Page 15 of Slap Shot Surprise
“It is?”
“Yes.” She lifted her shoulders. “Rain is often associated with growth and abundance, so maybe it means their family tree will bear a lot of fruit. Rain can also be seen as a symbol of renewal, so it could also mean a fresh start—the past is washed away and the future can begin. I’ve also heard it said that a wet knot is harder to untie, so maybe it’s as simple as that. The knot they tied today will never be unraveled.”
Now it was my turn to smile, because she sounded just like a teacher. “I bet you had perfect grades in school.”
The comment seemed to fluster her, and she faced the window again, laughing nervously. “Sorry. I nerd out about certain kinds of stuff, and I forget that other people don’t find cultural beliefs as fascinating as I do.”
“Don’t be sorry. I learned something new.” Tipping up my beer, I looked out the window again. Today was definitely not the best day Lake Michigan had to offer, but the view was still impressive. The water was choppy and gunmetal gray, white caps cresting along its surface. To the right a peninsula jutted into the water, a lighthouse at its tip, waves crashing dramatically against its base.
“Did you grow up around here?” I asked.
She nodded. “About half a mile up the road. I used to work at the restaurant here as a hostess during the summer. I’d ride my bike.”
“I worked in restaurants too when I was young.”
“Really?”
“My dad’s a chef and owns an Italian restaurant, so my siblings and I all worked there at one time or another. Ever been to Trattoria Lupo?”
“In Traverse City? Yes! I love that place—the food is so good. That’s your dad’s restaurant?”
“Yep.”
“And you worked there?”
“Welllll...” I tilted my head from side to side. “We weresupposedto be working. But my brothers and I did a lot of fucking around in the kitchen. Then when the place would empty out, we’d play hockey on the dining room floor. My dad used to get so mad.”
She laughed. “I bet. How many brothers do you have?”
“Two. A fraternal twin—Paul, he’s around here somewhere—and an older brother, Gianni. I also have a little sister.”
“Is your twin one of the other groomsmen?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She nodded slowly. “I think I know which one. I saw him when I—recognized you.”
I grinned when I saw the way her cheeks reddened. “That must have been a shock, huh?”
“Uh. Yes.” She laughed sheepishly and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I sort of wanted to disappear.”
“I noticed the sunglasses.”
“Can you blame me? I’mstillembarrassed.”
I took a sip of my beer. “Want me to tell you something embarrassing about me? Even the score?”
She faced me. “Yes, please.”
I exhaled, glancing out at the churning lake again.
“Come on, you can tell me,” she coaxed. “I’ll take it to the grave.”
“I trust you. I’m just trying to come up with something.”
“Is it that hard to come up with something stupid you’ve said or done?”
“Oh, I’ve done a ton of stupid stuff. I’m just not easily embarrassed.”
