Page 18 of Ice, Ice… Maybe?

“Should I brace for rejection?”

“Nahhh. It just gives me an idea of how to dress for our date.”

“Just be here, and I’ll be thrilled.”

“I will be. Good luck tomorrow, and I’ll see you Friday.”

Less than twenty-four hours later,Becca was adding a phone line to a customer’s plan when she heard several people exclaim in unison at the television that was hanging on the wall in the distance. Looking up, her mouth dropped open in shock as the form of a man in a green and gray uniform slid across the ice, his body limp, leaving a trail of blood as silence fell in the building.

“What just happened?!” she exclaimed in a panic, not sure if she was going to throw up or faint – but she knew that something terrible had occurred on the ice. As the camera zoomed in and a fistfight broke out in the distance, along with another scattered flurry of punches by his teammates, she saw the camera focus on the injured uniform.

Number eighty.

Travis.

Grabbing her purse, leaving out the front door without clocking out, Becca hollered over her shoulder at the stunned people she was leaving behind.

“I’ve gotta go!”

CHAPTER 7

TRAVIS

Tomorrow night,Becca was coming over, and he had all sorts of plans to try and impress her. He was crazy about her and felt his heart skip a beat every time he got a text message now – whether it was one of the guys, the coach, or his agent, he was in a better mood and felt quite optimistic. This morning, he hauled in his breakfast while standing and humming happily, stretching the entire time. He was going to make sure the news crews noticed him, wanting to give her a shoutout if he was interviewed after the game.

“You’re in a good mood,” his uncle joked. “What’s got you so perky?”

“Hot date tomorrow night.”

“Where are you going?”

“Here,” Travis chuckled easily. “I thought I’d make popcorn in the theater room, hang out, and just have a nice quiet time.”

“Ahhh… I see.”

“Saturday, you want to go to barbecue?”

“Where at?”

“Her family is grilling, and we’re invited.”

“How serious is this? How long have you been dating this girl, and why haven’t I met her before now?”

“Uncle Davy, Becca is unlike anyone else I’ve ever dated. I mean, she’s sweet, kind, easy to talk to and real. She’s completely down to earth and doesn’t even really follow hockey.”

“Huh, well, that’s good – I suppose.”

“It’s really good because that means she’s not chasing a uniform, but the guy wearing it… and I think I could use someone half-decent in my life.”

“What am I – chopped liver?”

“You’re my uncle, and you don’t count,” Travis laughed as his uncle waved him off, rolling his eyes. “Besides, you know I love you.”

“I love you too, kiddo – and I’m happy for you. You deserve a little happiness in your life, and I just hope that this girl understands what a treasure she’s found.”

“I think I’m the one that found the treasure,” he chuckled shyly, smiling at his uncle as the man rolled his eyes again before ruffling his shaggy hair.

“Eat up – and drink some more water.”

---