“Me and some of the guys came to get some food, but Krista said you were busy. I just wanted to come check on you.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re cranky.”
“That too.”
“I’d offer to get you more coffee, but if you’re like me, you won’t get to sleep no matter how tired you might be if you’re hopped up on caffeine.”
“I drink a can of cherryDr. Pepperbefore bed every single night.” I glance up to see him looking at me like I’ve grown horns. “What?”
He shakes his head. “I will make sure to keep a case of that crap at the house. Just in case you ever come over to hang out.”
Not gonna happen.
“You put your order in with Christa?”
“Yeah. Not a lot I can eat here, though.”
“Is that why you guys don’t hang out here even though it’s closer?”
He nods. “This is more of a bar with greasy foods as opposed to a place that caters to the athletes.”
“You ever talked to the manager about it?”
“No.”
“Then maybe ask her about it if you don’t want to go so far off campus.”
“I’ll do that.”
Why the hell did I tell him to do that? It’s better for him to be on the other side of town. I won’t have to deal with him then.
“What did you order?”
“Wings and fries.”
I grimace. He doesn’t need that.
“That’s the face I made when I put the order in.”
Considering how many athletes are on campus, I’m shocked this place doesn’t have healthier options on their menus, bar food or not. It wouldn’t be hard to offer a few items that cater just to them.
“Most of the team doesn’t really care too much, but those of us trying to make the NHL, well, we have to eat better than they do. I got that drilled into my head by one of the Raptor players who chewed me out over eating a burger, fries, and a milkshake.”
“Yeah, you can’t eat that crap. Joseph…” I cut myself off when I start to talk about my ex’s diet and how hardcore he went on it.
“Who’s Joseph?”
“My ex.” I load up the last salt shaker and stand, picking up the tray. “I have to get back to this. You should go hang out with your friends and maybe don’t eat too many wings. Grab something at home.”
He smiles. “Don’t want to talk about him?”
“Not in this century.”
“Cool. We don’t have to talk about him. When do you get off shift?”
“An hour after we close. Then I’m getting a shower and going to bed.”
