Page 50 of Waiting For Fate

Me

I have to admit, as someone who’s been kind of a loner outside of playing hockey, it’s nice to have guys that include me in the ordinary shit in life.

Such as Christmas shopping.

Have I ever been Christmas shopping with a group of dudes before? No.

Am I positive it’s going to be one of the most entertaining trips to the mall I’ve ever made? I would bet my entire career on it.

I book it to my last stop before hockey practice, knowing damn well Coach is going to be up our asses, yet again, about not getting lazy just because it’s the week of Christmas. That’s never affected the way I play, but I guess he wouldn’t know that on a personal level yet since this is my first year on his team. I’m nothing if not determined to make this my best season yet.

“Oh my god, you weren’t kidding. There’s so many people out today.” My brow lifts to my hairline as the four of us walk into the mall. The guys told me they’d meet me here after practice today, and even though I’m so beat I feel like I could pass out any minute, I’m glad I came. Because I would never miss a chance to see Max and Tank dealing with the Christmas rush at the mall a week before Christmas.

“I fucking told you,” Tank groans, turning himself sideways to dodge a shopper that would have run into him otherwise. He gives Tucker a warning look and Tucker must be able to read his expression because he rolls his eyes and speaks next.

“That lady was probably seventy-four years old, brother. She probably didn’t even see you.”

“We were in her direct line of sight, Tucker. She shouldn’t be allowed to drive if she can’t see a brick wall four inches in front of her.”

“Maybe she has a driver.” Max shrugs, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.

“Whose side are you on?” Tank leans forward to ask him, making me chuckle.

“Okay, so any idea where we’re stopping first?” I clap my hands together, swiftly changing the topic of conversation before the two of them end up turning around to leave.

Tucker takes off to look for a second pair of work shoes for Taylor, and what is supposedly the world’s softest blanket, while Max stops in front of a store with a full window of coffee mugs. Tank and I hit the LEGO store first to grab a couple of sets for Hendrix, then he manages to find a onesie for Poe that says my dad’s tattoos are badder than yours. The way this man’s face lit up at baby apparel was downright heartwarming. When he dipped into Victoria’s Secret I opted for the store across from it to look at candles.

“Good choice, I don’t need you knowing what kind of lingerie my wife wears.” Tank slaps the side of my arm and walks so confidently into that store I can’t help but laugh.

I look around for a while but after smelling a candle that was supposed to be cucumber scented, but smelled like straight up wet feet, I left.

“No luck, brother?” Tucker claps me on the shoulder as I’m rubbing a hand down my face in frustration, and I shake my head.

“Why is it so fucking hard to shop for women?”

“It’s not really.” Tucker shrugs and I give him an expectant glance.

“Please, enlighten me.”

“Women are viewed as such complex creatures, and don’t get me wrong, some of them are. There are high maintenance and very particular women out there that you’d never be able to shop properly for. But you and I both know; Leah is not one of those women. Is she?” I think his words over and catch him raising a brow at me.

“Nah. She’s not.” I let out a sigh, trying to think of everything I know about her. What she likes and doesn’t like and rack my brain for some idea of what to get her. When I glance to the left the answer practically slaps me in the face.

The bookstore.

Leah is the biggest bookworm I’ve ever known. She reads anything she can get her hands on, from fantasy, to autobiographies, and every funny, dirty, thrilling thing in between. Surely something will pop out at me in there.

“No luck yet?” Max asks as he reappears beside us.

“I think I’m getting an idea.”

“Good deal. Glenda said to tell you hi.” He nods to Tucker and Tucker’s eyes grow wide.

“You saw Glenda? And you were pleasant enough for her to feel confident you would relay a message to me?” Max rolls his eyes as Tucker lays into him.

---