Page 183 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Gwen
Thanks. Good luck!
Tenzin was deep into his book.
“Hey, did we do something wrong?” I said softly.
Tenzin shook his head. “Not at all. I appreciate your patience. I apologize for being so busy. The pool party was so much fun. Please continue to take care of her while I get my shit together.”
“Okay.” I got out my game buddy so I could play Go-goKart.
He was quiet for the rest of the flight, but he ate the snacks Gwen packed and texted her thanks.
On the flight back from Boston after the game, he sat with Shawn Vickers, the new defender.
“Is everything okay?” Dean asked through the seats. “Did you have a fight?”
“I… I don’t know what’s happening.” I frowned, because he was having aconversationwith him.
Vickers was bald, with light golden-brown skin. He was around Dimitri’s age and had moved into our building with hiswife and baby. Castle and Anders had moved into our building, too. Though Anders had lived there last season, too.
The flight was brief and I took my bike back, and when I got home, I found Gwen on the couch, playing video games against my sisters. The remnants of a taco dinner sat on the table.
She gestured to the fridge. Aww. I warmed it up.
“You won.” Gwen beamed, finishing her game.
“Barely.” I joined her and ate my tacos. “I got two assists.”
She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Yay. You’ll smash this season.”
I hoped so. When this season was over, I wanted them to re-sign me. I liked being a Knight.
“I tried talking to Tens. You’re right, I think we’ve been friend-zoned while he deals with stuff.” I sighed. While I understood, it still stung a little. We were more than willing to be with him, support him while he went through everything.
Her eyes closed and salty sadness mixed with her mint. “Is he still even going to go to the cup party with us?”
“I’m sure he will, I’ll ask him.” I hugged her.
“What do we do?” Her eyes were misty.
“Continue to give him space, wait for him to heal. You still have me.” I kissed her forehead.
“I’m so glad.”
I gave her another kiss. “You have me always."
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Chapter Sixty-One
Gwen
Doobie, one of the UNYC forwards, received a pass from Windy, and flew across the ice with the puck, headed straight toward me with all the force of a rhino, like he’d been doing the entire game.
Bonnie, Humpy, and Maze chased after him, trying to steal away the puck.
The packed rink went wild. The NYIT versus UNYC game was always a draw. Alfie, one of our defenders, chased Doobie around the net. Doobie passed the puck back to Windy. Maze took it from him, but she didn’t get far. Doobie tripped her and Windy stole it, coming right for me. Windy took the shot.
