Page 39 of Flirtation or Faceoff
“Right? I’m surprised she’s not married to an eighty-year-old man.”
I rip my elbow pads off and throw them into my cubby.
West takes a seat on the bench, growing serious. “What if Dr. what’s-his-face falls in love with her and sweeps her off her feet? If he’s the guy who truly made her happy, would you bow out?”
I slump down beside him, my pads forgotten. “It would hurt, but yes. I’d always remove my shirt when I was around them though. Gotta remind her what she missed out on.”
All four of them throw their sweaty pads at my face and I bring my arms up to block them.
“I wouldn’t give up yet, Colby,” Remy says, patting me on the back. “He flirted with her, so what? I’ve seen you play your heart out on the ice, and I know you’ll fight for Noel with that same determination.”
“Yeah, man. You got this,” West adds. “What are you dressing up as for the fantasy convention?”
I rub my hands together. “Oh, I have the perfect costume. And my baby sister will be here to help me pull it off.”
“Your parents are visiting? The first week of preseason?” Mitch asks, as if annoyed for me.
“My dad and his girlfriend, yes. And I know. But they tell me when they’re coming, without ever asking if it’s a good time for me.”
“Ahh, the vegan?” West feigns a gag.
“The one and only. And she’s making me her famous vegan casserole, so you’re all welcome to come over Saturday night.” I sit down beside West and remove my shin pads.
Mitch and West start moaning and pretending to throw up.
“Sorry, I’ll be too busy clipping my toenails,” Bruce teases.
“I’d come, but the commute is too far. You know how traffic is around here.” Remy’s voice is so serious when he says it, but he has that twinkle of sarcasm in his eye that only people who know him would notice.
“Yeah, that ten-foot walk is brutal.”
* * *
When I arrive home from practice, I text Noel. I feel guilty for not responding to her text earlier. But I don’t even want to think about another man flirting with her. I want her to flirt with me and only me. I’m a selfish pig, this is no surprise to anyone.
I need to make this stubborn woman see how good we could be together. I know there’s something under the surface that she’s refusing to believe. An undeniable attraction that could easily turn into more. And if I’m going to show her how much better I am for her than Dr. Dickhead, then I need to spend more time with her.
Colby
I think we should go on a fake date. You obviously need practice.
I smile when she responds right away.
Noel
A fake date? Is this a ploy?
Colby
Just trying to help. That’s what you asked me for, right?
Noel
Okay. It couldn’t hurt.
Colby
Tomorrow night we have a preseason game, but how about the next evening?
