Page 8 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

“You don’t think he’s with you because of your money, do you?” she asks softly.

I open my eyes and look at her, shaking my head. “No, I kinda...” I sigh and make a face. “I kind of gave him a different name.”

“What do you mean, you gave him a different name?”

“I gave him a fake name. I mean, it’s not like I’m well known. Sure, I’m Erica Carrington, and if people look up Wes or Miles or my family, they will see that I’m the last sibling. But it’s not like anyone really knows me. But I was just nervous because he was talking about money, and I was just thinking to myself,well, I don’t want someone who’s a gold digger and just looking to be with someone who has money.”

“Hey, I get it,” Sabrina says, nodding. “Trust me, you know I get it.”

“I know,” I say, laughing.

“And if you go on a couple of dates and really like him, just tell him the truth. And tell him why you gave him a fake name. He’ll have to understand.”

“Yeah, I know. I just feel bad because he has been so honest with me and sweet. And what if he is the one? What if it’s the man I’m gonna marry? And it started on a lie.” My phone pings, and I squeal. “Oh my gosh, I think he texted me back.”

“What did he say?”

I read the text message quickly. “My heart’s pounding, but I’m not sure if it’s a good pound or a bad pound.” I hand her the phone and frown. “Will you read this aloud? I’m not sure how to take it.”

“Okay.” She grabs the phone from me and reads the screen. Her eyes widen slightly before she clears her throat.

“Go on. Read it aloud. I want to hear it through someone else’s voice,” I say, feeling nervous and unsure.

“Hey, thanks for getting back with me so quickly. I’m gonna meet up with some buddies, but I should be done around eleven. I can go to the convenience store and pick up some ice cream, then you can check out the view of the crib where I'm house-sitting.” She clears her throat and makes a face.

“Well, um, I mean…" She offers me a wry smile. “It’s not horrible, but it’s not great.”

“Why does he want me to go over to the crib he’s house-sitting?” I roll my eyes. “And how is his asking us to get ice cream under the stars the same as him going to a convenience store? Do you think he’s just trying to get laid?”

“I don’t know,” she says, even as she nods.

“I mean, be honest, Sabrina.”

“Then yes. Why else would he ask you over? Can I respond for you?”

“I guess.”

She types quickly.

“What did you just send him?”

She offers me a small smile.“Hey, I’m not that type of girl. I don’t go to guys’ places or their friends’ places on the first date. But if you would like to take me to get ice cream somewhere else a little earlier in the night, I’m down.”

“Not too bad, right?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I say, feeling disappointed. I’d hoped Darren was different than most guys. My phone pings again, and Sabrina grins.

“He says, ‘Sounds like a plan. Let me check out some ice cream spots.’”

My eyes widen, and I feel excited again. “Oh, that’s a good sign, right? He doesn’t seem disappointed or upset. And maybehis friend just has a really cool crib and he wanted to show it off. You know, guys are dumb. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he was trying to get some.”

“Exactly.” Sabrina nods.

“I mean, if he were a pig, would he really be responding right away?” I smile, “Do you have a dress I can borrow? Something cute. I don’t want to wear jeans. And I need to do my makeup.” I take a deep breath. “I am far too excited for this date, even though I don’t know if it’s a real date. Did he say it was a date?”

“Erica, calm down. It’s gonna be fine. Let’s be real. You just met him, and he’s already asking you out. He likes you. He really likes you.”

“Yeah, and, I mean, it’s a good sign, because I was in my Columbia sweater and my glasses.”