Page 112 of Pucking Rebound
Oh, here we go.
“Not anymore.” She giggles. Fucking giggles in the same way she did when Freddie Carter, the quarterback from high school, would speak to her at lunch.
“I’m having a party at my place. Would you like to come?”
“Absolutely.”
“Do you have a car?” he asks her.
“Lola brought us here.” She tucks her hair behind her ears.
“Great,” Daryl replies, smiling wider than Hudson Bay, then he looks at me. “Could you bring Piper back here after the game? I’ll drive her to my party.”
“Will do.” I salute him.
I’d do anything for my girl if it means getting to experience what it’s like to fuck a hockey player after they’ve played an adrenaline-fueled game.
“Hey, I’m Jordy.” A familiar face appears in front of us.
“It’s great to finally meet you. I’ve heard that you paint, Jordy.” Piper shakes his hand.
“I do.” He looks from Piper to me and back again, as if asking if I told her that.
“He’s really good,” I say, not meaning to.
Daryl jumps in, “I've seen his paintings too and I agree with Lola. I’m sorry, Piper, but I need to make a move. But I’ll see you later, yeah? I’ll meet you here after the game.” He looks excited. If only he knew Piper is going to eat him alive.Lucky man.
“Can’t wait,” Piper replies as Daryl waves goodbye at the same time she gives him a flirty wave.
Piper might just get what she asked for and become a hockey wife after all.
Wade appears by my side. “How do you know that Jordy paints?” he scratches his forehead as if confused.
“W-we talk sometimes,” I stutter. “And Jordy’s shown me photos of his work. It’s cool.” I nod, sounding dorky as hell.Pull yourself together, Lola.“I mean, it’s incredible. There’s something about his paintings that makes me feel like they’re talking to me.”
“Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you talk about art in a way that you understand, Lola.” Pride oozes out of Piper as if the art lectures she gives me are finally paying off.
“Jordan is very talented.”You should see the way he draws paintings using only his tongue all over my body.
I ignore my sordid thoughts and continue, “You should exhibit his work. Local artist, a talented hockey player. He’s a celebrity with a huge online following. I think collectors would fall over themselves to buy Jordan’s work. He’s painted a whole new collection of Edmonton cityscapes. They’re breathtaking.”
Jordan, along with everyone else, including Wade, who are still milling about, stare at me as if I have four heads.
“Thanks, Lola. That really means a lot.” Jordy’s voice cracks.
Piper lifts her hand with an open palm in my direction, as if presenting me. “You have the official seal of approval of my best friend who knows nothing about art, but I trust her with my life.” Piper pulls out her business card from her crossbody bag and hands it to him. “Call me. Let’s arrange a meeting. And if you have an agent, invite them too.”
Blinking, Jordy stares at her business card. “If you exhibited my work, it would be a dream come true.” He looks starstruck.
“Then let’s make your dream become a reality.” Piper slips into pure business mode, exuding authority.
“I’ll be in touch.” Jordy looks at me for a moment too long before something behind me catches his attention. “I don’t mean to be rude, but my family has arrived. Please excuse me.” He brushes past me wearing a wide smile and whispers a soft thankyou that makes me feel tingly all over. “I've missed you,” he adds, quieter than a whisper.
I watch him leave as he gives his mom, then his dad, a hug before greeting his sisters, who wave enthusiastically at me. I wave back and a deep longing to be part of their collective runs deep in my veins.
It can’t be anything more than what it is, Lola.
“You’re smitten,” Piper says as everyone begins talking among themselves, the level of chatter becoming loud enough for me to speak freely.
