Page 19 of Strange Love

Unable to take the tension any longer, I approach him.

Do you need help with anything,“ I ask politely. His smile widens as he turns to face me.

“Hey, Ivy,” he says as his voice glides over my skin, warming every cell. “I didn’t know you worked here,” he adds with just the right amount of smolder.

With its pointed aim, his smirk hits me like an electric jolt. It’s a look I’m sure has gotten him both in and out of trouble. I fumble with my words, trying to maintain composure.

“It’s my first day,” I reply.

“That’s cool,” he responds, looking around. “So you must like movies.”

“I love them,” I say, becoming more comfortable. “I guess you like them too,” I add awkwardly, realizing how obvious that statement is.

His deep voice rumbles as he chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He leans against the wall and crosses his arms over his broad chest.

“Hockey and movies are my favorite things,” he says with a grin before adding, “I’m sorry about the other day,” his expression sincere. I furrow my brows in confusion, prompting him to explain further. “At the car dealership,” he begins. “I know I said some insensitive things, and I apologize.”

I nod, grateful for his apology. “It’s all right,” I offer. “You were trying to help. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“So we’re good?” he asks, flashing me a megawatt smile. I nod.

“I’m glad,” he says. “Because I would like to be friends.”

My eyebrows shoot up in disbelief. I want to believe he’s being honest, but it’s hard to trust people after what I’ve been through, coupled with the way I’ve been thoroughly unwelcomed at school. Before I can say anything in return, his friend finishes renting his movies with Josh and saunters over to us.

“You ready to head out, Delzy?” he asks, flashing a charming smile at me. I pause, taking in his black and blue hockey jersey and the adrenaline-fueled energy radiating from him. He’s the guy that’s always with Corey, his best friend, if I had to guess.

“Delzy?” I repeat, trying out the unfamiliar nickname.

“Yeah, it’s a hockey thing,” he shrugs. “Once you agree to be my friend, you have to come to watch me play.” His friend nudges him with a knowing smirk.

Before I can respond, they turn and leave the store, the jingle of their car keys fading as they walk away, but Corey pauses at the doorway, returning to give me one last look before disappearing outside.

Stacy and her friends stand near the checkout counter, their arms crossed and scowls etched on their faces as they shoot sharp glances in my direction. Despite having already paid for their movies, they lingered in the store, unable to look away from Corey and me standing by the comedy section. Their murmurs of disbelief are barely audible over the movie from the speakers above. Finally, with a final disdainful glare, they turn, utter a “Lame!” and storm out of the store, allowing the glass door to shut with such force its rattle echoes throughout the entire building.

Chapter 12

“Nothing Else Matters”

Corey - Age 18, 1988

Iwalk through the front door, exhausted from a long day of practice and school. My mom is curled up on the couch, watching The Love Boat and devouring a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream. She greets me with a warm smile as I drop my keys in the bowl on the table.

“Hey, Mom,” I say, sitting beside her. “Where’s Alan?”

“He had to work late,” she replies. “Want some ice cream?”

Normally, I would decline, but I miss spending time with my mom. She hurries into the kitchen and returns with a bowl for me. As she settles back onto the couch, we begin catching up on each other’s lives.

“It’s been forever since we’ve had a chance to talk,” she says

“I know,” I agree, shoving a big spoonful of ice cream into my mouth.

“How was the game this week?”

“It was good,” I reply. “Stromberg’s line is working well together. Coach is happy with the way things are going.”

“I hate that I can’t make it to all of your games,” my mother laments, her expression filled with regret.