Page 7 of Off Side
SAM
I’ve settled my mind down and cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen while I wait for mountain man. I’m debating on eating more of the fresh baked bread because I eat when I’m stressed and nervous, and right now, that is only the tip of how I feel.
I’m confused about who this guy is. Obviously, Grandpa must have trusted him enough to allow him to move in here. Why wouldn’t he have told me that, though? That’s the first mystery. The second mystery is how I will handle this going forward. I don’t want to sleep with my house guest—far too much awkwardness can come from that. But how do I stay away from him? I lick my lips while I recall the full-frontal show. Remember, leader of poor decisions right here, boys and girls. He’s probably going to tell me he hates hockey, then it will have to be game over. I can overlook a lot, but I need someone to watch games with on Saturday nights and snuggle into when this coaching gig is over.
Wait, what? Why the hell would I think like that? Since when do I want snuggles? I exhale loudly and finished scooping the stew into some Tupperware.
“I hope that wasn’t a disgusted sigh over my cooking abilities.” I hear in a low rumbling voice far too close to me. What does this guy do, glide on air? I didn’t even hear him come in.
“Are you telling me you made this stew?” I ask, shocked he can make something this good. Normally, I have cereal because cooking and I do not mesh well.
He smiles almost shyly. “Yes, and I baked the bread, too.”
I stare at him, trying to figure him out. He cooks? I will admit that it surprises me because he can cook really well. He also made a loaf of fresh bread this morning! Dear God, this guy is checking all my boxes.
“Did you like it? I’m going to say yes since it seems most of the bread is gone. I will have to keep that in mind for next time.”
Did he just say next time? “Okay, mountain man, enough of all the cloak and dagger shit. You know my name, you were in my rink, and now you’re in my house. You have cooked a meal and exposed yourself to me. I need fucking answers because I’m about one more slice of bread away from losing my damn mind. What the fuck is going on? Who are you, and what are you doing here?” I’ve had a hell of a day, and I’m ready for answers, which is why I chose to get right to the point.
DREW
Sighing, I grab a beer and a cooler from the fridge. I show her the cooler with a raised eyebrow, silently asking if she wants one. When she nods yes, I pop the caps and motion for us to go out to the living room. “This is going to be a lot for you to digest. Might as well get comfortable, and I’ll tell you everything.” I look her straight in the eye to make sure she’s on board, and when she didn’t so much as blink an eye, I continued, “You can ask me questions when I’m finished. Is that okay with you?”
She nods again and settles herself on the end of the sofa.
Once we are both comfortable, I explain the real reason I’m here.
