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“Don’t worry about Hollis. He’s grouchy on a good day.” I keep looking over my shoulder, half expecting to find him trailing us.
I can’t believe he hugged me. He’s the one who said kissing me was a mistake. He told me I should go on a date. He’s sure as hell getting an earful the next time we’re alone.
“Dating must be pretty tough, huh?” He holds open the diner door for me.
I murmur thanks and wave to Rainbow, heading for a booth near the back. “Sometimes. I’m used to being surrounded by high-level alpha dudes who are driven and super competitive.” I belatedly realize he probably meant it was hard to date with so many guys looking out for me.
Rainbow comes over to take our drink order.
“Hey! You ditch your dads today?” she asks.
I don’t bother to correct her. I think it’s hilarious that she believes my dad and Hollis are a thing. “Sure did. Rainbow, this is my friend Jameson. Jameson, this is Rainbow. It’s Jameson’s first time here.”
“Oh, you are in for a treat. I highly recommend any of the milkshakes, and the cookies-and-cream waffles are to die for.”
“I can attest to this,” I say.
We both order coffee and water, and Rainbow leaves us to look at the menu. “Don’t feel compelled to eat if you’re not hungry, but the waffles and milkshakes are really awesome.”
“I’m always hungry,” Jameson says with a grin.
“That’s a phrase I’m used to hearing.”
“I hope I didn’t fanboy over Hendrix too bad. I wanted to be cool about it, but I’m a hockey fan, and a Terror fan, and I didn’t expect to meet him. Or anyone, really, except for you.” He smiles shyly. “Thanks for saying yes to coffee.”
“Thanks for asking.” His expression should make my heart all melty and my girl parts all excited. Instead, I find myself comparing him to Hollis. Which isn’t fair. They’re not even playing in the same league, let alone on the same field.
I want to be attracted to him. I want to like him as more than just a guy in my class who’s shown an interest in me. But my head is across the street with Hollis, even though I’m pissed at him for pulling that bullshit.
Rainbow drops off our drinks. I order banana pecan pancakes with sausage links, and Jameson decides on waffles with a side of bacon.
“So what are your plans after graduation? Did you apply to any graduate programs?” Jameson asks.
I shake my head. “I’m kind of done with school. I’ve wanted to work for the league since high school, and there might be a public-relations-assistant position coming in the spring.” Hemi mentioned a few days ago that she’d submitted a proposal with Shilpa’s help. I’m crossing my fingers it goes through. The Terror are like family. I can’t imagine a life where I’m not at the arena or part of that team in some way, especially with my dad retiring soon. Working for them makes sense. It’s where I belong. “What about you?”
“I applied for a few master’s programs—two in Toronto, one in Ottawa, and two out west.”
“The West is beautiful.” Although I’ve mostly seen it from the inside of a hockey arena.
“It is,” he agrees.
“So you could be living in BC this time next year.”
“Or I could be here.”
“Or Ottawa.”
He nods, and just like that, the door on whatever this might have become closes. If Jameson’s moving across the province, or the country, there’s no point in trying to start something with him. At least that’s the excuse I make for myself. That this revelation isn’t followed by a pang of disappointment, but rather relief, is telling.
Rainbow stops by to top up our coffee cups and let us know our food will be out soon.
Jameson taps the edge of the table. “I’m going to use the bathroom before our food arrives.”
“Sure.”
As soon as he leaves the table, I pull my phone out and send a message to the girls and then my mom.
Aurora
