Almardon strolls into the lounge and drops into the seat next to me. “You should see your face right now”
“What’s wrong with my face?”
“It’s doing this thing where you look like a psycho while smiling at your phone.”
I lock my screen. “I don’t smile at my phone.”
“You do. It’s honestly disturbing.” He steals a chip from my plate. “Let me guess. Ice Queen?”
“Her name is Juliette.”
“Oh, we’re using real names now. That’s serious. Does she know yours?”
“Of course not.”
“Bro. That’s…” He laughs. “Best of luck with that one. Is that why you’re here every day now?”
“I’m rehabbing my knee.”
“Your PT sessions ended an hour ago.”
Okay, he’s got me there. I have been showing up at the facility around the time Juliette finishes her work with Marnie. And maybe we’ve grabbed food together a few times. And maybe I’ve driven her home twice because “it’s on my way” even though it’s absolutely not on my way. Like at all.
But that’s what friends do, right? Friends show up for each other. Friends give each other rides. Friends text each other random thoughts throughout the day and make each other laugh and?—
I’m so screwed.
“You’re in deep,” Almardon observes.
“I’m being a good friend.”
“You’re being pathetic.”
“That too.”
He laughs. “Why don’t you just tell her you’re into her?”
“Because she just got out of a three-year relationship like two months ago. With a guy who cheated on her. She needs a friend right now, not some hockey player hitting on her again.”
“So you’re going to suffer in silence?”
“Exactly.”
“That’s the dumbest plan I’ve ever heard.”
“I know.” I check my phone again. She hasn’t responded yet. “But it’s the only plan I’ve got.”
My first skateof the year is in mid January; roughly two weeks after our non-date coffee date.
I’m more nervous than I’ve been in years, my fingers fumbling as I lace up my skates. It’s just practice which I’ve done a thousand times before. But my knee is a bit weak, still not quite right, and I’m terrified I’m going to get onto the ice and realize I’ve lost something I can’t get back.
Barrett walks by as I’m lacing up.
“Welcome back, Rodriguez. Take it easy out there.”
“Easy isn’t really my style, Coach.”
“It is today.” He’s not joking around. “I see you doing anything stupid, you’re off the ice immediately. Clear?”
