Page 31 of Just My Puck
I finish cleaning up downstairs, but Aria seems to be taking a long time in my office. Too long for just grabbing a pen. Tensing, I rush upstairs to check on her, afraid she might be in trouble again. When I arrive, she’s hunched over my desk, testing a pen while at least a dozen others are discarded to the side.
“Those didn’t work?” I ask, glancing at the pile of pens.
“They work,” she says with perfect calm, popping the cap off another one. “I’m just testing them all to see which one I prefer.”
“I didn’t know finding a pen was such a hard task. They look the same to me.”
“Definitely not easy,” she says with a cheeky smile. “And even if they look alike, they don’t feel the same. Some glide better than others, and some are kind of scratchy. Some feel like felt pens while others make you work for it.”
“Wow.” My eyes widen at her detailed assessment. “Maybe you were a professor or a writer.”
A laugh bubbles out of her. “Ormaybe a student? I probably worked in a pen shop or something. Anyway, I think I’ll take this one. It’s not perfect, but I do like it better than the others.”
“Good. Glad you found one you like. Do you want to watch some TV before bed?”
“Actually, I’m going to read, if you don’t mind? Hayley gifted me a book yesterday. I only read the first few pages last night, but I’m so excited to find out what happens.”
A pang of disappointment hits me. “Sure, no worries. I’ll go play some video games with the guys.” If they’re online, that is. Lately, their appearances in our nightly games have been scarce. The crew’s been hard to track down. Everyone’s got other things pulling their attention now. And for the first time, I really wish I had that too.
14
"Somehow, he’s even hotter when viewed with two eyes."
Aria
I’m at the hospital ophthalmologist’s office, awaiting his verdict about my cornea. I haven’t been experiencing pain—only minor discomfort—so I’m hopeful.
“It looks good,” he says before his rolling chair back. “It’s healed up nicely. Looks like you’re good to go.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
I take my coat and bag, then exit his office. Caleb is sitting in the waiting room, and somehow, he’s even hotter when viewed with two eyes. His dark hair is slightly tousled, like he didn’t bother to smooth it, giving him a carefree edge. The trimmed beard on his chiseled jaw adds to his rugged look, and his eyes—a deep shade of chocolate brown—reflect a hint of curiosity as they meet mine.
“Oh, there you are. So, what’s the verdict?” he asks, standing up.
“Patch free.” I smile brightly. “It’s amazing how much better you can see with two eyes.”
His lips pull into a grin. “Fantastic.”
We hustle out of the ophthalmology ward and walk toward the elevator.
As we exit the elevator into the parking garage, Caleb says, “I have to go to practice now, but I’ll drop you off at home?”
“Sounds good. I have therapy in an hour, then I’m going to finish that book before meeting up with Marissa and Beth later to go to the game.”
“That’s great. Glad you’re hitting it off.”
I smile, feeling a spark of warmth at his words. It is nice to know I’m starting to build connections again. Believe it or not, I’m actually looking forward to seeing the girls tonight. I’m glad I’m making friends, even if everything still feels a bit new.
After therapy, I do some cleaningaround the house, then finish this awesome book. As I read the last page and close the cover, I’m suddenly eager to revisit No Shelf Control to find my next read. I’m almost certain I was a big reader before. It’s the first thing that really feels familiar and comforting.
Grabbing my stuff, I step into the cold winter air and walk to Warlington Lane. Drawn by the tantalizing smell of coffee and pastries, I stop first at Rise & Grind.
“Aria!” Beth beams when I come in. “So good to see you. And with both eyes.”
I chuckle. “Right? So much better. I don’t recommend the scratched cornea thing.”
She comes out from behind the counter and gives me a swift hug.
