She stomped her hot pink slippered foot as she whisper-yelled, “Questo cazzo di merda fa schifo!”I held in a laugh. I’d been friends with Novots even before we were on the Wild together and had met Fern’s mother many times. She was a full-blooded Italian and a firecracker at that. Dave had used some questionable Italian in dealing with opposing hockey players and even a few refs, but without a translation dictionary, he’d just skate away with a grin.
I took a step in her direction when a siren went off in my brain, reminding me that startling this one was a bad idea. I cleared my throat and put my hands in the air to ensure I was no threat.
She whipped around, and I was almost as startled as when she hit me. Her bright blue eyes almost seemed to glow in contrast with her dark hair. She had a cut above her lip and a small bruise above her eyebrow from our brawl, along with her skin being slightly pink. You know, from the mace and all.
Through all the punching, kicking, scratching, and milk pouring last evening, I hadn’t gotten a good look at the woman I was fighting with.
Her blue eyes bore into me as she stood with the hot glue gun in one hand and a flower in the other. There was no smile as her eyes traveled my face. “Oh my gosh. I did all that?”
I nodded. “I’ve made a mental note that I need to wear a bell when around you.”
She cracked a smile. “I apologize. I thought Dave would’ve let you know I was coming a few days before this weekend.” She looked shy. “While we’ve never met, I’d know Lucky Number Thirteen anywhere.”
Lucky Number Thirteen. After about a year, I chose the therapy of women and liquor to help me cope with Amy’s death. Both shitty options. The press referred to me as that during my time entertaining some actresses and models era, and it’d stuck.
Her grin slugged something in my middle as I took a few steps and extended my hand. “Gabe Wolkowski.”
“I’m Fern. I’ve been out of the country during hockey seasons the past few years so I catch what I can on TV.”
Her hand slid into mine, and I swear her cheeks grew a few shades pinker before she pulled it away quickly.
“I’m a nurse and not used to causing injuries. I feel awful.”
I leaned against the counter. “No worries. I startled you.” I pointed, “I’m sorry about your cut. I guess we were both caught off guard.”
The following silence made her nervous as those blue eyes shot around the room.
“I, uh, I know I said I was leaving this morning, but I have several bridesmaid things I have to do for Tawnee’s wedding in a few weeks. That’s why I came here before the weekend thing.”
I could’ve made it easy on her, but I stood silently looking at the pretty girl.
“I’m in a real bind here, and since I unloaded all this crap?—”
“I can help you load it back up. No biggie.” I was enjoying this way too much. Why was I trying to push her buttons?
“Oh, well, thank you for that.” She cleared her throat. “But I can’t do all this at my parent’s house because Tawnee stops over all the time, and she sort of thinks I’ve already completed all this stuff.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “So you lied to the bride?”
She waved her glue gun in the air. “No, it’ll all be done by the time I see her again so not really a lie.” She inhaled deeply, which I liked very much. “May I please stay here and finish up my wedding projects?”
“I don’t know. You were a little crazy last night.”
She gasped.
“Kind of like a maniac.” I tried not to smile. “I don’t know if I want a maniac sleeping under the same roof as me.”
“I promise you I’m not a maniac. Now my cousin is a maniac. She gave all the bridesmaids things we have to do. I have to make a big floral photo backdrop.” She pointed to the foam boards just as two flowers dropped to the floor. “I don’t know any of the bridesmaids except for my brother’s girlfriend Liv, and I’m sure they’re Pinterest queens, and I suck because I’m Fern.”
“That’s kind of harsh.” I grabbed a cup from the cabinet and poured myself coffee.
“I believe my name is likely the root of my problems. If my name was anything perky, I’d slay Pinterest. But I’m Fern Ethel Novotny. I like science, fishing, and the outdoors. It’s because of these things I stink at making wedding decorations and will look like a loser this weekend.”
“They should just buy their wedding stuff.”
She nodded. “I know, right?”
“Well, I’d hate for you to look like a loser. So if staying would prevent that, I guess I’m okay with it.” I took a sip. “I could even help a little if you want.”
