Page 31 of Redeeming Heart
I frowned and he noticed. “The sports directors don’t see me as a player who is passionate about ice hockey. They see me as the face of the sport and making sure I don’t step out of line to lose my endorsements or ruin their good name.”
I small smile unraveled on my lips. “Becoming someone famous comes with bad terms, huh?”
He nodded. “Heard you helped out the girl’s hockey team.”
It kind of amazed me that he knew so much about my life.
“Are you following me around now? Should I start hiring a bodyguard?” I joked.
He didn’t look offended as he shot me an amused smile. “That would be called stalking.”
I tried to conceal a smile but it slipped before I could cover it. “I barely know anything about you and here you are talking about my life like you are rehearsing a poem.”
“Well, firstly. I sucked in literature and second, I dated a girl for years who hated the sight of you.” He explained.
“So, Clarissa was the stalker?” He chuckled and shrugged.
“Sasha.” I gazed up at Aunt Maggie.
“Sorry, that took so long.” She apologized accepting her smoothie and wallet.
“No, it’s fine. I had no desire to be a part of that conversation.” I joked, standing up from my seat and catching Brandon’s humored expression at the same time.
“Thanks for keeping me company.” Brandon nodded at me and I excused myself before things got even weirder.
“Who is your friend? And was that a boy you spoke to?” Aunt Maggie asked.
“That’s Brandon Hills and yeah, we discussed our first date.” The last part was a bit sarcastic but at least Aunt Maggie caught my sarcasm.
“Pfft, please. You don’t do boys or dates. If you could, you would be dating your hockey stick. I am surprised that you have a special place for it to rest.” I chuckled at her sarcasm and remembered why I always loved hanging out with her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Aren’t you girls still a bit underage?” I noted when I found fifteen girls standing before me on the other side of the bar.
“Aren’tyouunderage to be running a bar?” Megan asked with a note of sarcasm.
“Touché and yeah I am, but that’s why I have a protégé.” I motioned with my shoulder to the head bartender who got a few eyes twinkling with desire.
Hendricks was 21 years old and already was head bartender because of his commitment. He was the guy who was in charge of flirting with single ladies and making sure they are taken care of. Not that it was his real job. I just gave him the title because girls tripped over their own feet at the sight of him.
“So, what are you doing here? Except for ogling my boss?” I asked, snapping my fingers to get their attention.
“We are asking for you to give us a chance,” Nicole said coming forward.
She used to be the shy one of the teams I have faced but she spoke with her silence on the field and proven her skills.
“All of us know why you’ve given up the first time.” Tammy acknowledged with a gentle and respectful voice.
“I would have reacted the same if it was my mom.” Another said and I think her name was Iris.
“All of us would.” Megan clarified.
“You will risk your second chance by having someone on your team that can become the cause of all your troubles because her head is all fucked up?” I wondered if any one of them realized how screwed up my mind has become over the last three years of my life.
“We take risks because no one remembers someone who plays it safe.” I closed my eyes and gave a soft shake of my head before reopening my eyes.
Briana was using my own words against me. Words my mother taught me.