Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
MIKAEL
Finn and I head to a local ski store and meet Simon there.
“Are you buying more shit?”
“Why not? They have new stuff, and I'm planning a two-night stay in Sugarloaf this month.”
“Who is going with you?”
“I'm chatting Melanie up. She's an excellent skier. I don't know if I can compete.”
“Since when are you afraid of a woman in sports?”
He shrugs. “I guess I like her, and I don't want to shatter her illusion that I'm incredible at everything.” He picks up a ski and studies it.
It's refreshing that Finn feels the need to be perfect for a woman just like me. It appears it's an epidemic.
“New equipment won't make you ski better. However, if you're having issues in that department, maybe it's worth a few grand,” I chuckle.
“You're a dick,” he gripes.
“I've been called worse.”
“I know. And I was probably the one who holds the title for that, too.”
“I'll second that,” Simon says. He's looking at the ski boots.
The store is reminiscent of the past. The registers are new, but the building is quaint. The wood rafters and floors make it unique. It's typical of older establishments in Maine, and I appreciate the throwback vibes. The posters on the wall are new, and the merchandise is state-of-the-art. This sport isn't cheap, but then again, what is?
“I like these,” Finn says, asking a salesperson for a pair to try. “So, let's talk about Kenzie.”
“Let's not and say we did.” Why is everyone in my business? Men never talk about what's bothering them.
“Are you having women problems?” Simon chimes in.
“You don't have to say a thing. It's written on your face, Mikael. I don't know why you picked up with Chelsey when you have Kenzie. And she's got it bad for you.”
“No, she doesn't. We're friends.” As I utter the words, I know I'm in over my head. There's something about Chelsey I can't put my finger on, but in the back of my mind, I know something will transpire that will make me second-guess her. I'm waiting for that moment. Am I projecting the end of us? Am I doomed to repeat another dating failure? Why do I continue to date women who don't have the same values as me? I want my home life to be away from the cameras. I don't need a more expensive car every year. I jet-set with the men and their families and wish I had one. Is Finn right? Will I end up alone?
“No, I agree with Finn. I saw how she looked at you, and any man would be honored for a woman to gaze adoringly at him like that. She's into you. I like her. Bella and I are looking into Labrador puppies, too. See, she's pretty and smart.”
Chelsey understands my world, which is a plus. However, Kenzie sees hockey for the first time, and she is interested in the sport. She was hollering for our team and hanging around the burn bin like she belonged. I can't even picture Chelsey standing next to the sweaty, stinky men at the burn bin. She won't be happy when her hair smells of the campfire at the end of the day. I'm sure she'd last an hour sitting in the heated tent sipping cinnamon apple cider. But would she be happy about it?
Doubtful.
Chelsey will mention charity events and public relations press releases about players at them, but she's never mentioned volunteering for one in the two years I've known her. Kenzie made a smash cake for Jared, which wasn't a one-time thing. She's done it for numerous kids who graduated from the pediatric oncology floor.
That takes courage, especially when she was once there herself. I admire that. She has an inner strength that can't be matched.
I hope she gets her loan to buy the bakery.
I turn to Finn, and he walks around the store in skis. He even checks himself out in the full-length mirror.
“Wow. You're a prima donna,” I chuckle.
“You didn't know that?” Simon asks.
“What? I have to see how I look in them.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “You're so vain you give the women we date a run for their money.”
Finn turns to me. “You're not kidding. What the fuck am I doing?” He unclips the skis and carries them to the register. “I need a new jacket and gloves.”
“Where do you keep this shit?” Simon quips.
“I have the huge closet in the basement. If I were to find a girlfriend, I'm sure she'll take it over, so I'm filling it while I can,” he smiles mischievously.
“You and I have a ton in common. Why do we feel we must be perfect with everyone we date?”
“It's normal. It's probably left over from the caveman days when we hunted and brought dinner home. Now, we don't need to bring food as an offering of our devotion, so we internalize it. We have to be men and do manly things, so we conquer sports and take our women on exotic vacations to be romantic. We have to up our game and show the women we can provide things for them. It's probably one of those damn love language things,” Simon says.
“Love language?” What the hell is he talking about?
“You know that book that was all the rage years ago? Bella told me that everyone has a love language. It has something to do with how we're wired. Does she like gifts? Or your attention and affection?
“I'm not sure.”
“It's something women love, but I'm not into it,” Simon shrugs as he reaches for another down vest. “Unless you're in the shitter and you need to get out of it, that is. Then, knowing your wife's love language is invaluable.”
My interest is piqued.
“What is Bella's love language?”
“She loves affection.”
“Dude, don't you ever notice how handsy they are at every event? They are making PG-13 love in public,” Finn states matter-of-factly.
She's very close to Bo—they have a long history of friendship. And she adores Sherlock. I think she considers me a great friend, but is Kenzie into me?
Why not? I bring home a paycheck, I play sports, and I love her dog. I'm sure she'd be down to hang out with me more.
When I remember our Italian dinner, she was exquisite in regular clothes, and her smile warmed my heart. Come to think of it, we both smile when we're together. And her green eyes mesmerize me. I make her smile like when I ordered champagne at the pub. She was surprised and demure until she had a few sips of alcohol. She might be nervous in new situations, but she quickly adjusts. It's a great skill set to have because, in my world, something is always happening with the team or the media. The news and social media never take a day off. Rumors of trades, injuries, coaches, and team dynamics are only a few topics discussed daily.
Kenzie would roll with the ups and downs. God knows, she's had plenty.
I'm on edge worrying about her business loan. She doesn't own a house, and I doubt she has equity in anything other than her car. That might not be enough to qualify.
I can't shake my worry, so I text Kenzie, asking if she has received an answer.
Kenzie: I'm bummed. I didn't get the loan.
“Oh, shit.”
“What?” Finn asks, his forehead furrowing with concern.
“Kenzie didn't get the loan she needs to buy the bakery.”
“That sucks. I hope she has wealthy friends.”
“I doubt it,” I counter. “And even if she did, I doubt she'd ask for help.” Kenzie is a self-made woman. She told me she went to college on a scholarship.
“Bummer. Maybe you can help her. You do angel investing,” Finn states.
“I do...”
Wait—it's a great idea.
Would she let me help her?
What if I ask her, and she says no?
I can’t risk her saying no. I want her to have this.
Asking might jeopardize our friendship. I can't take the chance. She’s too important to me.
The safest bet is to be an anonymous investor.
That way, it would be a win/win. I'd get to help her, and she'd never need to know.
I'm in! I text my attorney.
“Your idea is fantastic, Finn,” I excitedly exclaimed. “I’m going to do it!”