Page 3 of He Has MVP (Boston Brawlers Hockey)
“It would mean a lot to us, Pink,” Chelsea goes in for the kill. She gives me a look like we’re coconspirators in some game. Not sure what the game is except to get Pink to ease up a little. Seems like more than that, though. But whatever.
“Are you serious? I have so much work.”
“Bring it with you.” I nudge her again with my elbow. She’s a small thing and moves easily. “They have Internet and running water here on the island,” I say, enjoying my role as instigator more than usual. She glares again and the look makes me giddy, like I’m winning the game. Still not sure what game it is, but it’s fucking fun.
“You’re incorrigible,” she says. Predictably. She scowls at Chelsea and Ryan. Ryan doesn’t give a shit, but Chelsea looks apologetic and reaches past me to hold Pink’s hand.
“Allie, seriously. You need to take it easy. I know you love the puppies and even though Aiden’s heart’s in the right place, he really could use the help.”
“You can hire someone.”
Ryan says, “No fucking way. I’m not sending my pups to a kennel. They don’t like strangers.”
“I can’t believe you. What are you going to do when you have children?” Pink says, frustration showing because she’s realizing she’s losing this game.
“She has a point,” I say because it’s true. Plus I like making Ryan nervous about fatherhood. “With that attitude, you’ll never go anywhere again once you have kids.”
Chelsea pinches my arm. Pink slides her phone from the table and gives me a wary look like she’s wondering whose side I’m on. To clarify, I capitulate.
“It’s settled then, I don’t dog-sit unless Pink is in. I don’t want to take responsibility for your precious spoiled pets by myself.”
Pink kicks me under the table. Or I assume it’s Pink.I hope it’s Pink.
“Oh my God, you’re all terrible. All right. Damn you, I’ll do it.”
“Hot dog,” I say. She gives me a look like I’ve sprouted hot dogs from my head.
“Are you for real?” She turns to Ryan and says, “You’re sending me to watch your dogsandyour friend. I’ll be the only adult there.”
He laughs. I give him the finger. Chelsea pats my arm in consolation. She’s the only one who gets me.
But on the bright side, I’ll have all next weekend to win Allie Pink over, to convert her to an Aiden the Conqueror fan.
