9
Olivia
Not long after Josh left I was woken up by the sound of my phone ringing. Katherine was on the other end, asking me to come in for a tour of the stadium before I started work on Monday.
I was exhausted, my hair a mess and I felt dirty, in the best way possible might I add.
Getting up, showered and dressed in record time, I made my way to the stadium. Nervous as hell because of the thought of starting a new job, but also having to see the man who made me come more than once mere hours ago while having to act like I don't know him.
God, I hope I can pull it off. I have been told once or twice that I'd make a brilliant actress but that's normally when I'm being overly dramatic about something. To be fair, I am good.
Katherine was very sweet when she met me at the door.
She showed me around the offices at the far side of the stadium.
I was honestly surprised at how big the offices are and the fact I'll be getting my own office, even though I'll be working in the field or the ice most of the time. I was happily shocked.
As we made our way to where the hockey players were practicing, my heart rate picked up speed, butterflies fluttering around my stomach.
Katherine could tell something was off. She just assumed I was a hockey fan and obsessing over meeting the players like some sort of crazed fan girl. She couldn’t be more wrong. Anything but guessing the real reason for my nervous stutter and rosey cheeks.
Seeing Josh out there, sweat dripping off him, was hot as fuck. I know it sounds gross, but it had the opposite effect on me. I was tempted to lick it off him.
The way his eyes instantly heated when I called him ‘Captain’? Let's just say I'm looking forward to tonight.
At the end of my tour, Katherine gave me my pass to get into the building. She said I can get my office set up before I start work on Monday. To be honest though, I have nothing to put in an office. What do people even put in offices? I need to go shopping.
Me and Sasha are currently sitting in Buttons and Books, having a coffee before we head to the shops. My heart is bursting with happiness for her. Her light brown hair is in waves, cropped just below her shoulders. Her face is makeup free and honestly she doesn't need it. She’s practically glowing.
“Girl, if you don't stop staring at that thing, you're gonna go blind.”
“Come on, babe. How can you have something so beautiful right in front of you and not stare at it constantly?” I immediately think of Josh.
“I guess you're right, as always.”
We haven't broached the subject of Josh. She tried, but I cut her off. Said I can't talk about it right now. It hurts too much. Ever the drama queen.
She reluctantly dropped it but I'm sure it'll come up again soon.
We’re talking about the photoshoot I'm gonna do for them as a gift for their engagement when there's movement in the corner of my eye. Looking up, I see Diane making her way over to our table.
“Hi, Honey. How are you doing?” She asks, sympathy written on her face.
“I’m doing okay! This is my friend Sasha. Sasha, this is Diane, she owns this place.”
“Hi, Diane. I love it here; you've done a great job.” Sasha beams.
“Thank you, sweet girl.” Turning her attention back to me, she places her hand over mine. “Listen, I spoke with Josh yesterday. I'm so sorry things didn't work out between you two.” Oh shit I totally forgot! Okay, sad mode activated.
“Thanks. The circumstances just don't work for us at the minute.” I give her a small smile.
The pity shining in her eyes makes me uncomfortable. I feel bad having to lie like this, but if this is what Josh has told her, I have to go along with it.
“It really is a shame. You two would have made a beautiful couple. But you know, like I told Josh, if it's really meant to be, you'll come back to each other.” Giving my hand a gentle squeeze, she smiles at me. “Well, I need to get back to it. Don't be a stranger, okay?”
“I would never.” With that she walks back towards the counter.
Sipping her coffee, Sasha assesses me over the top of her mug. She's studying me closely. Too closely. All but slamming her mug back on the table, she whisper shouts, “You bitch!”
“What?” I ask, trying to appear nonchalant.
“You’re not sad.”
“What are you talking about? Of course, I'm sad.”
“Olivia Jasmine Evans, don't you lie to me.” Oh fuck, she full-named me! “I have known you for almost twenty years. I know when you're sad and right now you're anything but! What the hell happened last night?”
Is it worth trying to lie again? I could tell her it ended on a good note. That me and Josh are still gonna be friends. Oh, who am I kidding? She’ll never believe me.
“Okay, fine. I'll tell you.” I sigh, “But not here.”
As we stand to leave, Sasha is muttering to herself. I feel like I'm about to be dragged down the school hallway, on my way to get yelled at by the principal for being naughty.
I tell her everything as we walk closer to the streets where the stores are. I would think she's happy for me if not for the fact that she keeps calling me a stupid bitch.
“I’m just worried about you. It's not only your heart on the line here. It's your job, your life.”
“I know, I know, but Sash, God, I've never felt like this about anyone before. Not even Ryan made me feel like this, and we were together for years.” Feeling slightly defeated, I add, “We can make it work. I know we can. We just need to keep it on the down-low.”
“Just be careful babe, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt.”
Making our way into a store that seems to sell everything, we each grab a cart.
“I’ve gotta be honest. I've never seen you this happy before. Not even when you were with him, who shall not be named.” We both shiver. “The way you light up when you speak about him? I can tell this is real.”
Giving her a side hug as we make our way down the store aisles, I could not be happier that my best friend slightly approves. I know she wants what's best for me, but her knowing how much this relationship means to me is everything I could ask for.
“You know I love you, right?”
“Of course I do, baby girl. I love you, too.” She kisses me on the cheek and hops away from me. “Okay, let's get our retail therapy on.” She sing-songs.
It’s Thursday afternoon, and me and Sasha are in my new office.
I called Katherine yesterday asking if it would be okay to bring a friend under the guise of “helping set up my office space” when realistically I wanted to just show off my new work place.
It just so happens that the team is at practice right now.
I promised her that once we're done here, I'll take her down to the rink so she can see them in action.
“This place is great. I'm truly jealous.”
“You should be. My office is like a palace compared to yours.” She throws a pencil at my head and I laugh as I duck down to avoid it.
“Is that everything?” I ask, looking around my new office.
The once bare space now has notebooks in the shelves, along with a few of my favorite romance novels for when I need a break, small artificial plants in random places around the room, and new pens and pencils even though I rarely use them since I work either on a camera or laptop, but you never know.
I have a picture frame on my desk. A photo of me and Sasha inside.
Eventually I'd like to have photos hanging on the walls that I've taken while working here, but until then, the walls are bare.
And last but not least, a new coffee machine, gifted by Sasha, as a congratulations on the new job gift. I swear I need coffee on tap when I'm editing. It's my least favorite part of the job so I need all the fuel I can get.
“One more thing.” Sasha says, turning towards the door and grabbing her bag. She pulls out a box and hands it to me.
“What’s this?” I ask, surprise in my tone.
“Just a little thing to go with your coffee machine.”
I open the box, pulling out the cutest mug I have ever seen. ‘Best photographer ever’ written on the front.
“Aww, Sash! This is so cute. Thank you.” I give her a warm hug. It's a small gift but it means so much to me.
“Did you look at the back?” I turn the mug around, eyeing the writing on the back.
‘I'm a slut for hockey players’ in giant red letters. I give her a dull look.
“You’re kidding me…” She beams at me and I can't help but laugh. “I love it, thank you.”
We make our way towards the rink and can hear the sound of sticks hitting against ice.
“I’m so nervous but in a good way. I've never met a hockey player before. I swear if one of them makes a move on me, I don't think I'd be able to resist.”
“Girl, you literally just got engaged.”
“Ugh, I know. What horrible timing.” We laugh among ourselves as I pull my key card out of my pocket and swipe it at the door. Not a lot of people get our humor but I know Sash isn’t serious.
“Behave.” I warn her. My best friend is amazing and all, but she has a big mouth and easily gets herself in trouble.
Walking through the giant doors to the rink, my eyes immediately find Josh. It's like this magnet between us, pulling us together when we’re in the same space.
God, I've missed him. Sure, I spent the whole day with him yesterday, but when he left last night, I felt cold and alone. It’s a strange feeling, given I've been sleeping alone for so long. I didn't tell him I was coming in today. I wanted to surprise him.
I can feel the chill in the air as we descend the steps down to the rink. I'll need to wrap up when I'm photographing down here.
We stand for a few minutes, just watching, before the coach calls all the players over.
“They really are sex on legs, aren't they?” Sasha swoons, hearts in her eyes.
“Yeah, I'll agree with you on that one. Just watch out for this one,” I tell her as Conor Matthews skates toward where we're standing.
“Hey, pretty lady, I was wondering when I'd see you again.” He grins at me, taking his helmet off his head and running a hand through his blonde, curly hair that stops just below his nape.
He kind of reminds me of Prince Charming from Shrek, but you know…
good looking. Not as good looking as Josh, but everyone has their preferences I guess.
“Can’t say the same about you, unfortunately.” I reply, a sweet smile planted on my face.
What happens next is like something you'd see in a romance movie…
It's the part where the lead character catches sight of his romantic partner for the first time.
Time slows down, heart rate picks up speed, there's a soft breeze blowing, ruffling the lovers hair.
You know what I mean. Anyway, this is what Conor is experiencing right now when he shifts his gaze to look at my best friend.
“Well, hello to you.” He says, his eyes raking down Sasha’s body. “Ollipop, why don't you introduce me to your friend here?”
“Ollipop?” I question him.
“Yeah, it's cute. Like you.”
“Ha ha, very funny. Conor, this is Sasha; Sasha, this is Conor.” I introduce them.
They chat for a bit but I don't overly pay attention.
My focus is on the man having an in-depth conversation with the coach.
I'm not sure if he's noticed me because he hasn't even glanced over, and I'm not gonna lie, it kinda hurts.
But maybe, he just doesn't want to draw attention, especially when he’s speaking with his coach.
I focus my attention back on the two people closest to me. I can tell Sasha likes what she sees as she's talking to Conor. I mean, who wouldn't? But I can also tell that she's not falling for his sweet talking. Good girl.
“I’m sorry to burst your bubble, pretty boy, but I'm engaged.”
Conor mocks a pained expression, his hand resting against his chest. “You're only telling me this now? After I've planned our wedding and future babies. And don't get me started on how those future babies are made.” He winks at her, and I swear in the almost two decades of knowing this woman, I have never seen her face light up like a fire truck faster than it has now. There’s embarrassment in her eyes but also lust? It’s as if she’s now also picturing the way the two of them would make babies together.
I, on the other hand, would rather not picture that.
Sasha is in a happy relationship with the love of her life.
I know her well enough to know that she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. But, I also know her well enough that I know she’ll be thinking about this moment for a long time.
Max is safe. He has a house, a stable job as an accountant, and protects Sasha with his life.
He loves Sash, and she loves him, but sometimes I wonder if it’s because it's familiar.
Sasha is wild and carefree, and while I think her and Max make a beautiful couple, I sometimes think that Sasha needs something more. I would never say that to her though.
Glancing back at where Josh is standing with his coach, butterflies on cocaine erupt inside me at the sight of his eyes on mine.
They’re swirling around in my stomach so violently that it makes my head spin.
Does Sasha feel this way with Max? I think I need to ask her and find out.
I’m now invested in this and need to know everything she’s feeling.
But, at the end of the day, if she’s happy, I'm happy.