Page 74 of Ice Ice Maybe
“Yes, you can do that, and you can also look at this.” I pulled my ID from my wallet and flashed the name on my driver’s license. I handed her a Sea Lions Foundation business card and shared the selfie of Mitch at the golf course. “He sent this picture to me a few minutes ago. He’s waiting for us at this verymoment, but if you don’t want to meet him, I can ask someone else.”
The women glanced at each other and squealed so loud that people on the sidewalk turned to stare.
“This is a miracle!” auburn hair said. “I literally had a dream about him last night after the game. Mitch was dressed as a knight, but instead of a sword, he was wielding his hockey stick. He was fighting a dragon made entirely of ice, and every time he whacked the dragon in the head, a giant 7-Eleven Slurpee would come out of a spigot and drip into my mouth.”
I seriously did not know how to respond to that.
“Okay, ladies,” Nolan interjected, trying to steer the conversation back to reality. “You can tell us more in the car, but we need to go if you want to meet him. He won’t wait forever.”
“I’m going to wet my britches,” she said as she stood, fanning herself dramatically. “Or drop dead right here. Maybe both.”
We headed to Dad’s hotel to get the BMW from the valet. During that time, we talked about hockey and found out their names were Bonnie and Belle, with the latter being the Slurpee and Mitch enthusiast.
Nolan drove us in the BMW with the top down, while the women could barely contain themselves in the backseat. Belle continued to gush about Mitch the entire way.
Nolan glanced at them in the rearview mirror, trying to calm them down. “Take deep breaths and try to act naturally around him. Remember, he’s a person, like you and me. We don’t want to scare him away.”
Belle scoffed. “Let’s be clear. Mitch is a god.”
Nolan shot me a frightened glance, as if he were also wondering if this new plan was about to backfire on us.
I twisted around to glance back at Belle and Bonnie with what I hoped was a convincing smile. “Ladies, how would you like tickets to see the Sea Lions play in Tampa tomorrow?”
Bonnie’s eyes dimmed. “That sounds amazing, but there’s no way we could afford a last-minute flight and hotel.”
“It’s all expenses paid,” I explained, trying to keep it casual. “Flight, hotel, tickets, and meals. You’ll be staying at the same hotel as the players. All you have to do is tell Mitch you’re going to Tampa and can’t wait to watch him play. Tell him the truth, that he’s the best.”
Belle raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “What’s the catch?”
I sighed, deciding honesty was the best policy. Well, partial honesty. “Mitch is thinking of skipping the game. We need you to convince him to change his mind. But don’t mention our plan or that I’m paying for the trip. If he finds out, he won’t go, and he’ll never speak to you again.”
Belle grinned confidently. “Don’t worry about a thing. I have experience dealing with a man like that. I’ll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in five minutes flat.”
I nodded, hoping she was right.
We were out of options.
As Nolan pulled into the golf course parking lot, we spotted Mitch leaning against a bright yellow Ferrari. He’d obviously rented it because he had no plans of traveling with the team. Luckily, Mitch was talking on his phone and didn’t see us arrive.
“What a dreamboat,” Belle said.
While the four of us got out of the car, Nolan said, “Remember to act natural when you meet him. He may not like it if you come on too strong, like a lot of his fans do. Pretend like you meet guys like him all the time. You’re different. You’re unique.”
“Wait here at the car for me, I won’t be long,” I said.
“Are you sure?” Nolan asked.
I nodded. “Yup. I’ve got this. I’ll motion for Belle to join me when the moment is right.”
I approached Mitch as he pocketed his phone.
“Why is he here if you two called it quits?” Mitch’s voice was sharp, accusatory as he gestured back to Nolan.
I inhaled deeply, steeling myself. “I needed a ride. Don’t worry, he’s not coming over here. You and I can talk.”
I could see Mitch’s posture softening a fraction. “Okay, I’ll start. Now that you’re single again, I want another shot, Zena.”
I nodded, trying to find the right words to let him know that would not happen, regardless of Nolan, hoping he would understand and return to the team.
