Page 82 of The Import Slot
“Thanks.” My reply comes out a little sharp, and she looks taken aback. “Sorry, Johnny’s pushing my buttons today.”
“Oh, right. I guess Vicky is doing a bit of the same. I think she’s really struggling. She said that seeing Liam again like that opened a fresh wound. I think she really loves him, Ry.”
“Well, it’s none of our business, so we’ll do well to keep out of it.”
As soon as I’ve said it, I realise I’m being harsh. Jen is clearly trying to be compassionate about Vicky’s feelings, and I’m acting like Johnny, pretending like feelings don’t exist.
I apologise again and take a deep breath.
“Don’t worry. I know there’s a lot going on right now. Concentrate on your game.” She turns to walk away, and I jog to catch her up, calling after her.
“My head is all over the place, babe. I’m sorry. I’ve had Johnny blabbing on at me since we left. I didn’t get enough sleep, which was my fault, and I’m anxious about the game tonight.” I don’t want to tell her I am also anxious about how she will find it, coming with me.
She hugs me, and I wrap my arms around her, sniffing her hair because it smells fresh and delicious and calms me down a bit.
“You’ll do great. I’m proud of you,” she says, and we head on inside together.
By the time we get to the rink, most of the guys have perked up after sleeping on the coach.
Johnny is first off, and as soon as the storage bay opens, he’s rummaging for the ball, tossing it at Hutch, who heads it into Bettsy. We gather around in a large circle, kicking it back and forth while the equipment managers unload.
“Guys, Jen will take a few pictures for the website whilst I do the teaser for the socials,” Vicky shouts over with a smile. “Act natural,” she says, directing her voice at Bettsy, who’s trying to show off a bit; honestly, the guy can’t help himself.
As soon as the ball comes his way, he ducks and tries to get it on his shoulders, but he misses. “Did anyone see that blonde in Costa at the services? She had massive—”
“Michael! What are you doing?” Vicky’s head pops out from behind her phone, and she glares at Bettsy.
“Acting natural,” he shrugs. It is the kind of shit he’d usually come out with, but Vicky’s face says it all.
“Fine. Did anyone watch Children in Need on Friday?” Bettsy shoulders the ball to Hutch, a grin on his face. “Better, Vicky?” he winks.
Jenna
Aftertakingthepictures,I head back onto the parked coach to get my bag, reaching for it in the overhead locker. I don’t know what Vicky is thinking; I’m not a photographer and don’t know what I’m doing.
I toss my bag on the seat and grab the camera bag, taking off the lens and putting it away, singing to myself. I don’t even notice Ryan coming onto the bus until I feel his hands rest on my waist, causing me to spin around.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says, snapping his hands away. “I was enjoying your singing.”
I crack into a grin. “How’s it going?”
“Jen,” he says, and I raise a brow at him, but he leans in and kisses me.
It takes me by surprise. My head spins, and I reach out for him to steady myself.
“I just want you to know that when I asked you to come to Canada, it was because I want to be with you, but I need you to understand what you’re signing up for. I’d be on the road a lot.”
“Are you un-asking me?”
“No, not at all. I want you to be sure. I don’t want you to resent me.”
“It’ll be fine,” I say, leaning in and hugging him, his hands gripping me at the waist.
The football hits the coach’s window, and I start. Johnny shouts for him outside.
Bettsy pops his head around the door. “Come on, mate, we need to get going.”
He gives me a quick peck before he goes, leaving me thinking about what he said, but I don’t have time to think about it right now. I need to head inside and find Vicky.
