17. Zane Ortiz
17
Zane Ortiz
“I can’t believe you thought P was a fan,” Robyn says, laughing and sipping on her mocktail.
This lunch turned out to be more enjoyable than I expected. When Pearl mentioned that her roommate would join us, I welcomed Robyn’s company without any hesitation. I wasn’t about to risk anything that might distance me from Sweet P.
From the moment I laid my eyes on her, I felt an inexplicable pull, as if she belonged in my life. I am open to endure whatever antics or obstacles as long as it means getting to know her.
Except Robyn is an absolute joy to be around. She’s a hardcore Glaciers fan and really into hockey. Despite not playing it herself, she possesses incredible insights and noteworthy strategies for our team. Robyn has attended all our local games and can recite each recent match with impressive detail. She knows every player’s strengths and weaknesses and discusses game tactics like a seasoned coach. It’s clear that she’s studied each player carefully, and that’s the kind of fan I’d love to hang out with—someone who genuinely appreciates everything about the game.
I’m conscious of not getting too caught up. I don’t want Pearl to feel left out. It almost feels as though Pearl brought Robyn along to divert my attention, but it would take more than a hockey enthusiast to draw my gaze away from her.
They are both sitting across from me at La Basilique , a charming French restaurant I originally booked when it was just meant to be Pearl and me. Soft, ambient lighting bathes the space in a warm, inviting glow, while smooth jazz melodies fill the air.
Although my seat doesn’t offer a view outside, I can’t complain too much about the sight in front of me. Pearl looks stunning in a mustard maxi dress with thin straps, her hair styled in an elegant updo.
She must be one of those people who always dress in their Sunday best. I love that her style is never flashy, but always elegant and classy in her own way.
“I just don’t get how someone can hate hockey,” I say, pulling Pearl into the conversation.
“Hate may be a strong word. I just don’t care for the game,” she replies.
“You have no basis to say that when you haven’t even come to a game,” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
“I wouldn’t even know what’s going on.” She gives me her adorable shy smile.
What a beauty !
“She’s never even watched a game on TV. I’m telling you, she can’t stand hockey. I think it’s the fights,” Robyn interjects.
Pearl looks a bit embarrassed. I hope I didn’t make her feel less for not being interested in my favorite sport. I know it’s not for everyone, even though this little town makes it seem like it is.
I decide to change the subject. “So, what do you like to do for fun? How do you relax?”
“I like to read,” Pearl responds, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Clearly, she doesn’t need to share my passion for hockey. She has her own thing.
“What do you read?” I notice Robyn checking her phone, giving us some space to chat.
“I read it all. Fiction, nonfiction, textbooks,” Pearl answers with a laugh.
“I think the last time I read was in high school for homework,” I admit, expecting her to poke fun at me.
“Reading is a great escape for me. It’s like traveling without spending a dime. But I guess you already travel a lot for games and stuff.”
“Yeah, we do travel, but it’s nothing like going on a vacation. We’re only there for the game.”
Her phone rings, and Pearl looks at me apologetically. It’s the first time her phone has interrupted our conversation, and I don’t mind her taking the call. It’s probably important. I nod at her, signaling that she should answer.
Before she picks up, Pearl glances at Robyn, showing her the caller ID. Robyn’s expression changes, and I can tell they both recognize the significance of this interruption .
Sensing that they might need a moment to talk privately, I decide to give them some space. “Excuse me,” I say with a slight smile. “I’ll use the restroom real quick.”
I walk around the corner toward the restroom area, following the hallway that seems to lead toward the kitchen. The air is filled with the delightful scents of fine wine and freshly baked bread. Elegant chandeliers cast a soft light overhead, and I catch a glimpse of a vintage clock hanging on the wall, its hands ticking away steadily.
I stand by the restroom entrance and keep glancing at the clock.
Several restroom acceptable minutes pass and I’m about to peek around the corner to see if Pearl is done, when I inadvertently overhear Robyn’s voice echoing from our table.
I pause, caught between the desire not to eavesdrop and my genuine curiosity about Pearl’s difficulty in saying no to certain people—something she hasn’t struggled with when it comes to me.
“You have got to learn to say no sometimes, P. If you don’t want to be there, why force yourself, especially if they told you at the last minute?”
“How are you encouraging this? You’re the one who urged me to go back to church and stop wallowing in my pain,” Pearl’s voice echoes. “And Lydia thinks it looks bad that two bridesmaids are missing.”
“But you’re over Duke, aren’t you? It’s not the same as missing church because you were heartbroken. We’re out and having a good time with our friend, Zane Ortiz. ”
“You just met him. We’ve known Kate for years, and we’re bridesmaids.”
My heart sinks at the mention of Duke and a broken heart. Frozen in place, I wrestle with the dilemma of having overheard something I shouldn’t have. Should I let them see me and let Pearl wonder if I heard about Duke breaking her heart? Or should I stay hidden, count to ten, and then return?
Deciding to stay put, I take a deep breath and quietly count to regain composure. After a moment, I turn and make my way back toward our table.
I clear my throat lightly to signal my return. The air around the table feels charged with the weight of what I had overheard, and I struggle to find the right words to break the tension.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
Pearl looks up, her expression full of concern. Robyn’s gaze meets mine briefly before she shifts her focus back to Pearl.
“You remember the couple that invited me to their engagement party?” Pearl begins, her tone slightly hesitant.
“Of course. That’s kind of hard to forget,” I reply, carefully avoiding mentioning Kate’s and Duke’s names after overhearing their conversation.
“Robyn and I are bridesmaids, and another bridesmaid called us asking us to come to the party for a few minutes. And, honestly, she has a point. We should be there.”
“So, I take it you and the bride are close?” I ask.
Robyn shakes her head immediately, but Pearl nods. “We’ve been attending the same church for a while. We’ve done small groups together and led the youth. I wouldn’t call her a best friend, but we’re definitely friends.”
“Of course you wouldn’t. That seat is already taken,” Robyn says with a mischievous smirk, pointing to herself.
The smile Pearl gives Robyn is one for the books. I can only hope to receive such a genuine smile from her someday.
“I can come with you if you want. It’s my recovery day,” I offer.
Pearl furrows her brow in confusion. “Why would you subject yourself to another fan attack?”
“As long as you don’t leave me this time, I won’t mind.” A grin forms on her perfect lips.
“I think that’s perfect. The whole church is filled with Glaciers fans. It might be a bit awkward at first, but they’ll warm up to you and treat you like one of their own after a while,” Robyn says with much enthusiasm.
“Well, I don’t know about the single ladies who’re ready to mingle, treating you normally, but I’m sure you’re used to girls flirting with you,” Pearl adds.
The way she says it, it’s almost like she’s daring me to back out. I’m definitely used to women flirting with me, but lately, I haven’t been responding to any of them. With my mind solely focused on Pearl, I doubt anyone will succeed in diverting my attention from her, especially now that I know Duke broke her heart. My reason for going is none other than to ensure he doesn’t have the opportunity to hurt her again.