Page 80 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Gwen
“You picked it up so quickly. It’s going to be so fucking cute. I’ve got the perfect outfit for you, too,” Mercy told me, as she taught me one of last year’s Maimer dance battle routines, on the small rink.
“Thanks. I’m really surprised they’re letting you use a Bro Ken song, though. I love his music, but it’s not always family-friendly.” Learning the dance-battles was always so much fun.
“Me, too. But it’s a fun one, and well, they’re trying to get him to sing at one of the games. I guess he’s from here?” She shrugged.
“He is. You should ask Carlos, they’re friends. He’s brought him to Dimitri’s parties before.” Though Dimitri didn’t like itbecause shenanigans always ensued. Like the hot tub catching fire.
“Okay. Sounds good. Um, did you compete in ice skating under a different name? I wanted to see little you in a sparkly outfit, but I couldn’t find you,” Mercy asked.
“I did. It drives Desiree nuts, since she can’t figure it out and wants to see if I was good or not.” I laughed. “I was average. But I had cute costumes.”
“That’s good. Verity’s outfits were hideous when she and Creed pair skated in middle school.” Mercy gave me a sly look. “Can I try to find you?”
I bit my lower lip. “For your and Team Mom’s personal amusement only? There are… reasons.”
“Yeah, totally. I get it.” Mercy smiled. “Are you still good?”
“Still good. Thanks for checking. I like living with Clark, it’s fun,” I told her.
Mercy and I finished up and I headed upstairs. There was a ton of laughter coming from the dining room. I peeked in and saw Castle playing ping-pong with Dean.
I quickly got changed and grabbed my backpack. Constantine’s office was open, and I knocked on his door.
He looked up from his desk. “Ladybug. Everything going okay?”
“Yeah. I caught some crickets and brought them for Maddox.” There was a big, beautiful enclosure for the lizard along one wall, complete with a miniature Doom Squad headquarters.
“He’d love that.”
I opened the top of the tank. “Hi, Maddox.”
“Having fun with Squire camp?” Constantine asked as he worked.
“I am.” I opened the plastic container I’d put the crickets in and let them go. I’d caught them on campus.
“Have you thought of coaching when you’re done with hockey? You have a gift.”
“Me?” I put the lid back on, making sure it was secure. “Um, no. It’s fun, but my background is in accounting. I always figured I’d work for the Bureau of Investigation as a forensic accountant.”
So that I could take down the untouchables that hurt people. First up, the prime ministers of Canada.
Constantine beamed. “You’re a numbers person, too?”
“Yep. I know you can’t tell me, but I hope you move up Castle,” I told him.
He nodded. “Bunty wants someone from the Scorpions. But I’m impressed with her. I noticed you and that Windy guy clash.”
“Sorry. Not trying to be unprofessional. He’s friends with my ex.” My head ducked.
“Got it. You’ve been with us a couple of years, right?” he asked.
I nodded. “This will be my third season.”
“Terrific. It looks like they haven’t gotten to you yet. Since I have the list in front of me, I might as well add you. Did you want a ring or pendant?” He looked up at me.
I had no idea what he was talking about. Probably some new swag the players were getting in their welcome back goodie bags. Last year, they had golf and tennis accessories. Carlos had given me his racquet cover, which had been destroyed when Austin ruined my racquet.
