Page 46 of The Puck Stops Here

At fifteen minutes past her reservation time her phone went ping.

Aiden

I’m here, where are you?

She was right across the street in a cosy little bar, head half hidden by a cap. She’d seen him arrive. Seen him take up a seat at their table. Seen him order what looked like a club soda, peruse the menu for a spell before resorting to his phone.

Aiden

We did say 7p.m.?

Her fingers twitched to reply.Not yet,she could hear the girls urge.

At twenty-five minutes past, a waitress approached his table. He waved her away and messaged again.

Aiden

Is everything okay?

He looked out the window, his frown obvious even from this distance. Just a few more minutes…

She eased out of her booth and headed to the ladies, firing off a message as she went.

Astrid

Sorry! I got caught up with work – in the zone! Be with you shortly!

Take that with your passion and no time for love spiel, matey! A taste of your own medicine, right back atcha!

Buzzing on her teeny tiny victory, she snapped a shot of the convo and sent it to the girls. Then she stripped her cap, shook out her hair, topped up her makeup, and left the bar, pausing when her phone went ping ping ping ping.

She checked the screen…

Just Desserts WhatsApp Group. 19.43 EST.

Bella

Karma 1, Aiden 0

Sissi

love love LOVE!

Even better, have you seen this? https://www.tiktok.com/@puckbun2468/video/12732637?q=AidenCarterDateless

I’m dying over here!

Bella

Oh my God, that is gold!!!

Astrid clicked the link and her screen filled with a clip of Aiden, sat alone at the table, Celine Dion’s rendition of ‘All by Myself’ playing out as a superimposed girl with bunny ears gave a rundown of the scene… an ice hockey all-star all bummed at being stood up. Stood up inrealtime.

OMG!

Sissi

Did you plan this?

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