Page 53 of Love at Teamsgiving
In much the same way I showed Junie I was there for her with a hug, these guys just demonstrated that they have my back.
We head over to O’Neely’s Fish Bowl, home of the free fishbowl full of popcorn. It’s a local joint with sticky vinyl booths, loads of hockey memorabilia covering every available surface, a menu filled with all things corn and potato-related, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that turns hockey-rough after hours.
After we finish ordering, Pierre says, “So, Juniper, huh?”
I was hoping to discuss my position on the team, but since walking in here, I haven’t stopped thinking about her. She’d love this place if she hasn’t already visited. It’s a hockey fan haven. Okay, that’s a lie about me only thinking about her for the last ten minutes. She took up residence in my mind hours ago. No, months. Make that years.
Hasn’t left. Never will.
Don’t want her to.
The guys discuss the game tomorrow. While I should listen, Pierre seems interested in the Mikey-Junie saga, so I tell him about our engagement and how it fell apart.
“I believed that even with our family’s hatred for each other, we could overcome ... but alas. We’re just too different.” I let out a long sigh.
Pierre chuckles at my dramatization.
“Or too stubborn,” Redd says from across the table.
I didn’t realize he was listening.
They’re all rapt as if they heard the entire sob story.
“Sounds as if she went broody like a chicken,” Redd says.
Pierre says, “Cruz is a city guy. He doesn’t know what you’re talking about.”
I get the gist.
“So you believe in true love?” Hayden asks.
“I did.” I do. At least as far as Junie is concerned.
“But not anymore?” Beau asks, startling me. I didn’t even notice he was here, which is hard to do since the guy is a mountain.
His question hangs in the air like something important hinges on it.
“You still love her?” he presses.
I shake my head and nod. “The problem is she hates me.” I know it’s not true, but she’d never admit it.
“But you still have feelings,” Federer says as if he’s familiar with unrequited love.
I shrug.
“You do,” Hayden says, slapping the table.
Redd cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, “We’ve got a live one.”
No one in the restaurant turns because they probably didn’t hear over the din, but I don’t get the big deal.
“Why would I so much as like someone who despises me?” I ask, keeping my defenses up.
“I saw you two at the demo project last week,” Hayden says. “She doesn’t despise you.”
“Just wait and see,” Redd says.
“I’ve been waiting fourteen months,” I mutter.
