Page 16 of The Import Slot
I help her clear up, before we hop off the ice and sit back on the bench to take our skates off. We chat while we work, and before I know it, we’ve been sitting there for half an hour.
“Oh shit, I’m going to miss my bus.” She scrambles to get the rest of her things.
“Can I give you a ride?” I ask Jen as she slips her coat on. She looks at me, her eyes wide, before chuckling to herself. “What?” I smile.
“Nothing,” she dismisses my question before meeting my eyes again. “A lift would be good, thank you. Are you in the same building as the other guys? I live about a ten-minute walk from there if that’s easier.”
“Didn’t Danny tell you?” I take her skates off her, pick up my hockey bag, and throw it over my shoulder.
“Tell me what?”
“That I–”
“Ryan!”
I stop and turn to see Vicky chasing after us. She’s holding a notebook and frantically tapping away at her phone, her heels pressing into the rubber floor surface.
“I’m so glad I caught you.” She gives Jen a little wave before continuing. “Just wanted to let you know I’ve emailed those photos over. Can you post them today, please? The car is a hot topic. Sooner, the better, please? Also, if you can make yourself available after the season opener for signings.” She flicks through her notebook. “I’ll email you a few other dates for other things.”
When she finally takes a breath, I give her my word that I’ll do my homework, and then excuse myself, steering Jen toward the double doors.
“The car?” Jen asks, raising an eyebrow.
“I have to warn you about the car—” I begin.
“Oh, please tell me that’s yours!” Jen squeals, looking for an affirmative before bounding over to it. “I love it! You’re so lucky! Danny never had one of these. Though I’m sure Johnny did last season.”
“Oh, he did, did he?” I unlock and open the door for her before putting my bag in the trunk.
I climb into the car, start the engine, and drive slowly, hoping she’ll think I’m getting used to the roads.
“Did you know any of the guys before you came here?” she asks.
Her voice is soft; I could listen to that accent all day. “Only Johnny. My brother and I grew up with him and his sister, Vicky. You know her?”
“Yeah, I know Vicky. She has to clear the social media stuff I do to promote the junior team.” She inhales a breath, as if she wants to say something but doesn’t.
“What?” I ask.
“Well, I’m just annoyed that someone can be both beautiful and really nice. It’s not fair.” She mock-frowns before breaking into a grin.
“Yeah, she’s attractive, but she’s not my type; besides, she has a history with my brother, Liam.” I consider for a moment before shooting a shot. “Brunettes who get excited about my car are my type.” I give her a sideways glance, but she doesn’t meet my gaze. Instead, she blushes crimson. Oh, I love it.
“What time should I meet you on Monday?” I ask as I pull to a stop at her place.
“Monday?”
“Yeah, for running? Danny said he mentioned me coming along, and I’m just thinking of setting up a time with you, in case he bails again.”
“Oh, I don’t run anymore,” she says, looking sheepish.
“You don’t run anymore? Danny said you’re training for a 10km race.” He was telling me all about it in the dressing room after practice.
“Yeah, but I’m done. I’ve trained.”
“Great, but you should keep it up.” She shifts uncomfortably.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I glance over at her, trying to catch her eye.
