I wait in the tunnels with my camcorder just before the guys are supposed to leave the dressing room. I’ve written the question on a marker board and placed it next to the tripod I’ve set up. I did it this way as to avoid actually speaking to Liam because I’m so nervous and embarrassed, I can’t even think straight.
It’s just my luck that the guys trickle out of the dressing room today, and time seems to pass at a snail’s pace. I feel like I may pass out when he finally enters the tunnel to the ice after Ryan.
I don’t even hear Ryan’s response to the question, but I spot him raise an eyebrow at Liam before stepping onto the ice. Liam reads the sign, then looks at me, then looks back at the sign. His eyes flick to the camcorder, and he answers as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Number forty-six. April sixth. It’s her birthday.”
My birthday.
And he skates away.
Chapter 22
Liam
The walls in this damn hotel are paper thin. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear there was a snore-off going on between the two rooms on either side of me. And shoving a spare pillow around my neck, trying to cover my ears does nothing. So, after half an hour, I give in. I pull my sweats on, throw on a t-shirt and slip on my runners.
I take the stairs down to the front desk. The whole place is deserted, bar a lonely receptionist sitting behind a polished counter, flicking through a desk calendar with cars on it. I overheard someone saying earlier that the whole place is almost booked out, so I’m taking a shot here, but I’m willing to try anything at this point. It’s eleven o’clock, and I’m exhausted from the game earlier. If we hadn’t won, I’d be feeling a hell of a lot worse.
I approach the desk and psyche myself up; it’s time to turn on the charm. I glance at the receptionist’s name tag and muster my most alluring smile.
“Hey there, Shannon. How’s your evening going?”
She sets the calendar down and flicks her eyes to mine, a pink flush warming her cheeks.
“Good, thank you. How’s yours?” Her Scottish accent is a surprise, considering we’re not in Scotland, and I consider paying it a compliment, but I don’t want to overplay it.
“Well, it could be better.” I pause before continuing. “I appreciate you’re busy here, but I’m having a few issues with my room.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What’s the problem?”
I tell her all about my wonderful neighbours and my failed attempt at slumber, but all she does is frown.
“I apologise, but there’s nothing I can do. We’re fully booked. I can offer you complimentary ear plugs?”
“Would you be able to double-check the room availability, please?”
A few taps away on her keyboard confirm what we already know. The next thing I know, I’m heading back up to my room, clutching the complimentary ear plugs as if they hold the power of sleep. But low and behold, a further twenty minutes later, I’m frustrated.
Right now, the only thing I can think of is finding somewhere else to sleep. I grab my bag and throw on my cap, making my way down to room 332 where I know Ryan is sleeping, but as soon as I hear Jen giggling from inside, I keep walking. I don’t want to experience my brother getting head any more than Vicky did.
I’m still pissed at Johnny, or I’d be knocking on his door next. But I try my chances and knock on Danny’s door, the next corridor along, but of course, it’s not Danny’s room. Vicky opens the door in her button up nightshirt, bare feet, and her hair loose around her face.
“Shit, did I wake you?” I stare at her, completely caught off-guard. She looks hot, and now I’m wondering what panties she’s wearing.
“No, I was just—” She looks at my bag and back to my face. “Is this a booty call?”
“Do you want it to be a booty call?” I lean against the door frame. That got her sweating, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been waiting for her to call and invite me over. But I don’t press things; I don’t want her thinking I’m desperate for the chance. “I was looking for Danny, actually. But I can’t remember what room he’s in. Do you know?”
“No idea, sorry. Is Danny your booty call?” she sniggers.
“Nah, I’m having an issue with my room, and Jen’s in with Ryan, so I figured I’d ask Danny if I could crash on his sofa.”
“What’s the issue?” she asks.
“Snoring neighbours.”
“Did you go down to the front desk? They could move you.”
