Page 126 of Goalkeeper
Spencer:It’s good to have goals.
Paige:And speaking of goals… we never discussed this. What do I say to you before you hockey? Am I allowed to say good luck? Because I dated a theater guy my senior year of high school and that phrase was strictly forbidden before a performance.
Spence:We’re a superstitious crew, for sure, but it’s not like that. You can totally say good luck. Mostly it’s just guys who always wear the same socks (no joke), or always get dressed in the same order (who doesn’t?), or stuff like that. Also, I don’t hockey. I play hockey. God, I hope you were joking...
Paige: Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t... And good luck. Are you hanging out with the guys after? I hear the Biscuit makes a delicious chicken salad and you can even order it without all the good stuff on top. ;)
Spencer:It’s tempting, but no. My mom and Ted are down for the game, so they’ll take me out after, probably. It’ll be good to see them. My dad’s coming, too, but he’ll leave before I do. He’s not Ted’s biggest fan, so they tend to avoid each other.
Paige:Is Ted awful? Do you need reinforcements? Get your mom to take you to Tito’s. Emma works there and she can spill a drink on his lap. She does it accidentally all the time, so no one will be suspicious.
Spencer:You’re always looking out for me.
Paige:Always.
Spencer:Actually, Ted’s fine. His biggest crime is being attentive to my mother, so… yeah. My dad’s intense, like I’ve said, and I’m sure it was no picnic being married to him. Ted is the opposite of my dad in every way. And yeah, he’s kind of boring, but after dealing with my dad, she deserves whatever she wants.
Spencer:Speaking of fam, how’s yours? Is your sister excited?
Paige:Fine and yes.
Spencer:Wow. Now who’s the non-talkative one? Everything ok?
Paige:Yes... It’s just...ugh. Can we talk about anything other than my family?
Spencer: Of course. I promised Birdy a rematch of Madden, so I’ ll actually be socializing with my team later tonight. Are you proud or what?
Paige:So proud. :)
Spencer:There is a reward system, right? ;)
Paige:Hell yes. And you’ll find out your prize tomorrow night.
Spencer: What time does your train get in?
Paige:7:35 tomorrow evening. Are you sure you don’t mind picking me up?
Spencer:Of course not. I’m running drills with Goat until 3. I’ll see you tomorrow night at the station. Coach just told us to put our phones away, so I gotta go.
And now it’s that awkward moment. How do you say goodbye without saying “love you?” But we haven’t said those words yet— it’s way too early. But it’s weird, because, like, I say that to Emma when I’m texting her. It’s no big deal. But with Spence, it’s a BIG DEAL. When in doubt, you go with the heart emoji.
Paige:Later. <3 And Good luck!
Spencer:<3
I miss my guy. But I’ll see him soon, and I have an LSAT to study for, and some Bio I can do, sooo...no more distractions.
“Hey, you.” Not five seconds after I promised myself I’d study, I look up to see Trevor holding out a mug. “Want some spiked cider?”
“Uh, yes, please. What are you doing here? I thought you guys were golfing?”
“Jake is, with your dad and Nathan and Dr. Dickhead’s crew. I begged off. I hate golf.”
“Well, I was just about to spend a few hours studying…”
“Perfect. I was just about to head downtown and do a little shopping? You in?”
“Again, yes, please.” I slide my laptop into my bag and follow Trevor. I’ll have hours on the train to study tomorrow.
