Page 66 of Ice Ice Maybe
As the camera moved on to a couple in another section, Mr. Dalton turned to me with a glare. “What did you call me?”
I gulped, scrambling for a response. “I merely presented a hypothetical situation where you might have been considered a wimp if you hadn’t completed the task. It’s a moot point now, since you’ve been officially verified as a stud. A plaque is being sent to your home as we speak.”
There was a moment of silence before Mr. and Mrs. Dalton burst out laughing, Zena joining in.
“Nice save,” Mr. Dalton said.
Right on cue, Mitch received a pass from Johnson, took the shot, and scored, as the buzzer blared to end the first period. We all jumped to our feet, cheering, then I high-fived Zena.
After her parents passed us and joined some of the VIPs near the food, Zena glanced at her phone again, a slight frown crossing her face.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
She looked up, offering an apologetic smile. “Sorry, it’s Jing again. She wants to know if I’m still alive.” She laughed. “We usually talk every day, so my radio silence is freaking her out a bit. I’ll need to call her as soon as we’re out of here. It’s too loud to talk, even in the restroom.”
I nodded, understanding. “My buddy Tyson asked me the same thing this morning. I’d love for you two to meet soon. He’s a good guy. He works in the marketing department.”
A mischievous smirk played on Zena’s lips. “Oh, I know exactly who Tyson is. Tall, dark, and handsome, right?”
I felt my eyebrows knit together as I crossed my arms, trying to play it cool. “Oh, really?”
Zena’s amusement bubbled up. “You’re so cute when you’re jealous.”
“Yeah?” I challenged her, feeling playful. “Show me a picture of Jing.”
Zena raised an eyebrow but obliged, scrolling through her phone before turning the screen in my direction.
I nodded appreciatively as I played it up. “Wow! She’s outrageously off-the-charts gorgeous.”
“I know,” Zena said matter-of-factly.
I huffed dramatically. “Hey, you were supposed to get jealous when I said that!”
Zena rubbed my arm consolingly, her eyes dancing with amusement. “You poor thing. Welcome to the big leagues. You can’t mess with me.”
I smirked. “You’ve got ice in your veins. Well-played.” Another thought struck me at that moment. “Hey, is Jing single?”
“Yes,” Zena replied, eyeing me curiously.
I grinned. “So is Tyson.”
We locked eyes, matching smiles spreading across our faces, as the same idea seemed to occur to us both.
Zena said it first. “Looks like we may have to do something about that.”
“Operation Cupid?” I suggested, wiggling my eyebrows.
“Oh, it’s on. We’ll have to set up a double date when we get back. Or, even better, I can coincidentally see you and Tyson when I’m out with Jing. Totally spontaneous, so there is no pressure or uncomfortable expectation.” Zena held up her palm for another high-five. Then she tugged at my arm. “I’m starving. Let’s grab something to eat.”
“I thought you’d never ask,” I said, following her to the buffet line.
We were about to pick up our plates when Mr. Dalton materialized beside us. “Can I speak to you two for a moment?”
Zena and I exchanged glances.
“Sure, Dad,” she said.
Mr. Dalton led us to a corner of the suite, glancing around suspiciously before leaning in close. “I only have a minute since your mother is in the restroom, but I wanted to ask you two for a favor.”
