Page 6 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

“Yeah. The hottie with the dimples.”

“Suki was saying he was really gorgeous.” She smiles. “What did his text say?”

“He was drop-dead gorgeous. He basically text me to say hi, and he wants to know what I’m doing tonight. He said, and I quote, 'I would love to take you out for ice cream under the stars.’ How sweet is he?”

Sabrina just stares at me, her lips pursed together, and I frown at her expression.

“Don’t you think he’s sweet to text me?”

“I mean, that was sweet, if not totally unrealistic.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s really sweet, but it reads as saccharine.”

“What’s really sweet?” Wes heads out of the bathroom and butts into the conversation.

“Erica met this guy yesterday,” Sabrina explains. “His name is Darren, and he’s a true romantic, according to Erica. He just text her and said that he wants to take her out for ice cream under the stars tonight.”

“Ice cream under the stars?” Wes raises an eyebrow and starts laughing. “What stars? There’s so much smog and so many tall buildings that you can’t really stargaze in the city. What is he talking about?”

“Really, bro? Are you so unromantic that you don’t appreciate the sentiment?” I let out a deep sigh, even though my inner guide agrees with him. “I don’t know how you date him, Sabrina. He doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.”

“Well, he has one or two. Sometimes.” She blows him a kiss, and I try not to roll my eyes. I’m still adjusting to my brother and best friend dating and being in love. I was so excited initially, but now, I am realizing what it means to have to share my best friend.

“Oh, don’t make me throw up.” I turn away from them and look at my phone screen. I’m surprised to see that Darren has texted me again already. In fact, I was surprised when he asked for my phone number in line yesterday. But I was happy to give it to him. Even if something about his interactions doesn’t feel quite right.

I bite down on my lip. “What should I say?” I turn to Sabrina. “I don’t want to seem too eager, but I don’t want him to think I’m not interested.”

“Don’t play games,” she says as if she’s an expert on relationships, when really, she has no clue. “If you want to go for ice cream with him, then tell him you’d be happy to join him tonight.”

“I agree.” Wes butts in as if I’d asked him his opinion, as well. “I can’t stand it when a woman is into you, yet she pretends that she’s not. Like just be straight up.”

Sabrina scowls. “What do you mean? You can’t stand when a woman?—”

“Obviously not now, my darling, I have you, and I love you.” He kisses her on the cheek, and she bursts out laughing.

“I’m just kidding.” She looks over at me and winks. “Just say to him, I’d love to go for ice cream, but I have plans with my friend, so it depends on the time.”

“Okay.” I nod. “But what if he mentions a late time? I don’t want him to think I’m just a booty call.”

“If he says a late time, then you say no.” Sabrina shrugs. “Right?” She looks at Wes.

Wes heads towards me, grabs me by the shoulders, and looks me in the eye. “Erica, you’re my little sister, and I love you. If a guy wants to meet you anytime after 8 pm, it’s for a booty call.” He groans and shakes his head. “And you, my darling sister, are not going to allow yourself to be any loser’s booty call.”

“I don’t need you to lecture me. You’re my brother, not my dad.”

“I’m just saying.” He presses his lips together and then continues.

“Anyway, I already told Tyler that we’re going to meet him and his friends at the bar later. So let me know if you’re coming or not.”

“Tyler?” I say in distaste. “Ugh, not that horrible guy from the bar, that wannabe hockey player.”

“You should stop hating him so much. He didn’t do it on purpose.” Wes laughs. “And he’s far from a wannabe.”

“I know, I know. He thought he was throwing his drink over Sabrina, but come on, Sabrina’s blonde, and I’m brunette,” I say. “And he was laughing even after he realized he’d thrown his drink on the wrong person. Not cool.”

Wes just shrugs. “I mean, I don’t know what to tell you, sis. He said he’s coming tonight. I told him you’re coming. I hope it’s not gonna be uncomfortable.”