Page 51 of Game Misconduct
“Fair enough, I can’t really judge. I haven’t been on a date in about eight months.”
This sounded intriguing. “What happened?”
“He didn’t like being with someone prettier than him.” He winked.
I shook my head. There was something bigger, but if he didn’t want to tell me, I understood. It wasn’t like I shared my whole truth.
“Then maybe we should make it a double date,” I suggested.
“You’ve got some ideas for me?”
There were a few men at the office that I knew were out, but I didn’t know them well enough to know if they would be a good fit for Mitch. I didn’t want to be the one to push him even further into singlehood.
“Not exactly, but give me some time, and I could come up with a solid option.”
He waved me off. “I don’t have time for dating right now. Playoffs are coming up.”
I narrowed my eyes. I happened to know that the playoffs were months away, but I let it go. I knew what it was like to not be ready and how annoying it was when people tried to push you.
“Fine. But once off-season starts, all bets are off.”
“Sure.” He chuckled. “Let me think about it and feel out the guys. I’ll let you know in a day or two if I have any leads.”
“Thanks.” I hadn’t expected to be so nervous, but now, everything was out in the open and I got it all off my chest. I wasn’t alone in this anymore. Bringing in Mitch, Parker’s roommate and teammate, was a risk, but I trusted him.
“You know it’s okay if you really do have feelings for Parker.”
I set my drink down. “What do you mean?”
“I get that it’s probably scary to acknowledge it, but you can’t let fear hold you back. You’re my friend and I care about you, so I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t mean it, but he’s a good guy. I’ve seen him bust his butt to prove himself to the team. He’s gone above and beyond what anyone expects from him, and I’m not the only one that’s noticed. The other guys are really impressed, and that takes a lot.” He stretched and switched his legs, resting his hand on his knee. “I know that’s mostly based on his attitude and actions on the ice, but that translates to who he is as a person. It’s okay to be attracted to that.”
My throat was so thick I had to take several gulps of tea before I felt like I could speak. I hadn’t expected Mitch to praise Parker like that. It wasn’t something he needed to do, but his words confirmed who I believed Parker to be. It was comforting but also stung. He was a really good person. And so handsome. And talented. And honest.
Why would I think I deserved him when I was going behind his back and trying to date someone else?
Because it was a test. It was the only way I knew how to make certain of how I felt.
“You think I’m making a mistake.” I whispered the words, not sure I wanted the answer.
“I think you’re doing what you think you need to do. No one can tell you if that’s a mistake. It’s not like you’re cheating on him. You’re just exploring your options as a single woman. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
I sighed. “I could be worrying over nothing. I could go on a date and realize that I am really falling for him and it might not matter. I’m only one-half of the equation. I could end up going through this just to find out he doesn’t feel the same.”
The thought made me feel ill, even if it was what I expected to happen.
“You owe it to both of you to see.” Mitch’s voice sounded a million miles away.
“No, this is all a mistake. I should stop now. I should just let things be.” I looked up and met his worried eyes. “Things are good. We’re good. I’m happy, and I think he is too. Why mess that up?”
“Vivi, that’s fear talking. You can’t let that dictate your life. Think of all you’d miss out on if you were scared and never pushed yourself. Would you have gone to college? Moved away from your parents? Started your job? Let a stranger move into your apartment? Talk to me?”
I narrowed my eyes at the last one. “You think I was afraid of you?”
“You called me a highlander. Aren’t those men intimidating?”
I almost laughed but fell short. “I am scared, Mitch.”
“It sounds to me like you’re about to do something big.”
