“I was eight, and my uh…my friend played. At first I thought it was a dangerous sport, and I told myself I’d never step foot onto the ice,” he laughs, bringing a hand to his hair and moving a strand away from his eyes. “But the more I watched him, the more I became intrigued. So, one day when he offered to teach me how to play, I agreed. And I guess the rest is history.”
Smiling at his answer, I write it down before glancing at him. “There’s many positions to play on the ice, what made you choose to become a goalie?”
“When I first started, I tried every position, like most players do.” He says.
“In the bedroom too.” Lakelyn winks at him.
Rolling my eyes, I gesture for Greyson to carry on.
“There was just something about being a goalie that clicked for me,” he smiles, tilting his head toward the ceiling like he’s remembering the time he decided to choose that position. “I loved the idea of being the last line of defense, the one who could make or break the game with a single save.”
“Do you ever feel pressured by that responsibility?” Lakelyn finally asks a question related to the article.
“Yeah, but it’s a good kind of pressure,” he nods. “It pushes me to do better, to stay focused. Plus, there’s a certain thrill to those high-stake moments that you don’t get anywhere else on the ice.”
“So, it’s the challenge and adrenaline that keeps you hooked?” I ask.
“Exactly.” He smiles.
Returning hissmile, I continue firing off questions. Some he answers with ease, others he asks to skip. Lakelyn hasn’t asked any more questions relating to the article, but she did ask for his number which he declined to give her, and she muttered under her breath about how she’d get it from one of the other bunnies.
“One final question,” I glance down at my notepad. “Any advice for aspiring goalies?”
“Uh…” he chews his lip. “Work hard, stay focused, and never give up. It’s a tough position to play in, but it’s also a rewarding one.”
Writing down his answer, my eyes scan my awful handwriting making sure I’ve asked the main questions I had circled. There’s still a few that remain unasked, but I didn’t want to keep him here longer than needed. Plus, it’s Thursday, aka the best day of the week—girl’s night. And I was excited to go home, get into matching pajamas with the girls, create a Halloween wonderland, and get wine drunk.
“And I’m off.” Lakelyn stands, grabbing her bag from the table before walking away.
I hear Greyson stand also, and then the door slams open, hitting against the wall and it’s just me left in the room. I lean forward and start packing away my things, reaching for my phone, I see a string of texts from Payton, probably letting me know she’s outside. Her car broke down this morning and it’s currently in for repairs, so I said she could use mine if she picked me up after the interview.
Pay:Hi, sorry… bad news??
Pay:Lecture is running late, so I won’t be able to pick you up for another 30/40mins.
Pay:I promise to make it up to you??
Me:It’s fine, I’ll walk home??
I can’t exactly be mad at her, but I am thankful for past me for deciding to bring a coat. Standing from the chair, I secure the bow in my hair and when I look up, I jump, seeing Greyson standing there looking at me.
Lifting a hand to my chest as my heart rate increases slightly, I let out a half laugh. “You scared me, I thought you left when Lakelyn did.”
“Sorry,” he winces. “I thought I’d walk you out, is that an issue?”
I smile. “Not at all,” taking my coat from the back of the chair, I slide my arms in. “I’m walking home anyway, so I was just taking my time before heading out into the cold.”
“You’re walking home?”
“Yeah,” I nod, leaning down to grip the zipper. “Payton borrowed my car and she was meant to pick me up after, but her lecture is running late.”
“But it’s freezing outside.”
“Good job I brought my coat then,” I smile, zipping it up. “Plus, I only live about a twenty-minute walk, so if I speed walk, I should be home sooner.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “Come,” he gestures with his head toward the door. “I’ll give you a ride home.”
“You don’t have to do that.” I shake my head, lifting my bag from the table.
