Page 78 of Geeky Pucking Orc

My breath lodged in my chest for a moment, then with a sharp inhale I jumped to my feet and reached across the desk to shake the coach’s hand. “Thank you sir. I won’t let you down.”

He smiled, a firm grip on my hand. “I’m counting on you Bwat. You’re a fan favorite, and I think you’re going to be one of our best players. And congratulations on your upcoming engagement.”

I left his office, excited that there was one more thing to celebrate today. Abby would be thrilled to hear the news. And hopefully the other surprises I had planned would thrill her as well.

38

ABBY

The Uber pulled up in front of a tall building not even a mile south of Jordan’s Federal Hill neighborhood. I eyed it in confusion, looking up and down the block for a restaurant.

We’d danced around my office with glee when Bwat told me about his conversation with the coach. He’d announced that we needed to celebrate tonight, and that he was making all the arrangements. I’d left my sandwich in the fridge at lunch, expecting a slab of steak and buttery potatoes for dinner and not wanting to be too full to enjoy it. Now I was starved with no restaurant in sight.

“Are we having dinner with some friends of yours?” I asked. Bwat was always connecting with people. Maybe one of the Raven’s or Orioles’ players lived here and had offered to have us over to celebrate. It would be just like Bwat, social orc that he was, to turn this into a couple’s night. And I didn’t mind. We spent lots of one-on-one time, and I was equally social.

“No, this is just a quick stop before dinner.” He tipped the driver on his phone app, then hurried around to open the door for me before I managed to find the handle.

My stomach growled and I was regretting not eating at least half that sandwich in my office fridge.

Bwat typed a code on the door, led me through a vast expanse of a lobby with marble floors, security, and an actual concierge. He bypassed the bank of elevators to a solid black one in the back, swiped a card, then typed in another code. I followed him in, looking around at the lack of buttons to indicate which floor we were going to. The curiosity was killing me as the elevator sped upward.

It opened into a living room. Oooo, swank! A penthouse condo with a private elevator! I didn’t recognize the elegant dark-skinned woman who had her hip cocked against a tall, narrow table, her long legs crossed at the ankles.

She stepped forward, her hand outstretched. “Welcome, Bwat. And Abby.”

I shook her hand, trying to discretely look around the condo. It was huge with plenty of open space. It was sparsely decorated…and white. So much white. Everything was white. Walls, tile floors, upholstery, area rugs. The few pieces of art were in shades of white. I wondered if the food this lovely woman had cooked would also be monochrome, then felt guilty for my catty thoughts.

“I am Hirra, and I am so happy to meet you.”

I shook her hand, admiring the gold bangles on her wrist. Before I could admit my ignorance and ask how she knew Bwat, the woman spun around on her heels, offering to show us the condo. Bwat put his hand on my back, leaving it there as we followed Hirra. The place was absolutely huge with a ridiculous seven bedrooms, five of them with ensuite bathrooms, and two offices. There was a large wrap-around porch with expansive views of the harbor and the city. The kitchen was equally big with high-end appliances. Nothing appeared to be cooking on the stove, much to my dismay.

My stomach growled again.

Everything was white. Everything. It was a little strange because from Hirra’s outfit she clearly was not shy around color. Her flowing silk dress was royal blue, gold, and cream. Maybe she liked being the only splash of color in her house? Perhaps she was a germaphobe? I hoped we were going out to eat because I would be terrified of spilling food or my drink on the pristine upholstery.

“What do you think?” Bwat asked. His words held a strange high-pitched nervousness, and I wondered why he was so concerned that I approve of Hirra’s home.

“It’s beautiful and elegant,” I told the woman. “And large. Very…modern.”

Good grief, how could I say nice things about this sterile condo? And stop my stomach from its incessant growling?

Bwat’s hand was a bit sweaty at my back, and I eyed him with concern.

“The seven bedrooms are perfect for a growing family,” Hirra told me. “Or for a couple who intend to host visitors from out of the country or this world. The open floor plan lends itself to easy entertainment, and the kitchen is set up for a catering crew to use if you do not want to cook for guests. The condo has five private parking spaces and three locked storage areas, plus access to all the amenities including both an indoor and outdoor pool. The concierge is available to assist with everything from grocery delivery to giving access to cleaning or decorating crews. And the view…the view is truly what makes this condo special.”

I stared at her blankly. That was the weirdest speech ever. It was almost as if she didn’t own the place, as if she were a real estate agent– “

Oh.

Oh!

I turned to Bwat. “You want to buy this condo?”

He rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants, looking terrified. “I’ve already bought this condo. For you.” The orc suddenly dropped down onto both knees, digging a box out of his pocket and flicking it open as he presented the contents to me. “Abigail Anton, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Hirra inhaled sharply, then let out a soft “oooo, how sweet”.

I stared at the ring with a huge, blindingly bright marquis diamond on a golden band inlaid with emeralds.