Page 84 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Cooter got into the driver’s seat. “Um, because it would be better to be with her for a year than not at all? Not to mention long-distance relationships exist. Also, isn’t she the Knights’ EBUG? Doesn’t that mean she gets a shot next year?”
“I don’t think it works like that. I’m not sure who else is looking at her,” I replied as we drove off.
“Mexico City, even if they think she’s too short. The Hawai’i Tsunamis, who were scouting someone else during that playoff game where her team won the championship–that game where during the sixth round of overtime they dropped the second fucking puck. Though they just brought on a new goalie. The Rockland Daredevils have been keeping an eye on her since she played junior hockey. Oh, and the Quebec Étoiles. I’m not sure what the story is there,” Cooter replied as we drove to the airport.
“How do you even know this?” They were all pretty decent teams.
“I asked. Might be some others, but contrary to popular belief I don’t know everyone. If she goes to the Tsunamis, we’re spending off-seasons with her there. Heard the boar hunting isinsane, not to mention it’s a fucking island. Fishing should be great.” He turned the music up a little.
They were all sofar.Why couldn’t she go to Jersey? We could live together if she played for Jersey. We could make Philly or Boston work too and just commute on the ultra-bullet.
But Hawai’i? Mexico City? Rockland? Wecouldmake Quebec work. They were at least in the same conference.
“I don’t even know if she wants a relationship. Or me?” I shrugged.
Cooter snorted. “Babybug likes you. You just need to heal her tender little heart some more. Also, don’t not try just ‘cause you’re afraid.”
“If I have her, I’ll want to keep her. The last thing I’d ever want is to prevent her from having the career she deserves though. She’s only twenty-two,” I blurted, my cheeks warming, as a sad boy country song came on the radio.
“You have it so fucking bad,” Cooter chuckled. “You’re only twenty-seven. Promise me if she wants a relationship, you don’t throw it all away ‘cause she might end up on some other team. You’re overthinking this.”
“True.” I sighed. “There’s a lot to like about her. What if I mess it up? I’m having such a good time being friends.”
He chuckled again. “Then be friends. Dance with her. Feed her muffins. I have a feeling Gwen knows exactly what she wants.”
It was late as I dragged my things down the hallway. Fatigue from the flight pressed down on me. Also, I had a lot of shit–all my fishing poles and gear, which had been at Cooter’s placein Portland, a couple of suitcases, a cooler full of frozen salmon, and her hat.
As I unlocked my door, the one across from me opened.
“Hey there, Big Guy. So youdolive across from Clark.” Gwen stood there in a pair of blue satiny pants with stars on them and a tank-top with a matching star.
I opened the door, then turned around, keeping it ajar with my foot.
“Firecracker.” I couldn’t help but grin. “Did you just get off work?”
“Yep.” She grinned. While she’d been working tonight, it hadn’t been that really late shift she often had. That shift always worried me.
“Come over in fifteen minutes?” My belly fluttered a little. Her new hairstyle suited her.
“Sounds good. Do you have everything?” She eyed all my stuff.
“I’ve got it.” I pushed everything inside the door and it closed behind me.
Quickly, I started a load of clothes in the washer off the kitchen. The poles and gear went into the corner of the living room. I dragged my suitcases into the bedroom, then I tossed the fish in my empty freezer, and put the cooler in the sink.
Then I jumped into the shower. The doorbell rang as I got out. Shit. I slid on some shorts, toweled off my hair, and grabbed the bag with the hat in it, dropping it on the coffee table as I opened the door.
“Sorry,” I told her.
“I could’ve given you longer,” she laughed.
“Come in. I was going to make some tea.” My heart beat like a nervous teenager as I ushered her in.
“I’d love that. Tens, you’re ripped.” She joined me in the kitchen and looked me up and down, appreciatively.
Looking down, I realized I wasn’t wearing a shirt. “Occupational hazard.”
Gwen laughed again. How I’d missed that laugh. I started the kettle, then got out two mugs and a wooden box full of tea.
