Page 59 of Tricky Puck

Dammit. Portsmouth is too small a city. He must be right outside. I go to the door as I talk.

“What about it?”

“Since when are you into books?”

I walk outside and put my phone in my pocket when I see him leaning against my car.

“Since when do you follow me around like a puppy?”

He snorts. “I’m going to the CVS to pick up some Advil. I ran out and I don’t feel right if I don’t carry my ow stash.”

I shrug and wait him out.

“Stop avoiding my question—why are you at the book store?”

“I’m buying a book.” That’s all I’m giving him.

“Who for?”

“Why is it so hard to believe I’m buying a book for myself?”

“Because I saw the flowers and the box of candy in your car and although the candy might be yours, I’m sure as hell you aren’t buying flowers for yourself. Fess up.”

“Fuck you.”

“I thought you said Delaney wasn’t your real girlfriend? Has that changed?”

“No, why would…” Fuck. Now he waits me out.

I shrug. “We’re not a real couple, but why not treat her nice. I like her.” That’s the best explanation I have.

He nods. “I’m no expert, but I wonder what Sabe would have to say. He’s probably an expert by now—he’s more caught up than Chase with a baby on the way.”

“Don’t make a big deal out of this. I need to make sure Coach believes we’re real and PR lambasted me for the video and says they need some pics of me with Delaney to post with their spin on the punching incident. Apparently, the statement they released about it being all a misunderstanding and that no charges were filed didn’t sooth the media’s concerns since they’re looking for a juicy story more than the truth. They’re getting lots of calls about it and requests for interviews.”

It’s not the right time and place to mention that I told Coach that Delaney and I are engaged. I haven’t even mentioned it to Delaney. Maybe I’m hoping the candy and flowers will soften the blow?

Because I have a feeling she’s not going to like it.

Jason blows out a whistle. “You taking her to the event Thursday?”

“Of course. That’s where PR figures we’ll set the record straight with the media.”

“There’ll be plenty of reporters and photographers there—always is.”

I grunt. “I’m going back inside to find a book for Delaney.”

“What kind of book?”

It comes to me in a flash and I can’t believe how I didn’t figure it out right away.

“Poetry.”

When I arrive home, I find her in the office setting up an air mattress with sheets and a blanket. Freezing in the doorway, I question whether I should re-think the gifts. Not that I know what the hell I was thinking anyway.

Maybe to soften the blow of having to perform our couple act at the team event? It couldn’t hurt, but that’s not why I bought the book of poetry. I spent far too long checking out each book until I found one that reminded me of her.

She turns and almost falls onto the mattress when she sees me standing here. That makes me smile.