Page 54 of O Goalie Night
I pull on a pair of joggers and silently slip into the hall, then turn to look at her one more time. I don’t know what's going to happen next, but I do know if this is the only time Beth Michaels sleeps in my bed, I want to remember it forever.
Don’t think like that, I scold myself. Last night wasincredible, and I refuse to believe it was just a one-time thing. I can't.
We’re going to have to talk about last night at some point. Part of me knows that she may not want more and if that’s the case, I’ll respect her decision. But after last night, there’s no question in my mind what I want and it’s Beth.
I step into the kitchen, the cool tile floor a sharp contrast to the warmth of the morning sun streaming through the large bay window. I reach for my favourite cast iron pan, placing it on the stove, and turn the burner to medium heat.
While the pan heats up, I grind the coffee beans and start the percolator. Before long, the scent of freshly brewing coffee fills the air. I grab the bacon from the fridge, laying the strips in the hot pan.
I’ve got a big day planned and a big day needs a big breakfast.
First, I’m taking Beth for another skating lesson. She made so much progress yesterday and I want to keep building on those gains. If we leave it too long, she may lose some of her confidence.
After that, I figure we’d get lunch at the market. There are lots of really cool food stands and shops I think she’ll like. Then I thought I’d take her shopping for her own pair of skates.
I flip the bacon and as I’m watching it sizzle in the cast iron pan, I realise I’m humming to myself. Just a warm-up song they play almost every game night, but still; I don’t hum. What is this girl doing to me? Next thing you know, I’ll be singing in the shower and dancing in the rain.
The coffee finishes brewing, and I’m pouring myself a steaming cup when there’s a knock at the door.
Confused, I walk to answer it as I try to remember if I’ve ordered anything recently that requires a signature.
“Morning,” a dishevelled Ben greets me when I open the door and he pushes past me.
Well, shit. My stomach drops like I just let in an overtime goal.
“Good morning.” I manage to keep my tone casual. It’s not uncommon for Ben to show up unannounced, but today it’s an unwelcome surprise.
He kicks his boots off while shrugging out of his coat, so I guess he plans on staying.
“Come on in,” I mutter, closing the door.
“Smells good in here.”
I trail him to the kitchen and watch as he takes a mug from the cupboard and helps himself to the coffee, offering no explanation for his presence.
“Where’s Beth?” he asks, sitting down at the island so he’s facing me as I tend to the bacon.
Naked in my bed.
“Not awake yet, I guess.”
“You have fun last night?”
Best night of my life, thanks for asking.
“It was fine. Kind of crowded.”
My best friend smirks. “I know. Sorry I forced you to be social. But it meant a lot to me and the guys that you came.”
You have no idea how hard I came.I nod, focusing on the food in front of me as I struggle to silence my inner monologue.
“Speaking of the boys, did anyone try anything with Beth?”
The piece of bacon I’m flipping drops into the pan, hot grease splashing up and hitting my stomach.
“Fuck.” I drop the tongs and step away from the stove.
“That’s what shirts are for, Fozzie Bear,” Ben laughs into his coffee. “Put some clothes on before my sister sees you.”
