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Our game tomorrow is in Sacramento, against the Fire Cats. The flight was so short we already took our pre-game naps and had some time to kill. Colby somehow got me, West, and even Mitch to go with him to a local shopping center. The pretty outdoor shopping area that reminds me of the one Amber likes back home, but this one has palm trees everywhere, and the buildings are stucco. It’s all very California.
While Amber is on my mind, I pull up my phone and shoot her a text.
Ford
Hey, what are you upto?
Amber
I’m bored out of my mind.
I smile down at my phone. Amber is not one to sit around and rest. She’s always enjoyed being busy, especially doing something creative. I bet she misses working.
Ford
Sorry you’re bored. Wish I was home to watch some Bob Ross with you.
Amber
Remember when we tried to paint like him?
Ford
I remember my “painting” being mostly happy little birds. Aka mistakes.
Amber
Well, at least you’re good at hockey.
Amber
I miss you.
My heart stutters, instantly delighted she misses me too. I take a deep breath and remind myself she’s told me that before, and it didn’t mean anything romantic.
Ford
I miss you too, Ambs.
While I’m thinking of her, I tap on my Google app and order a dozen Pink Piano roses for her from a shop in Virginia. I even pay the extra fee to have them delivered today. I just want her to know that I wish I was there with her, so that’s exactly what I request the card to say. Hopefully it sounds friendly, and not like I’m in love with you.
“What’s got you smiling like that, Remy?” Colby asks as the four of us come to a stop in front of a vending machine.
We all look stupid with our ball caps and sunglasses, an attempt to conceal our identities and be left alone. Being hockey players, we’re not always recognized—unless we’re in Canada. Hockey isn’t as big in the states as football or baseball, but you never know when fans will pop up, and today we just want to hang out and enjoy our privacy.
“Just thinking about my wife,” I answer honestly.
Colby whistles, West claps me on the back, and Mitch tries to hide his grin.
I surge ahead, not wanting to invite anymore questions. The guys pick up their pace and catch up with me quickly. We already went into a few of the shops, West got Mel a California t-shirt, and Mitch bought some new headphones. The excursion up to now has been uneventful, until we pass a shop with a black door and a glittery doorknob. West stops right in front of the shiny door, the rest of us almost colliding into him from his sudden halt.
Looking up, I see the shiny black sign above the door says Naughty Nothings. I huff a laugh and make to start walking again.
“Wait, I wanna stop in here,” West says from behind me.
I turn to see him staring at the window display where two mannequins are posed in lacey pink lingerie.
Colby stares into the shop, rubbing his palms together. “Oh yeah! I want to get Noel something for our honeymoon.”
