Page 124 of Wildcat
I’ve got the ring box in my pocket, and the plan is to do it right before dinner, somewhere semi-private, and then we can spend the rest of the night celebrating.
We’re about to take our seats for dinner, and I’m eyeing the perimeter to find a secluded spot to spill my guts when Tiffany Ryan approaches, holding onto the arm of Ryan Moore.
“Leo,” Tiffany says by way of greeting. She smiles at Scarlett.
I hold tight to my girl’s hand as Ryan gets a slimy grin on his stupid face. “What are you doing here, Moore?”
“Came in a few days early.” He shrugs one big shoulder.
We play Seattle again on Tuesday, and I’ve been waiting for another chance to face this asshole on the ice.
“Still having your coach pick out your dates, I see.” He gives her a once-over that makes me want to knock him out. “If my coach had a daughter like this, I wouldn’t mind so much either. What do you say, Seattle wins on Tuesday, and I get a turn?”
I squeeze Scarlett’s hand tighter. I swear to god I cannot make a scene here.
I’m about to walk away when Scarlett steps forward, rests her free hand on his shoulder, and knees him hard in the balls. “You wish.”
She’s so sly about it that few people even look our way. Plus, with the commotion of everyone going to their seats, most are too preoccupied to notice Ryan crumble all the way to the ground.
A chuckle breaks free. “I’ve been waiting to see you stare up at me from the ground, but damn if it isn’t twice as satisfying seeing her do it.” I lift Scarlett’s hand and kiss it. “See you Tuesday, Moore.”
EPILOGUE
TO LOHAN AND HIS DREAM GIRL
Scarlett
After the newspaperstory about Rhyse gave me credit for his racing photos, my phone blew up with job offers. I went from no experience and being unemployable to magazines and teams begging me to come on board. Life is weird.
I took some time to think about what I wanted and finally accepted a position at the same bridal magazine Jade works at. What’s better than working with your best friend? Nothing, that’s what.
While I don’t always get assigned to work on her articles, we spend almost every day together, either at the office or working at the coffee shop.
Tonight, I’m at a bridal expo taking pictures of couples in front of a white floral backdrop that makes whoever stands in front of it look like they’re on the cover of the magazine.
Jade and our boss, Melody, are working in the booth next to it.
My phone buzzes in my bra, and I retrieve it during a break in the line, smiling when I see Leo’s name.Just landed in Minnesota. What time are you done?
I let him know I still have another hour and that I’ll come over after. I love taking pictures, capturing smiles and memories. It feels like such a privilege. They won’t remember me, and I probably won’t remember them, but in twenty or thirty years, they’ll still have something that I helped make.
“Thanks for your help tonight, Scarlett,” Melody says when the event ends.
“I took a few of the booth before and during. I’ll get them edited and sent to you this week.”
“Looking forward to it.” She looks at Jade. “What’s next on Jade’s Bridal Blog?”
“I’m meeting with venues this week,” Jade answers. She might be faking an engagement, but her dedication to this job is real.
Melody’s face lights up. “Can’t wait. See you two on Monday.”
My feet are killing me by the time Jade and I tear down the booth and load up our cars.
“I hate lying to that woman,” Jade says.
“Little late now.”
“No kidding.” She hugs me. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
