Page 31 of Snap

CHAPTER 10

RUBIE

"How about this?" Grace said. "All of us in one place, at the same time." She gestured around at the other women at the table.

My father would be proud of me. Waves was the Rapids' favourite bar, and the three women I was drinking with were all dating Rapids players. I was practically one of them. Of course, I didn't mention my father's plans. In fact, we spent the evening talking about anything but football.

"It's been too long," Ashley agreed. Chase's dark-haired girlfriend always looked immaculate. As a buyer for Lacey's department store, she was more or less obligated to wear the latest fashion. If anyone was going to compete with me for the title of fashionista, it would be her.

"It really has," Bec agreed. The blonde had a timeless style, which looked effortless on her. I suspected the oversized jacket she wore might be Hawk's, but the Wonder woman socks which peeked out from under the hem of her jeans were probably all hers. According to Grace, Bec was secretly a massive geek who loved all things superhero and science-fiction.

"Thank you for inviting me," I said. I had hoped to see Ollie tonight, but he was busy with some work thing. I assumed they were restocking shelves, or doing training. I thought about asking Ashley, but she worked in the buying department and probably had very little to do with the staff who worked on the floor.

"Any time." Bec gave me a generous smile. "Hawk's family owns this place, so we get to support them while having a good time."

In unison, the three of them said, "And they have the best burgers in the city!"

We all laughed.

"You're not wrong there," I said. I was going to need an extra long training session to work off my dinner. No regrets. That was why I worked out. So I could eat things like that.

"Part of me thinks I should come here more often. The other part of me knows I'd wear out my treadmill." I laughed. "Actually I don't have a treadmill, but I have a new personal trainer who would kick my ass." And later, kiss it.

"Oh?" Grace said. "I thought there was a twinkle in your eye tonight. You've got a new man?"

I tried to play it cool but I couldn't hold back a smile. "Yeah, I met someone. He is… Special. Different."

"Sounds like love to me. I'm happy for you." Her smile was genuine and warm.

"It's new," I said carefully. "But it might be."

It was like nothing I ever felt before. It felt…real and strong. Any other guy, I would have pushed away. I would have done everything I could to forget him. After seeing my dad and all of his wives, girlfriends, and flings, it was hard for me to believe in love. Or believe anything could last. The amount of times I've seen my father head over heels…

I was sure he thought it was real every single time. Maybe it was. He still couldn't keep it together with anyone. And me, well, I'm a lot like him. The idea of starting anything only to have it end was terrifying.

I know, with my hard exterior, people probably thought I never got scared of anything.

But love— Love was the scariest thing of all.

"Awww," Ashley said. "How nice that we're all happy. Even if this new guy isn't a Rapid." She laughed softly.

"Thank fuck for that," I said dryly. "No offence, but I hear enough about them from Dad." So much for spending the evening not talking about them. I supposed it was inevitable.

"I'd imagine you do," Bec said. "Does your father talk about the guys much?"

I tilted my head at her. "Are you asking as a girlfriend or as a journalist?" Either she was curious about what we discussed, or she was wondering about my father's opinion of Hawk.

She shrugged with one shoulder. "A little of both I suppose. A girl likes to think her boyfriend's boss has a good opinion of him."

"Is there anyone who doesn't think the sun shines out of Hawk's ass?" Grace asked teasingly.

"Probably not. He is pretty awesome." Bec smiled softly. The kind of look that said she was head over heels for the guy. A couple of weeks ago, I would have rolled my eyes at that look. Now, I know how it felt. It was surreal.

"My father thinks highly of everyone on the team," I said, "even Bam." I gave Grace a sly smile.

Grace sniffed. "Don't you mean especially Bam?" She gave me a lopsided half smile. "Bam hasn't given him any trouble. Never."

I snorted. "Oh no, never," I said sarcastically. "Not even for one minute." I took a sip of my soda. "Seriously though, it's admirable how he's turned things around for himself."

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