Page 33 of He Has MVP (Boston Brawlers Hockey)
The place looks a little rundown in a quaint way, like it hasn’t been updated since my grandma’s time, maybe the sixties. But it’s clean and I like it. We walk through the kitchen into a great room and a knockout blonde with a dangerous smile stands to greet us.
“Arnie, you brought us a passenger. I hope he knows what he’s getting into.”
“He should be okay, Shana. He’s a hockey player.”
I hope I can live up to the tough guy billing, but I need to make it clear I’m not traveling alone. “I’m bringing my . . . girl, Allie Pinkerton, with me. And three puppies. Mutts. Is that going to be a problem?”
“I love dogs,” she says and gives Blaise a meaningful look, though only he knows the meaning.
He turns to me. “As long as they don’t mind some rough water. The trip might take longer than the usual, but we’ll get there tonight. We have room for everyone.”
“What do I owe you?” I say, taking out my wallet. He laughs.
“I’m not running a ferry service, man.”
Shana jumps in, a glint in her eye. “But, maybe you could get us some tickets to a few games. Rinkside.”
I nod and sort of smile, maybe grimace. Seems game tickets are my new currency. Too bad I have more dollars than tickets.
“Done.” I make the promise I have no business making.
Blaise says, “Be ready to leave in one hour. We’ll pick you up.”
With that Arnie and I leave the same way we came—in his tow truck. I plug my phone into his charger so I can send a text to O’Rourke. It’s about time he knew the sad situation. The phone rings in the middle of the text. It’s him. I look at Arnie, but he’s paying attention to the road, so I answer.
“You and Pink okay? Moe, Larry, and Curly all right?” It’s not surprising that these are the first words out of O’Rourke’s mouth. I’m all worried about damage to his home and car and he’s all worried about us—and his dogs, of course.
“We’re all fine. The property is a mess though. Nothing too major. The stone wall out back, some decking, a window, and… your Land Rover.”
“The car?”
“Tree fell on it.”
“Shit. Glad you weren’t in it. How are you getting back? You have to make it here for tomorrow, man.”
“I got a ride on a boat. We’re taking the dogs with us and we’ll keep them at my place tonight since I have no idea what time we’ll get back.”
“Call me when you get in. I’ll pick the pups up before the team meeting in the morning.”
“In the meantime, your car will be at Arnie’s auto shop. They’re fixing it up. Not sure how long it’ll take, but I figure you have a spare or two.”
“Hey, I’m impressed. You didn’t have to take care of that.”
“I got it. No worries.”
“I owe you, man.”
“Glad you said that. I may need a few extra game tickets. Long story.” He laughs.
“You sure you can keep the puppies tonight?”
“The pups will be fine at my place for one night.”
Pink will be fine at my house, too, but I don’t mention that and we end the call.
I’m determined to spend the night with Pink one more time. And another night, and one more time after that. And on and on until I can’t convince her to stay any more nights.
We get back to the house in the tow truck and Arnie takes the Land Rover away.
