Page 15 of Hot Shot
Nope.No, we can’t talk. Part of me wants to respond and tell him no, another part of me wants to block his number and never talk to him again. But as much as he hurt me, it’s hard to block the person you’ve been best friends with since childhood. Instead, I do nothing, ignoring yet another text from him.
Chapter seven
Hunter
“Youneedtoaskher out, dude,” Wes says from across the table.
We’re having Sunday night dinner in Holt’s apartment. Holt got traded to the team during the offseason when the Storm’s backup goalie decided to retire. This is his fifth year playing in the NHL, and while he’s not a rookie, he’s new to the team too. We’ve bonded over that and the three of us have become good friends.
“What if she says no? Besides, do I really have time to date with the season about to start?”
“What if she says yes and she’s your forever? But you’re too afraid to take the chance.” Wes shoves another forkful of grilled chicken into his mouth.
“Ever the romantic,” I mumble, picking up my phone and opening our text message thread. Smiling, I scroll through all the messages we’ve exchanged.
“She knows you play hockey, right?”
“Nope.”
“What! Why not?” he asks, his forkful of vegetables caught halfway between his mouth and his plate.
“It’s not exactly something you just blurt out when you meet someone. Hi, I’m Hunter and I’m an NHL player.” I shake my head at him.
“True, but you’ve been talking to her for how long now? You know what she does and she hasn’t asked you about your job?”
Chewing on my bottom lip, I run through our conversations. Did I purposely not tell her what I did for a living? Did she ask me? If she cared that much, wouldn’t she have asked? But what would I have told her? I shake my head slightly at the thought, pursing my lips.
“What’s that look for?” Wes points his fork at me, tilting his head to the side.
I take a deep breath. “I dated a girl in college for two years. I really liked her, loved her even. I thought she was really into me. Until I overheard her in the library telling a friend she was only with me because I was a hockey player headed to the NHL. I confronted her about it and that was the end of us. Turned out she was sleeping with her chemistry partner too.”
Wes raises an eyebrow. “I hope you got tested for STDs after that.”
I laugh, running a hand through my hair.
“I did.” I can laugh about it now but back then it hurt. A lot. Maybe that’s why I’m hesitant to tell Madison about what I do for a living until I get to know her.
“I can understand your hesitation,” Wes says gently. “But you need to tell her. She needs to know what she’s getting into before you start something with her.”
“I know. I will.” I pick up my fork and continue eating.
“I get it, but you should tell her soon before you both get even more invested in this relationship. Whatever it turns out to be.”
“What do you mean?” I ask looking up at him.
“Well, for starters, we’re gone a lot. Our season is hella long. Maybe someday in the future she’ll be out with you and you’ll be recognized as a professional hockey player. Plus, gossip columns might write things about you.” He waves his fork around. “Being a hockey player’s girlfriend or even friend is hard. Ask Caleb. I’m sure he’ll tell you.”
I nod. He’s right. I need to talk to Madison even if we’re only going to be friends.
Holt finally comes into the room with his plate and takes a seat at the table.
“Sorry, my sister called. What’d I miss?” he asks, digging into his plate of food.
“Hunter’s got a girl, but he’s too chicken shit to ask her out. She doesn’t know he’s a hockey player.” Wes fills him in between bites. I remain silent, concentrating on my food.
“She what?” Holt asks as he shovels a forkful of broccoli into his mouth.
“It’s not like I could drop that into a text message. I’ll tell her, I promise.”
