Page 24 of Trade Deadline

Blaine

Is that a yes?

Alex

It’s a maybe.

Blaine

Woohoo!

Seven

Blaine

The followingmorning is filled with practice, having our aches and pains taken care of by the team physical therapists and watching some video footage ahead of tonight's game against Detroit. It should be an easy win, considering we haven’t lost a single game against them this season, and they’re pretty much bottom of the league.

But even with those stats on our side, we don’t let up on the preparation. You can never be too prepared for a game.

We listen intently as Coach goes through tape, pointing out Detroit's weaknesses in their defense and the textbook plays their offense always run.

The room’s set up like a mini movie theater. Black leather recliners embossed with the Thunder logo on the headrest, all facing a large screen with a small podium where Coach Harris and the video coach are sitting to the left.

I bounce my leg as anxiety creeps in, time ticking by slower than normal. I’ve got approximately an hour between the end of this session and needing to be home for my pre-game nap. I could get to Lincoln Park and back within that time.

I couldn’t believe my luck yesterday when I saw Alex right there behind the counter at the dessert place Zach was craving. It was like fate was throwing the guy I couldn't forget about into my path again.

Leaning over to Elliot, I lower my voice so Coach doesn’t yell at me for interrupting. “El, wanna come with me to that dessert place after we’re finished here?”

His eyes narrow, a knowing smile creeping across his lips. “Why?”

I rotate my phone on the arm of the chair between my fingers as nerves bubble in my stomach. I don’t want to admit that I’m itching to see Alex again. I’ve found myself reading through the texts we’ve exchanged in the past twenty-four hours, and I’ve had to mentally restrain myself from being too pushy.

“I don’t suppose it has anything to do with the blond hottie? Alex?” Elliot’s mouth twitches. “You gonna ask him out again?”

I shrug, hoping it comes across nonchalantly, and not wanting to tell him I've been doing that already. “I dunno? Maybe?”

He snickers. “You got it baaaaad,” he sings.

I flip him off. “Shut up.”

“Blaine’s got it baaaaad.”

“Tendy Olsen!” Coach slams his palm against his little podium, pointing his index finger at Elliot. “If you interrupt me one more time, I’m going to be benching you for the next three games, and no power break dancing for you.”

Elliot mock gasps, his hand flying to his chest. “But you wouldn’tdare, Coach!”

Coach raises a challenging brow, his silent glare screamingtry me, and Elliot quickly holds his hands up in surrender.

Nobody can take Elliot’s on-ice dancing away from him.

“Count me in. I could eat a donut or two right now,” Zach whispers from behind.

Well, now that I’ve managed to find a way to see him without looking like I’m stalking him, all that’s left to do is figure out how to get Alex to say yes instead of maybe.

* * *

When I pushopen the door to the bakery thirty minutes later, I freeze on the spot at the unfamiliar face behind the counter. He looks a little similar to Alex; same angelic features, but his hair is a darker blond, and he looks older. He flashes a smile, but it’s not as gorgeous as Alex’s.

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