Chapter 10
“No cane?” I asked, watching Ford walk into the room. He looked good.
“Yeah. Can’t use the cane out on the ice,” he said.
I nodded.
“I still use it off the ice sometimes because…I guess it’s like a security blanket. Hey, thanks for doing this, man. I appreciate it,” Ford said, his brow furrowed as he bent over, tying his skates.
“Why wouldn’t I do this?”
“Shit, I don’t know. I guess I’m just feeling some kind of way for even having to ask you to. The ice is my second home, and here I am…scared of it,” he admitted.
“You got hurt, benched. Ain’t no shame in being apprehensive about getting back out on the ice,” I said.
Ford nodded, returning his attention to his skates as he asked, “Who you sneak off to talk to at the reception? I saw your ass on your phone looking all clandestine and shit.”
“I see your ass ain’t worried enough not to fuck with me,” I muttered.
Ford laughed. “I’m just saying…you looked real sprightly when you came back to the table.”
“I would tell you, but you stupid,” I said.
He threw his head back, howling. “Why you gotta act like this, man? Who’s your new woman? When’s the wedding? I know your ass don’t waste no time.”
“Hey, Ford?”
“Yeah?”
“When we get out on the ice, I want you to dive into the net and fuck yourself.”
This fool’s laughter followed me as I left the Sires locker room, heading into the tunnel.
Ishmia: You like the ocean?
I scratched my forehead as I read the random text from one of the biggest rap stars in the world who was now my…friend?
Life was wild.
Me: I do. You could even call me a thalassophile.
Her: A who?
Me: It’s a person who loves the ocean.
Her: I’m the opposite of that. You’re a water sign?
Me: Correct. Pisces.
I omitted: I think. No one knew for sure since my birth date was merely an estimate.
Her: I figured. I hate it.
Me: You hate the ocean or that I’m a Pisces?
Her: The ocean. It scares me.
Me: Why?
Her: Because it would be foolish not to be afraid of something that big and powerful.
Me: That makes sense.
Her: I’m in NYC.
Me: Word? You working?
Her: Yes. Wanna come hang out with me?
Smiling, I bit my bottom lip and sent: Sure. When?
Her: Now. I can send my jet.
I was damn near giggling at that point.
Me: No need. I can make my way there. Where should I meet you?