Page 60 of Hard to Get

“No.”

Wait. Is she seeing someone else? My body tenses.

“I have plans with a new face mask, a long bubble bath, and a bottle of wine,” she goes on.

Oh.

“Also a rewatch of Heated Rivalry with Betty.”

She’s turning me down for an evening at home with her dog. While I’m relieved it’s not another guy, I’m also disappointed. “How can I compete with Heated Rivalry,” I joke.

“It’s tough,” she agrees.

Is she blowing me off? I don’t want to assume that. “Maybe we could go out next week…” I grab the schedule and pull it toward me. Fuck. Games tomorrow and Sunday. And Tuesday. And then a road trip with games Thursday, Saturday and Monday. We’ll be back in town the Tuesday after that but a home game Wednesday. Off Thursday, Friday.

Jesus. I rub my forehead.

“Well,” I finally finish. “My schedule’s pretty busy until November 6.”

“Oh, wow. That’s a busy stretch.”

“No kidding.” I sigh. I really wanted to talk to Stella about the shit that’s going on and get her perspective on it. Also I want to just see her. And kiss her. And⁠—

“What about Monday night?” she asks. “I’m looking at your schedule, too. We don’t have to go out, though. I could make dinner here.”

“Really?” I perk up.

“If that works for you.”

“Yeah. I can make that work.” Now I’m excited. That’s only three days away. I feel like we just beat the Stanley Cup champs and I got four goals. Trying to get myself into her schedule is like a competitive sport.

We settle on a time for Monday.

She turned me down, but then she made an effort to find a time for us to be together. Does she… maybe… like me as much as I like her? I know she said she’s not looking for anything serious, but… what if this could be something? I’ve never had thoughts like this about a woman. I had girlfriends. One was when we were teenagers. We both knew we were probably going to go separate ways after high school. The other one, I was older but I never thought I would spend the rest of my life with her. But Stella… yeah, I think about it. Is that nuts? Yeah, it’s nuts to think like that about a woman who’s determinedly single.

Probably best not think about things like that.

There are messages in the group chat—the small group chat, Pucks Deep—about plans for tonight.

LG

What’s everyone up to tonight. Wanna get sushi?

Cammy

Where?

Dolly

Not that place on Davie Street. It was terrible.

Finn

I’m good with anywhere.

I make a face. I guess I’m in.

Jayden