Page 103 of Goalkeeper
“It takes me a while to warm up to people, yeah,” I admit.
“And you’re so focused on hockey, almost to the exclusion of everything else.”
“I have to be.”
“But you know what, Spence?”
“What?” I ask.
“I think you like me.”
I smile. “Yeah, Paige. I definitely like you,” I tell her, making sure to look her in the eye as I say the words. “And I’m totally blushing right now, aren’t I?”
“It’s a good look on you, Spencer.”
8
Paige
I should be studying for the upcoming LSATs, ugh. Or writing a paper for my logic class, but instead, I’m texting with Jake and painting my toenails. Sometimes, it’s all about self-care.
Jake:Did you hear the big news?
Paige:Of course not. Nobody tells me anything.
Paige:Lemme guess. Nate and Megan adopted another cat and this one only has three legs.
Jake:Last week’s news. And it rides around on a little wagon.
Paige:Are you shitting me right now?
Jake:Nope. I couldn’t make this up. He’s cute, though. Meg named him Rocco.
Paige:Ok…next guess...you’re so brilliant that the Powers that Be decided you can skip med school and just heal people with your charm and good looks.
Jake.Dammit. I was saving that good news for Christmas. Keep a lid on it, Princess P.
Paige:Ok, Nate got another promotion?
Jake:Probably? I haven’t talked to him since yesterday, so it’s possible. But that’s not news.
Paige:hmmmm…. OMG. No.
Jake:Yep
Paige:Shit
Jake:Uh-huh
Paige:Dr. Dickhead popped the question?
Jake:And Sophie said yes.
Jake:Anyway, act surprised when mom tells you. They’re planning an engagement party next month in Sarasota Springs. So, it sucks that our sister’s engaged to an asshole, but we’ll get to hang out and I bet there’ll be an open bar.
I finish applying polish to my toes and reach for the top coat. I can’t believe my sister is marrying that dick-weasel, but I’m not surprised, either. They’ve been dating for almost two years now.
I see the little dots on my screen, so I know Jake has more to say as I paint the clear coat on my nails.
