Chapter Six
Nico
The game is almost done, and I don’t understand any more than I did at the beginning of the game. étienne explains as things happen, but it just doesn’t stick with me. I’m not meant to get hockey.
I kept my eyes on him for the whole two minutes he was in that box.
He obviously has no idea I’m staring at him.
He was totally in his element, focusing on the game and catching his breath while he was in there.
When his time was up, he got right back on the ice and played for another minute before he got off.
I didn’t realize that some of these players are only out on the ice for forty-five seconds before they’re changing out.
I can imagine why. I skate, so I know how tiring it is, and it’s why we fit our routines the way we do.
We do what takes the most energy in the beginning and spread out other jumps and spins so we have a chance of landing them without being too tired.
Skating back and forth the way they do, putting all their energy to get to the other end of the ice as fast as they can, all while dodging hits, taking hits, and giving them? I’d be tired too.
I’ve gained a different type of appreciation for these hockey players, now that I’ve seen what goes on in the game and all they put into it. I still don’t understand the rules but that’s not really important. It’s not like I plan to play. I’d be laughed off the ice because of my size alone.
I laugh to myself, pulling étienne’s attention.
“What’s so funny?” he asks.
“Imagine me playing hockey?” I huff another laugh.
“One body check and you’d be in a full-body cast.”
“I don’t know how they don’t break their bones getting crushed against the glass like that.”
“It’s not like they never get hurt.”
“But it looks like they should get hurt more,” I say.
The buzzer goes off. The game is done. USA wins—5-0.
“That is impressive,” I say as étienne and I get up from our seats and make our way out.
“They’re a good team. I told you. Are we going to get food?”
“Do you do anything other than eat?”
“You should enjoy food more.” He frowns.
“I enjoy it as much as I need. But sure, we can go get food, but don’t get mad if I don’t eat anything.”
We take the bus back and head to the dining hall. It’s colder today than it has been all the other days, but we’re bundled up enough that we don’t really feel it.
étienne gets some sort of pasta dish, and I grab a bottle of water. We find a place to sit, and he eats and chats about how exciting the game was. I nod along in agreement. It was an exciting game.
“Are you nervous about your first performance tomorrow?” he asks.
“No.”
“No?” he questions.
I hold his gaze. “No.”
“How can you not be nervous?”
“I’ve done the routine a million times.”
“Yeah, but this is for a medal.”
I shrug. “I don’t think about that. If I did, I’d probably throw up.”
He chuckles as he finishes his food. I look around the dining hall, taking in all the different colors and flags and people.
“Hi, hello,” someone says. I look up and spot a young girl with dark hair, that’s braided into two. “Can we sit here?” she asks with a thick French accent.
“Of course.” I gesture to the seats.
“Merci.”
Somehow, as I get back to looking around the room and taking in the fact that I’m at the freaking Olympics, étienne starts a conversation with the two girls who sat down—in French.
I understand most of what they’re talking about.
The dialect is different, being from France while we’re from Montreal, but it’s close enough I know what they’re talking about—how exciting it is to be here.
I understand most of what’s said to me, but speaking it isn’t my strong suit. Can’t really read it either.
étienne says something, ending with my name, so I glance that way.
The girls nod in understanding, then wave at me.
étienne explains, “They’re on the French Women’s Hockey Team.”
“Wow, they’re doing well.”
“That’s what I told them.”
“Tell them I said good luck.”
He narrows his eyes. “You know how to say that.”
“Just do it.”
He turns back to the girls and they continue their conversation.
My eyes settle on someone across the room—a big hockey player that has been on my mind all day.
I quickly get to my feet.
“I’ll be right back.”
étienne stares at me. “Where are you going?”
“I’ll be right back,” I say again as I head in the direction of Roman who is sitting by himself at a table.
I drop into the seat across from him, thinking about what he said about us not sitting together, but I see plenty of countries sitting with others. Roman gives me a confused look before recognition takes over and a slight smile graces his full lips.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey.”
“Why are you alone?”
“Is there a rule against that?” he asks.
“No, but you’re usually with your hockey buddies.”
He shrugs, grabbing his water and taking a sip. “They all went to watch the next game.”
“And you didn’t want to go?”
“Not really, no.”
I nod, leaning my elbows on the table. “You played a good game today.”
He smirks. “Thank you.”
“I think I’m starting to memorize the rules.”
Huffing a laugh, he says, “Is that so?”
“Yep. Maybe… I don’t know. Probably not.”
He leans forward too, our hands almost brushing. “What don’t you understand?”
I shrug. “Any of it, really.”
“Well, the point of the game is to get the puck into the opposing team’s net.”
I grin. “Oh, you think you’re funny, huh?”
“Sometimes.”
“Next you’re going to tell me the goalie is supposed to keep the puck out of the net.”
“You really are catching on. Can you tell me what icing is?”
“Not a chance.”
“Off sides?”
“No clue.”
“Penalty?”
“Oh, I know that one. It’s when someone does something wrong.”
“Like…?”
“Holding,” I say proudly.
He grins. “You’re going to leave here a pro.”
I laugh, and his eyes shine. “I guess when you have a good teacher, you can learn anything.”
“I wish we had an empty rink… I could teach you even more.”
“Guess I’ll have to stick to you explaining it to me, then. Which, I’ll be honest, isn’t so terrible.”
“No?”
I rest my chin on my fist. “You have a nice voice.”
His cheeks turn a little pink and he looks away.
“You do… too,” he says carefully. Almost unsure. Like he doesn’t know if I’m flirting—I totally am—and he isn’t sure how to respond to it.
Unlike him, I have no problem saying what’s on my mind. I can tell he’s a little more reserved. Thinks about what he says before he says it. That’s not me.
“Are you flirting with me, Roman Callahan?”
His gaze finds mine again. “Are you?”
“Maybe.”
He licks his lips and nods. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll stop.”
“It doesn’t,” he says quickly.
“Good to know.”
I am very open about who I am. I am confident. If I like someone, I make it known. Not everyone is like that and not everyone likes it. I’m well aware of this because I’ve offended more people than I’ve impressed.
“How are you enjoying being here?” he asks.
I look around. “It’s amazing. The energy is crazy. It’s fun seeing so many people in their element. I can’t wait to perform, though.”
“Are you nervous?” he asks.
“Not at all.”
“How?”
“I’m confident in my routine.”
Nodding, he says, “That makes sense. I think if games were more routine, I wouldn’t get so nervous.”
“What makes you nervous?” I ask. “That you’ll mess up?”
“Yeah, kind of. But mostly because people are watching and fans always have a lot to say.”
“You have to ignore them.”
“I do. Well, mostly. I try. I still have some days when it’s hard.”
“Do you have anyone here with you?” I ask.
“No, I was called in last-minute, so my parents weren’t able to come. But they’re watching my dog for me, so it worked out.”
“Oh, you have a dog?” I ask excitedly. “I love animals.”
Roman pulls out his phone as he gets up and comes around the table. “Is it okay if I sit here?”
Oh, and he’s polite? Swoon.
“Please do.”
He sits in the seat beside me, and we’re so close that our arms brush. He scrolls through his phone then hands it over.
“That’s Taco.”
“Taco?” I laugh as I take his phone and stare at the picture of his Corgi in a pink jacket. “She’s really cute. It looks like she’s smiling.”
“She does that all the time,” he says proudly.
“You must make her happy.” I give him his phone back.
“I try. I don’t get to see her a lot from traveling, but I try to make up for it when I get back.”
“I bet she misses you all the time.”
“I miss her too. She’s a good dog.”
“Anyone else you got at home? Or is it just you and Taco?”
Yes, I’m curious to know about Roman’s life. Sue me.
“Just me and Taco. I’m about an hour from my parents, but when it’s the off season, it’s nice to enjoy the peace and quiet alone. Do you have any pets?”
“No, I don’t really have time for it. I train all year around, have performances, and travel a lot too. I have sick grandparents that I try to help with as much as I can.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I nod. “It’s why étienne is here with me and not my parents.”
“Is he your brother?”
“Cousin disguised as my PA so he could get in. And trust me, I’m making him work for it.”
It falls silent for a short time, and it’s not awkward or anything. Just a calm lull in the conversation.
“I got tickets to your performance,” he admits.
I glance at him, but he isn’t looking at me.
“Did you now?” I ask.
“Yeah, I like watching you skate. I hope that’s okay.” He sneaks a glance at me.
“More than okay. Maybe I’ll perform better knowing you’re watching.”
He laughs, ducking his head. “Doubt it. You’re already amazing.”
I bump him with my shoulder. “There’s always room for improvement,” I say quietly.
I look around the dining hall, noting it’s emptying out. Roman does the same before looking back at me.
“Can I walk you back to your building?” he asks, hope shining in his eyes.
This man is… so damn sweet.
“I would like that.”
We get up and head out of the dining hall together. I should tell étienne I’m leaving, but I think he’ll get the hint when he doesn’t find me. Maybe I’ll text him when I’m in my room. It wouldn’t kill him to worry about me a little.
“Where is your building?”
“Oh, uh…” I look around at all the buildings. “I have no idea.”
“You don’t know?” he asks, looking like he doesn’t believe me.
“I’m terrible with directions. Oh, hold on.”
I pull out my phone and call étienne.
“Hello?”
“I’m heading back to my room. What building am I in?”
“Wow, really?” he says. “C, you know, like for Canada.”
“Hey, that makes sense. Thanks, étienne.”
I end the call. “Building C.”
“That’s this way,” Roman says, pointing ahead and to the right.
“If you say so.”
I follow his lead. We don’t speak as we walk, just tuck our hands into our pockets and walk close enough that our elbows keep brushing. He has so much height on me, and I can’t say I don’t like it. He is completely my type, everything about him.
Not only physically but his reserved personality. He’s the opposite of me, in a lot of ways, and that’s what I like. I can’t handle people who are loud and up front like me, I need someone to ground me. So yeah, Roman Callahan is totally my type.
We stop outside the doors when we reach my building and turn to face one another.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” I say.
“You’ll be too busy to see me,” he says.
“Not a chance, Big Guy.”
His gaze goes to my mouth, and he licks his lips, but then his eyes flick back to mine. I know what he’s thinking. I’m thinking it too. But we can’t do this right here, in front of the hundreds of people walking around. So, I just smile and say, “Good night, Roman.”
“Good night, Nico.”
He watches me as I go into the building, and I can’t be sure how long he stays there for, but I bet it’s a while. I bet he’s asking himself if he should have kissed me or asked for my number. Something.
But this will definitely be worth the wait. I can tell.