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I shake my head to clear the ridiculous fog caused by his lack of clothing and sexy-as-hell tousled hair.
“Right? Okay…well, if I’m going to have to pack up my entire life, I’d like to know what to expect. You see, I realize if the story is to be that I’m your girlfriend to the public, I don’t exactly…” The words catch in my throat, and he leans forward.
“You don’t exactly what?”
“It’s just that, I’m all right with pretending, but when this is done, I’ll have a life that I need to get back to. I want to be a social worker, and if my reputation is soiled, no reputable employee will hire me.”
He works his jaw.
“Why would your reputation be in jeopardy?” he asks, sounding confused.
“You’re Mr. Hockey. Everyone loves you even though they don’t actually know you.”
“I guess you could say that, but how does this affect you?”
I have veered so far from where I started, and I need to get us back on track. “When we break up, since that’s inevitable, what will we tell them?”
It’s like a light turns on in his eyes, and I see the moment he’s up to speed with me.
“That my schedule was hectic, and we were away from each other for too long. That we both mutually agreed that right now might not be the right time. We can cross that bridge when it comes, but I promise you, you won’t be painted as the bad guy. I don’t personally like to play the victim, either.” He chuckles, but there is something off about it. “We’ll work all that out, but you have my word that when it’s all done, you will be able to walk right into any office and get a job.”
I take a deep breath, feeling better now. “Thank you.”
“Right, well…hopefully, this will actually help land you the job of your dreams.”
It’s so easy for someone like Aiden, someone who’s well on his way to the status of legend, to walk through life. He’s likely not even being boastful. It’s a fact that if I become recognizable as his girlfriend, and things end on good terms, I could score a position for simply having dated a hockey star.
It’s so messed up.
He chews on his cheek. “Social worker, eh?”
“Yep,” I say, popping the p, not sure what else to say.
It’s something I’ve wanted to do forever. Look after those kids who have been practically abandoned. The kids like Aiden and me.
“Didn’t see that coming.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Why? You don’t know me.”
He blows out a breath. “You’re right. Just didn’t expect that.”
A steady thump lands on the front door of the trailer. The sound echoes through the space, shaking the walls around me. The knocking seems to grow louder as I stand from the couch to see who’s there.
I throw the door open, and I instantly recognize the woman.
Mrs. Saber. The social worker from my school.
This isn’t the first time she’s been to the trailer.
I cross my arms as I stare at the woman who often comes over to check. “Hi, Pippa. How are you today?”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, I’m just peachy. Who called you this time?”
She chuckles softly, undeterred by my attitude. “Maybe I’m just here to check in.”
Inclining my head down, I give her my best who you trying to fool face. “You’re never here to just check in.”
She throws her hands up in the air dramatically. If I didn’t know her, I’d think she’s annoyed, but she’s one of the good ones. “Fine. There was a call. But I’m also here for you.”
