He’s coming to Minneapolis for meetings and a Wild game.He wants me to meet with him.
And you’re not going?she presses.
I told him I’m not interested in playing hockey after I graduate.
But you love hockey,she states.
It’s easier to discuss these things now that Evie knows about my family situation.But it’s also frustrating to have to reopen topics I’ve made up my mind about.
You know where I’m going after graduation.
She nods.What about after that?If you can find your brother and get your grandmother to move to Canada.Then what?
I don’t have an answer to this because those two tasks are so monumental that I can’t see beyond them.
Measure seven times, cut once,Evie says.
Just pulled that from your bag of clichés?I ask, but I love her sayings and how they remind me of home.It’s like we have a shared history.
But she’s way ahead of me.Have you ever noticed that you get defensive whenever I’m right?
Yeah, but the meeting is on a Thursday.I’d have to miss classes and practice, plus drive all the way to Minnie and back.
She knows I’m throwing out excuses.If this was something important, I’d make it happen.But four hours in the car for a fruitless meeting doesn’t sound appealing at all.Unless I could make it more fun.
Would you like to come?I’m not sure if it’s an invitation or a challenge.Evie is rigid about following the rules, which I now chalk up to her father.
Surprisingly, she doesn’t hesitate for an instant.Sure, I’ll go.
Look at you, playing hooky.I tease.
I’ve always wanted to skip school.Not a lot of opportunities when you’re home-schooled.Then she pulls out her phone, no doubt consulting her schedule to ensure she has no tests or papers due.She’s not a free spirit, but she’s willing to push her limits.And I like to push those limits too.
On Thursday, I pick her up at her residence right after breakfast.Evie watches as we pass students heading to class in the light December snow.Oh wow, this feels so daring.
Yes, you’re a total bad girl,I agree.
She smacks my arm but through my jacket, I can hardly feel anything.I know you’re making fun of me, but it’s another first.
One of the many qualities I like about Evie is that she gets excited about the oddest things.And her list of firsts is lengthy.Every sexual act is new to her, and she’s enthusiastic about them all.
I laugh at her indignation.Well, on the list of misdeeds, this ranks pretty low.However, if it makes you feel better, I could punish you later.
Evie inhales audibly.Oh my gosh, how do you do that?You say one sentence, and I’m all excited.She looks at the dashboard.And it’s not even 9:30 in the morning.
Are there rules for when we can talk about sex?I wonder.
Not for you apparently.But don’t get me all hot and bothered when it’s hours until we can do anything about it.
Okay, I’ll stop for now.How about after 10:00?
Watch it, or I’ll ask you personal questions.Aren’t guys supposed to love talking about themselves?she muses.
Go ahead, take your best shot,I offer.Because she never asks relationship questions, I don’t have to worry.
She taps a finger on her lips, which makes me want to kiss her.Hmmm.Okay, why did you transfer from D1 hockey?
I should have known by Evie’s reaction on Sunday that this question was coming.But it’s not really a secret, more like something that most people have forgotten.
