Page 28

28

Gio: You planning on coming to the game tonight?

Austin: Yup. Me and Nova will be in the special seats.

Gio: YOUR seats, you mean?

Austin: Sure, ha ha. If that’s what you want to call them, who am I to object.

Gio: How was your day babe? You looked so cute when I left this morning, all snuggled in my bed with that beast of yours.

Austin: I was. And so was Gio.

Gio: He sure did get used to my place pretty darn quick.

Austin: He’s a leech. As long as you’re feeding him…

Gio: He’s the dog version of a gold digger.

Austin: OBVIOUSLY. Can’t have him settling for less.

Austin: You say that like you’re not completely smitten with him already. Admit it, he’s got you wrapped around his paw.

Gio: Lies. I’m just trying to keep the peace. Can’t have your dog hating me.

Austin: Don’t worry, you’re winning him over. He didn’t even growl at you last night.

Austin: That’s progress.

Gio: He only growls at me when you’re not looking.

Austin: STOP IT HE DOES NOT!

Austin: Does he? Oh God…

Gio: It’s fine. No one can take him seriously with that mohawk.

Austin: What he needs is a cute Baddies sweater. It’s getting cold out, he’s going to need one.

Gio: A Baddies sweater for your dog? You realize I’m the one on the ice, right? Not him.

Austin: He’s basically your mascot now.

Gio: Pretty sure the team’s ACTUAL mascot would have an issue with that.

Austin: That giant flame can fight him for the title. Gio would win.

Gio: With that attitude, he might.

Gio: Switching gears: how was work today?

Austin: The usual.

Austin: Oh! That’s a lie—your fan club was in my office today asking about you.

Gio: Fan club? Be more specific, I have like, 50 of them.

Austin: Cute.

Austin: I mean my students. Remember Fanboy Paul? He’s obsessed with finding out details about our relationship and sent Logan (the TA) in to fish around. Everrryyyyone has a big ol’ crush on you.

Gio: I respect the dedication.

Austin: He’s relentless. Logan tried to act casual, but I could tell he had a list of questions.

Gio: Like what?

Austin: Oh, you know, the usual. How long we’ve been dating, what your favorite food is, whether you’re single (again, YOU ARE NOT), and if you’ve ever fought a bear.

Gio: A bear?

Austin: Apparently, he thinks you’re some kind of Canadian action hero.

Gio: I mean, I do play hockey. Basically the same.

Austin: Sure, if skating really fast counts as “fighting a bear.”

Gio: I’d totally take a bear down if it meant impressing you.

Austin: You’ve already won me over. No need to get your face torn off to impress me.

Gio: Good to know. But if Paul asks again, I can invite him to a game.

Austin: You’d make his year. His face would melt off.

Gio: That’s the point.

Austin: How soon do you have to be in your uniform?

Gio: Little bit yet, I’m about to get tapped up by the trainer. My shoulder’s been bothering me so he’s gonna take a look at it.

Austin: Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?!

Gio: I’m not HURT. It’s just sore. The usual

Gio: You worried about me, babe?

Austin: I’m worried about the win.

Gio: Wow.

Gio: What would you do to make me feel better if I were hurt?

Austin: Oh, you know. Soup or something.

Gio: SOUP? That’s it?

Austin: What else were you hoping for?

Gio: Something more hands-on…if you catch my drift.

Austin: Hands-on, huh? Like helping you stretch?

Gio: Probably something lower.

Austin: Lower? You mean, like tying your skates?

Gio: Not what I had in mind.

Austin: Oh?

Gio: Let’s just say my idea involves a different kind of stroke.

Austin: You’re really going there?

Gio: My shoulder’s not the only thing that could use some attention.

Austin: What if we make a little wager?

Gio: Can we make it interesting?

Austin: You lose the game and you have to go down on me.

Gio: And if I win, you suck my dick?

Austin: Exactly.

Gio: I like those odds. Babe, you’ve officially made this the most important game of my life.

Austin: It’s DEFINITELY going to be the most important game of your life—I guarantee it.