Page 89 of One Shot

“About everyone, or about Nathan?” Tyler asks. I shrug in response.

“It said he’s a slow skater,” Connor responds.

I let out a laugh. Lucas did easily leave him in the dust.

“And that he’s a decent player. Lots of name calling too.”

“Nick did have a way with words, especially insults.” A giggle escapes, thinking of Nick’s creative insults. My favorite he used was ‘you’re slower than a Zamboni on a Monday morning.’

I’m not sure how I ever saw any good in Nathan. Nick really didn’t like Nathan at all, even before he knew anything about our relationship

“It said the biggest weakness he knew of was bringing you up,” Tyler whispers.

That surprises me. I didn’t know I got under Nathan’s skin.

“Is it wrong of me that I kind of like I can get in his head?” I ask quietly.

“Not at all,” Connor responds reassuringly.

I tell them both thank you and goodnight. I take a quick shower and crawl into bed. Today has been an emotional rollercoaster. Lucas still hasn’t called or texted. I’m sure he’s busy with the scout. I send him a good night text and quickly drift off.

I wake up with a text from Lucas mentioning he was meeting with the Nashville scout for breakfast but asking if I was free later today. I have a test tomorrow and I still have my damn article to finish. The Wyverns specific one is finalized, edited, and will be printed soon. I’m up against a tight deadline with the article about Nick and his jersey retirement in just a few weeks. I’ve gotten an extension, but I really need to lock myself in a room and finish. I tell Lucas as much as I’dlove to see him, I have to submit the article in two days by 5pm and study for my exam. He, of course, is incredibly understanding.

The next day, I still haven’t made much progress. I aced my test but it’s 10pm, and I have less than twenty-four hours to turn in my article. The more time I spend with it, the more I’m sure I want to go into marketing and avoid PR.

My phone lights up with a text from Lucas.

Lucas: How’s the article?

Me: …

Lucas: That good?

Me: I am just...drawing a blank. I never have before.

Me: And I don’t have a lot of time

Lucas: I wish I could help

Me: Distract me for a little bit? Tell me about your meeting with the scout

Lucas: Are you sure you need a distraction?

Me: Yes.

Me: Just not in person or I will really never get anything done, Captain Enticing ;)

My phone lights up and I answer on the first ring.

“Hi!”

“Hi, pretty girl,” Lucas’ voice is playful and cheery.

I somehow miss him even though it’s only been a day since I saw him. He’ll be on the road for another away game tomorrow.

“What’s got you stuck on the article?” he asks.

“I don’t know. I’ve gotten so used to sharing stories about Nick and coming to terms with everything. I just can’t find the words to piece together. I guess I’m worried I won’t do him justice.”