15. Zane Ortiz
15
Zane Ortiz
Leaving Randy’s café turned out to be a stroke of luck. I should’ve known that dropping by during lunchtime would come with a price, but I never imagined it would be this intense. It feels like I spent an eternity posing for pictures and signing autographs. By the time I finally pull into my garage, I’m utterly drained.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my fans and their support. But the whole smiling-for-the-camera routine? It’s just not my thing. I’m more comfortable as the mysterious, brooding hockey player that’s untouchable. And that reputation hasn’t steered me wrong, even if it means people assume I’m easily angered. Although that seemed to be the case when I overheard that girl talking down to Pearl.
I couldn’t help but listen in. I shouldn’t have been eavesdropping, but I’ve got a thing for sniffing out tension. And after feeling powerless for so long, I can’t stand by and watch someone else get bullied.
Maybe the girl didn’t mean any harm, but from Pearl’s voice, I could tell she wasn’t having a good time being belittled about her weekend plans. I know it wasn’t my place, but I had to step in.
What surprised me most was how quickly Pearl left without saying a word. I wonder if she didn’t need me to intervene.
Did I make things worse? Did I ruin any chance of getting to know her?
There’s only one way to find out. I pull up her practice’s number and give her a call. After a few rings, she picks up.
“Hey, Sweet P,” I greet her, fully aware that the new nickname gets under her skin. It’s good to know that the only other person who calls her this isn’t a Robert as I had feared. When I overheard the conversation earlier, they mentioned a Robyn, and she must definitely be Pearl’s Robs.
Now I know for sure she’s single and I have gained a few other insights into her —all the tidbits she didn’t want to give me willingly.
“Hi, Zane? Why do you keep calling me that?”
“I like it. I mean, I thought it was pretty unique at first, but I don’t mind sharing this with Robs.”
“If you must know,” she sighs, “Robyn only calls me P, and she’s my best friend.”
“Ahh, so there isn’t a Robert?” I pretend to only figure it out now. “Then it’s settled, Sweet P.”
“Why did you call the office?” she asks dryly, sounding like she has no clue why I’m calling.
Hello, it’s the huge elephant in the room.
I decide to play along. “Since you refused to give me your personal number, how else do you suggest I reach you?”
“Why do you need my phone number if you’ve already decided to always stalk me at Randy’s?”
“I don’t think I’m gonna step foot there for at least a couple of weeks.” I can’t risk another swarm of fans. They can’t know that Randy’s café is my spot.
There’s no way today would be a repeat so soon.
“I’m sorry. That was all my fault. I just don’t know why you felt the need to blow your cover for me.”
“I didn’t do it for you. I’ve been trying to make plans with you for a few days now, so when the opportunity arose, I had to take it.” I joke.
In reality, I couldn’t just sit back and watch. I guess it’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine—seeing people being picked on, especially for something as trivial as not having a packed social calendar. If anything, Pearl and I are more alike than I thought.
“Something’s seriously wrong with you, Zane. Did you take a puck to the head or something?”
“Oh, you’re full of jokes,” I respond, amused. “Look at that. This is the friendliest you’ve ever been with me. Are you one of those people who are lively on calls but turn into a total introvert in person?”
I hear a giggle at the end of the line, and it stirs something inside me.
“Again, I’m sorry. You seem like someone who prefers to keep a low profile. I can’t imagine what it was like dealing with all those people. ”
“Don’t sweat it, unless you’re bailing on our Sunday plans. It’s all part of the job, and I figured sooner or later I’d be caught at Randy’s during the lunch rush,” I chuckle, trying to downplay the chaos. I don’t want her feeling guilty—it was my decision to be seen. “But seriously, why didn’t you just say you weren’t up for their engagement party? It was on such short notice. Anyone would’ve understood.”
She pauses. “I couldn’t. I’m not known for saying no to things.”
“ Pfft , you say no to me all the time. In fact, you love saying no. It’s like declining invitations is your favorite thing to do.”
“I mean, Kate and Duke are my friends from church. I feel so guilty I lied to them. I try not to lie. I’m a Christian.”
“I guess it wasn’t your finest Christian moment. But don’t beat yourself up; technically, you didn’t lie since you and I have plans on Sunday.”
She shifts gears abruptly. “Are you a believer?”
“What does that have to do with our plans?”
“I stopped dating guys who don’t share the same values as me a long time ago,” she says curtly.
“Who said anything about a date? I told you I just need a friend, and I know you could be a good one.” I, on the other hand, have no problem bending the truth as long as I’m not harming anyone and it helps me get to know her.
“I still don’t understand your intentions with me, Zane. I know you’re trying to hit on me, and the fact that you keep denying it makes you sus. ”
“Me? Suspicious? Never. If you don’t want to rope me into your lie, then let’s plan something for Sunday. Now, I need your number to coordinate.”
I hear her growl in frustration, but she relents and gives me her number before bidding me goodbye.
Now that I have her number, I can bother her anytime.
I may have to thank Kate and Duke after all.