Page 14 of Puck & Make Up

There’s no knocking at my door.

Same as there are no calls or texts on my phone—even though I check regularly.

There’s no sign of any hockey players—not even the big, annoying one who I stood up—as eight o’clock ticks by.

Then nine.

Then ten.

Which is the moment I realize I’m being dumb.

Fox was messing with me.

It’s what he does. It’s whatwedo.

Tease and annoy and push each other’s buttons.

Of course tonight would be no different.

I drop my cell on the table in disgust (this entire scene is pathetic) and turn on the lights. It takes no time at all to get into my pajamas, to take off my makeup, to get the good snacks from the pantry.

Same as it takes no time at all to find a bad movie to watch and set it streaming.

Easy.

Without issue—or annoying hockey players.

But…

Lonely maybe.

The rest of my friends have lives, have people who love them or kids who keep them busy, or fulfilling careers.

And I…

Well, I’m back at the beginning.

Back in River’s Bend.

Back working at Monroe’s.

Back living in this fucking apartment.

Alone.

Again.

Five

Fox

Iknew she wasn’t going to show up, and that’s why instead of heading to Maggie’s at seven o’clock, I stay home and wait.

And plan.

Andwait.

And once I’m absolutely sure that Dessie’s uncle will have sent her home from the bar—because we’re not doing this in the front room of Monroe’s with half the fucking town looking on—I drive over to her apartment.

---