Chapter 16
CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
brUCE
The D.C. Eagles #1 Fan page on hockeyisbetterthanfootball.com
Sheryl Adams: *meme of Bruce McBride in net but his pads are replaced with images of Swiss cheese*
Todd Ferguson: they should’ve used the backup goalie last night!
Craig Nottingham: How come when Sheryl makes fun of McBride it’s funny, but when I do it, I’m a “fair weather fan”??
Todd Ferguson: Because you’re always negative about everything, Craig.
Craig Nottingham: I’m a realist.
Todd Ferguson: You misspelled pessimist.
Harry Johnson: How come you guys always blame the goalie after a loss? Why’s it never the defense, or the amount of power plays we gave the other team?
Craig Nottingham: A real goalie would make up for all that.
Todd Ferguson: I’m with Harry here. Anderson and Rasmussen kept giving the other team power plays last night. It’s hard for a goalie to defend when the opposing team has an extra player on ice.
Craig Nottingham: Harry, do you have a crush on Bruce McBride or something? You’re annoying.
With a frustrated sigh, I force myself to log off the fan group for the night. I’m just torturing myself at this point.
I’m in a mood this morning, anyway. We lost game three against New York last night and still have two days left here. I feel antsy and ready to get back home. West told us all Mel is pregnant, which is why she’s been so sick over the last month. And now I’m worried Farrah won’t have help during the events they have scheduled.
I want to be there helping her, but I should be more focused on helping my team. I hate the panic that seeps in when I’m not part of something…when I’m not helping in every way I can.
I wish she would’ve left more of her stuff at my penthouse so I could bring it to her the moment I get back. I even find myself wishing Mel’s morning sickness would stay put—like a total asshole—just so I can step in and help Farrah during events.
Would somebody give me a task that involves seeing Farrah? Please. For the love.
My phone pings, and I roll my eyes, expecting a notification from hockeyisbetterthanfootball.com, but I lean forward with my heart pounding in my chest when Farrah’s name pops up, instead.
Until this moment, she has never initiated any of our conversations. It’s always been me chasing her—and what a thrill the chase is—but it’s nice to know she doesn’t totally hate me.
Farrah
Rough game last night. The guys were really piling up the penalties.
Finally. Someone gets it. I’m always working on my focus, and on catching pucks from every angle. It’s all I work on all week during practices. But it helps if my teammates are keeping the puck out of the defensive end.
Bruce
Yeah, not our best work last night. You were watching, eh?
Farrah
I watch every game. I try to stay home with Nella so Amber can go to home games though.
My shoulders slump. I can’t be mad at my girl, Nella. Even if she’s keeping me from seeing her beautiful aunt.
Bruce
I’ve missed seeing you in the crowd.
It takes a full minute for her to finally respond, and when she does, she changes the subject. I invited her to flirt…and she did not accept.
Farrah
Question…did you watch a romance before the game yesterday?
Bruce
You think I skipped my movie time and that’s why we lost?
Farrah
just helping you troubleshoot.
Bruce
Actually, I watched Thumbelina. I don’t usually watch cartoons…maybe they’re not as lucky.
Farrah
Maybe not. I have a recommendation for the next game.
I bite my bottom lip, enjoying this immensely. That she’s been thinking about this…thinking about me.
Bruce
Okay, shoot.
Farrah
Footloose.
I hum. I haven’t seen that one.
Bruce
Done. But if we lose the next game, it’s on you.
Farrah
No pressure?
Bruce
But if we win, I’ll be looking for more of your recs. If we win, you’re obviously a good luck charm.
Farrah shocks me with her next response. It’s the closest she’s ever come to flirting back.
Farrah
Are you saying I could replace your pickup?
Bruce
Yeux bleus, you’d be better than any good luck charm I could ever dream up.