Page 24 of The Game
“I’m just thinking about our game,” I tell him, and even though he’s not convinced, he lets it go for now.
He probably knows I’m full of shit, but he won’t call me out in front of my teammates.
I fully expect an interrogation later.
The moment Sarah returns, a few minutes after me, she goes straight to Samantha and tells her to make room for her.
A small, idiotic part of me was hoping she would sit down next to me, seeing as it’s the only available seat, but she would probably rather stand the rest of the night than sit next to me.
The challenge is definitely on.
The conversations flow around the table, and even though it’s difficult, I try to keep my eyes off Sarah as much as I can.
That still means I stare more than average, and I feel extra satisfied the times I catch her looking at me as well.
I can tell she’s quickly becoming part of the team, and I’m glad.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t really kept up with my teammates or everything happening around me.
Over the course of the evening, I learn that several of the guys have met with Sarah to discuss their social media plans and next steps.
That was what she was supposed to do with me before I messed everything up.
It’s clear she excels and fully dedicates herself to her internship, taking on her responsibilities and tasks with seriousness.
As I sit there, watching her and learning more about who she is, I also start planning how I’ll handle this whole situation.
First, I have to actually make sure there are no rules against fraternizing with the players, on her end.
As far as I know, there aren’t any specific rules, but there haven’t been many relationships between players and media staff within the Chicago Coyotes organization—at least, not that I know of.
The second thing I need to do is earn her respect and probably apologize for being an asshole the first time we met.
Her internship matters to her, and I need to show her that I’m a serious athlete and captain who will listen to her input and strategies for social media. I may not be that interested in all that stuff, but I’ll make an exception for her.
Third, I have to seek an alliance with Samantha and maybe some of the others on her team as well. I need to learn more about her, and since she tends to turn away whenever I’m near, I’ll have to be more creative to get my information.
As the evening winds down and people start to say their goodbyes, Sarah does the same.
I quickly get to my feet, saying goodbye to my friends and keeping her in my sights when she heads for the exit with Samantha.
I catch up to them, and since I’m a good listener, I know that neither Sarah nor Samantha lives far from my hotel.
“Ladies, can I offer you a ride home?” I ask, adopting my best gentlemanly act, which makes the girls snicker.
Since they’re not athletes who are under strict regulations regarding diet and alcohol, they’re a little tipsy. Sarah even lets out a small hiccup, and I smile at how adorable she is.
“A ride home from the big boss of the team. How come you’ve never offered before, but now that I have Sarah here with me, you’re willing to be chauffeur?”
Samantha looks at me with the most knowing smile, probably seeing right through me and the obvious attraction I have to Sarah.
Sarah just rolls her eyes and grabs her friend’s arm, trying to drag her towards a taxi stop.
“Come on, Samantha, he will find someone else to drive home. I’ve heard he prefers hookers.”
When the girls start giggling like crazy at me, I can’t help but smile.
She told Samantha about my little mishap.
