Page 167 of XOXO

“Is that why you were at the speed dating thing last night?”

“Yeah, so you can only imagine my shock at seeing an ex there,” he joked.

“I sure can.” She finished her muffin and tried to figure out how to put into words her thoughts. “I’m not sure about settling down, but I’d like to see you again. Possibly have an actual planned date.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Aramis agreed. “I could tell you about my name and you can explain hockey to me.”

“I can talk hockey all day long, you might regret that.”

“Nah, I think I’ll like it just fine.” He grinned and June fought her blush. “Let me give you my number, yeah? And we’ll plan something. I’m guessing your schedule is worse than mine.”

“It sure is. This is the first time in over four years I’ve not had a hockey game on Valentine’s Day,” she confided.

“Hence your friend corralling you into getting laid,” he joked.

“Exactly. Though it certainly didn’t turn out how she hoped.”

“Well, we’ll see about that.” He winked and pushed over the paper he’d written his number on. “Now I do have to get to work, but I hope to hear from you soon.”

“Sounds great.” June watched him walk away, her thoughts whirled in her head. Maybe not the worst valentine’s day ever.

Chapter 3

Sat, Feb 16th 4:21 pm

June had texted with Aramis for nearly the whole of Friday. With her team on a three day break, she had more down time than usual, and she was quite glad to use it getting to know Aramis. Every new thing she learned about him only made her admiration rise. Which led to her getting dressed in something other than yoga pants and old shirsey.

Her hair up in a high ponytail, wearing the dress from an awards banquet the year before, and black 1920’s style shoes, June stared at the mirror and felt ladylike in a way her father would probably pay good money to be a regular experience. It was odd.

She didn’t hate it though, when Aramis picked her up. His first date idea had been an underground speakeasy she’d heard one of her assistant coaches talk about, but she’d never been invited to before.

In his car they argued over music, his choice of classic rock wasn’t awful but June had always chosen the Rat Pack era, since her grandmother had been a Vegas dancer back then.

“I may not love that type of music, but your choice only cements this plan as a great one on my part.” He winked at her and she couldn’t even disagree. Much.

“Let’s not count your chickens ‘til they hatch, bud.”

“Bud? Bud?” he snorted. “What type of pet name is that?”

“First, we’re not at the pet name stage yet, and if we were, my choice has always been ‘babe,’ second, I played and now coach ice hockey. The amount of Canadians I’m around should not surprise you.” She rolled her eyes at his fake annoyance and once again played with his satellite radio touchscreen.

“I can handle babe, though I must admit, it is quite close to bud,” he joked.

“Oh? And what’s your favorite pet name then? Sweetheart? Darling? Baby? There’s only so many to choose from. Unless of course you speak French, but if you call me cabbage we might go a few rounds on the ice.”

“Cabbage?” he asked, his voice full of amusement. “Oh, we’re here. Hold on, let me get the door.” I waited for him to park and then make his way around his car to open my door. What a gentleman. “Okay, we have a short walk, so explain the veg to me.”

“One of the pet names I hear the most with Canadian brethren is mon chou, which pretty much translates to my cabbage and or sweetie, depending on who ask. But it’s like THE pet name they use.” June laughed at the drawn eyebrows, amused with his confusion.

“That’s weird and I really want to ask more, but we’re here.” He stepped forward to a wall covered in graffiti. June watched him press a button that she hadn’t even noticed.

“Password.” The voice was scratchy. June looked for an intercom but didn’t see one.

“Tipsy Elf.” Aramis winked at her while she goggled at the whole interaction. A buzz and then the woosh of a door opening drew her attention. “Come on. I’ve heard great things.”

“You’ve not been here?” she asked as they made their way down the stairs.

“No, but one of my co-workers' brothers owns it. Bill told me if I ever wanted to check it out he’d give me the password.”

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