she leans in even closer.
“I’m Candis.”
“Nice to meet you, Candis. Now that we’re no longer strangers, tell me, what is it that you want?”
She bites down on one nail then admits, “I would love a picture, but my phone just died. Can we take one with yours? I’ll then give you my number so you can send it to me.”
I laugh.
That’s an inventive way to ask for my phone number, I’ll give you that. But I’m not interested.
As I’m thinking how to turn her down, my phone rings, and the person on the other side of the line takes priority over any other person in my life right now.
“Excuse me, Candis. I need to take this.” I unwrap myself from her and walk a few steps back towards the restrooms where it’s quieter.
“Emily?”
“Hi, Andrew,” I can hear a smile in her voice.
“It’s great to hear from you. I wanted to give you space, so I’ve been waiting to hear back from you,” I say. “How did Alissa react to my message?”
“Oh!” I can picture Emily slapping her forehead. “She hasn’t stopped talking about you since. And now you leave me no choice.”
I raise an eyebrow, feeling hopeful. “Choice about what?”
“She wants to meet you,” she confesses, throwing in the towel. “And who am I to deny her that?”
I laugh, but deep inside, it still hurts because it sounds like she really doesn’t want me to meet her.
“Wait, why wouldn’t you want her to see me?”
Caught off guard, Emily starts to cough. While I laugh again, I also wish I was there to pat her on the back.
“I guess I'm just worried about how she might handle meeting you and then maybe not seeing you as often as she'd like,” she finally explains.
