Again, could you just finish this story?I ask, even though I can guess what’s coming.
He leans back in his chair and lifts both hands.So we had to find a time when you were out and both of us were free.She came over here and made the varenky—
Varenyky,I correct.
Whatever.And then left.Just five minutes before you got home.
Immediately, my nostrils flare, as if I could still catch a scent of her.It’s almost painful to know that she was just here.That if I hadn’t stayed to talk to my professor, I might have seen her again.And now I know that she’s avoiding me because that’s what I told her to do.She is apparently quite obedient—a fact that shouldn’t excite me.
Coty tips his chair back, watching me.Do you want me to tell you how she looked?What we talked about?
I shake my head.I don’t need any more fuel for the dreams I’m trying so hard not to have.
My phone vibrates, but I ignore it.
He laughs again.Coty finds way too much enjoyment in my Evie issues.I just sent you her number.After all, when a woman spends this much time making you a special treat, you should at least say thanks.Or maybe wine her, dine her, and sixty-nine her?
God, you’re an ass,I tell him.I’m deleting her number.You tell her thanks for me.
What am I, your messenger?Give me one good reason you shouldn’t go out with her.You know you want to.
I lean towards him.You know I’ll just end up hurting her.If you really like Evie, why would you inflict someone like me on her?
He actually laughs at me.I’ve seen you date many women, and you’re always so casual.If she plays hard to get or tries to make you jealous, none of that shit works because here,—he taps his fist into his chest—you don’t care.And a lot of women like that elusive shit, it makes them try harder.Now, for the first time in recorded history, there’s someone you care about.
I don’t bother denying this.But I don’t care about Evie in the way he thinks.I’m not obsessed with her in my every waking moment.Only at night.
I hardly know her.If we had gotten to know each other first, maybe there would be a real reason to for me to crush on her.
I ignore the little voice in my head that recites all the things about Evie that intrigue me: her oddness, her interest in European history, her smarts, her aplomb, her sweet nature.Even the way she pronounces my name correctly, with the slightest inflection on the first syllable.And those two moments when there was an electric connection between us.Her mention of guardian angels contrasted with her practical nature, but I’m exactly the same.Even as I scoff at the spiritual, I pray daily that my brother’s guardian angel is with him.And when she asked about my grandmother at the exact moment I was thinking of her, I almost confided in Evie.But then I remembered how she didn’t add up.I have an excellent bullshit detector, and Evie sets it off each time I talk to her.
Sometimes our subconscious senses the things we really need,says Coty, who has no trouble believing in anything woo-woo.Besides, I don’t think you will hurt her.She’s stronger than you think.Look how she reacted to that whole frat party night.
Coty,pleasegive it up.
He stands.Okay, I won’t mention Evie again.
I exhale a breath of relief, and rise to find a container for the rest of the varenyky.
He pauses at the kitchen door.But I’ll still be thinking you’re an idiot.
And I don’t delete her number.After I’ve eaten all the varenyky, her information feels like a thread of connection between us.Perhaps fantasizing about Evie is how I distract myself from my real worries.
ASIGET READY FORSATURDAY’S HOME GAME, MY MIND FEELS CLEAR AND MY BODY RESTED.I’Melated to be back in the dressing room, getting ready for a real game.
There’s a mood of contained excitement as everyone goes through their pregame routines.Mats’s eyes are closed, he’s either meditating or visualizing.Sinc is returning from the bathroom since he’s a nervous pisser.I can’t even look at Wally, who has a whole fidgety routine that makes me tense up.Instead I look at Coty, who is completely relaxed.He pitches a tape ball at Murph and then pretends he has no idea what happened.I fucking love this team.
Of course, I’ve tried to drill out my own tics, since the captain has to set a good example, especially for the freshman players.I try not to get too high or low, because relaxed confidence is the best way to go into a game.So far, the team looks good.Sure, we miss the good players who have graduated, but there’s new blood as well as returning players who are ready for a bigger role.
Our pre-season game against Brandon College will be a good measuring stick to how we function as a team.
Coach Norman gives us his pre-game pep talk about what to expect and how he wants us to approach the game.He catches my eye, and I give him a nod.
Your turn, Zee,he announces.
I stand.I’d rather show my leadership on the ice, but I can spew clichés when necessary.Boys, this is a big season for us.If this team plays up to its potential, we can go all the way.So, let’s go hard from the beginning.Win every shift.
Then I yell,Mustangs on three.One, two, three!
