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I lick the frosting at the corner of my mouth. “Yum.” I smile playfully.
He laughs and shakes his head as someone hands him a napkin. I roll my eyes as a puck bunny steps forward to offer her services to clean him up. With her tongue.
We spend the rest of the night talking, laughing, and drinking away the time. The band plays across the room, lighting up the already-raucous crowd. Oakley disappears with Chase after an hour or two. Near closing time, Ollie goes home with a busty brunette who’s been lurking all night. And I am accompanied home by the remnants of the cake that wasn’t eaten.
I can’t help but think that this is the perfect way to wrap up the last few weeks of my freshman year.
CHAPTER THREE
OLLIE
I wipe the sleep from my eyes as the fog clears from my head. I stretch my arms overhead, registering that I’m in my own room, lying on my king-size bed. The smell of the girl from last night lingers on my skin. Her name was Dallas. A unique name for a hot woman.
Dallas was all over me at Cheerz. She had light-brown hair that tumbled down her back and a sad excuse for a dress that did little to cover her willowy body. She introduced herself by plastering her mouth to mine. I usually wouldn’t go for that particular approach, but I was already four beers and countless shots in. My teammates wouldn’t take no for an answer every time they bought me a celebratory one-point-five ounces of alcohol in a shot glass. What can I say? It was a fun night.
I get propositioned often, though the women are getting more brazen these days. I fear that will only get worse when word circulates that I’m transitioning to the pros soon.
This particular woman was hot, though her attractiveness might have been elevated by the beer goggles I was wearing. But sometimes, I don’t want to have to work for it. So, I accepted what she was offering and lost myself for an hour or two after we left the bar. We went back to her place, where I spent some time getting to know her body a little better. I’m not one to hook up constantly with random strangers, but I’m not a choir boy either. I don’t like to broadcast my personal conquests; I do my best to keep my private life private. I admit though, last night was a nice way to cap off a great day.
Dallas wasn’t happy when I didn’t stay overnight at her place, but I never do. It gives the impression that I want something more. I don’t. I did take her number. I’m not a complete asshole, though I probably won’t call her. These women just need to realize I’m not looking for a plus-one on my one-way trip to Chicago. My focus needs to be entirely on hockey. I don’t need or want any distractions.
The sheets slide from my legs as I sit on the side of the mattress and reach for my phone, where it’s charging on the end table. My sister left me a text at some point, asking to meet for lunch today, so I shoot her a response, telling her I can be there at noon. I scroll through socials, noticing an announcement about me joining the Hawks in the fall on an ESPN site. The commentary is mostly positive, but I shut down my phone after a couple of minutes, actively choosing not to fall down that rabbit hole. I learned a long time ago that social media will elevate you to the highest heights one moment and tear you down to nothing the next. I refuse to put myself through that. Besides, I didn’t build a hockey career on everyone’s opinions of me. I’ll base my legacy on hard work. Period.
I take a longer shower than normal and wash away the remnants of my night. It’s nice not to be up at the crack of dawn for once. I’m allowing myself a few days off before I start training again. But I know me. I’ll likely hit the ground running come Monday morning. I always feel like I can’t do enough to prepare myself physically.
I pull on a pair of basketball shorts and a hoodie. I smooth my hair down, grab my wallet, and head out the door. The sun is gleaming off the baby-blue exterior of my vintage Bronco across the parking lot. This was the only car I wanted when I turned sixteen. I worked an entire summer of construction to buy it, and my parents contributed some money to the cause. A classic 1972 Ford Bronco. The restored engine roars to life when I turn the ignition, and I give it a minute or two to warm up before leaving the parking lot. I check the address of the place where Oakley told me to meet her and Chase. It’s some diner outside of town that I’ve never been to before. I’m just surprised she’s deviating from our normal Mexican food restaurant.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m pulling into the gravel lot. Chase’s truck is already here, and I park right next to it. I spot the two of them right away after walking through the door. It’s a small place, but I’m surprised to find it packed with people.
“I was wondering where you were bringing me,” I comment as I slide into the booth across from my sister and my buddy. “But it must be good if there are this many people here.”
“Would I steer you wrong?” Oakley asks, obviously offended.
I arch an eyebrow tauntingly in response. “Yes … yes, you would. Considering you’re the same girl who ate Fruity Pebbles for dinner for an entire summer.” I always hated that cereal. It gets soggy a hot second after adding milk.
She scowls at me. “Yeah, when I was ten.”
Chase chuckles.
I glance around the space. “Well, we’ll see if your palate has changed any. I’ll give you my verdict after lunch.”
“For the record,” Chase says, “this is my hidden gem. I’m the one who introduced it to your sister. I know the place doesn’t look like much, but wait until you taste the food. And I would never steer you wrong when it comes to grub.”
I reach across the table and fist-bump Chase. Oakley punches his shoulder in retaliation for siding with me.
“Now, that I believe,” I say, pointing at Chase. I start perusing the menu in front of me. “What’s good here?”
“Literally everything,” Oakley practically moans, already over my teasing.
Her hand is nestled inside Chase’s, and his thumb is stroking her skin.
I act like I don’t notice the hand-holding. It’s still strange, seeing my little sister with one of my best friends. But truly, Chase is one of the good ones. I approved way before Chase grew a pair and actually approached my sister. And before Oakley woke up and realized that a quality guy was standing right in front of her. I’ve known Chase for a long time. We’ve spent hours together on and off the ice. If there was anyone I’d want to be with Oak, it’s him. He’ll treat her good. He’ll look out for her when I can’t. He’ll respect her. It makes me breathe a little easier, knowing I’m going away, but she won’t be alone. I’d worry if it was just her and Madison running wild on campus.
When the waitress comes around, I order chicken fried steak and a Pepsi, which she brings a moment later. I’m hoping the mashed potatoes and gravy will soak up some of the alcohol I drank last night.
“Are you hungover?” Oakley asks with a smirk.
She leans closer to Chase. He slides his arm along the back of the seat, caging my sister in his hold.
