Chapter 17
Gwen
“So it’s official now? Girlfriend?” Tess asks while we wait for Lisa to arrive. Standing out on the street makes me uneasy, like someone might recognize me from the picture and the story that’s been spread. It’s a new kind of anxiety I’m not entirely comfortable with.
“It’s official,” I reply with a small smile, avoiding eye contact with a couple walking past. They glance in our direction but keep moving without saying anything.
“Maybe putting your name in the bowl for that ice skating thing wasn’t such a bad idea after all,” Tess shrugs.
“Just like hiring a bakery intern wasn’t such a bad thing either,” I chuckle.
“That must be her,” Tess says, pointing to a silver car pulling up beside us. Music is playing loudly from inside.
“Get in, ladies,” Lisa calls as she rolls down the window. “I brought coffee. Figured that wouldn’t hurt.”
“Thanks,” I say as we get in. “And thanks for picking us up. I could definitely use the distraction.”
“I need a dress for a date, and you, Gwen, need an outfit for your first ice hockey game as the star player’s girlfriend,” Lisa explains. Her words linger in my mind, and I feel a wave of nerves settle in.
“I never really thought of it that way,” I admit, my voice a little unsteady.
“We’ll all go to the game,” Tess adds from the passenger seat, trying to reassure me.
“Yes, we will!” Lisa says excitedly. “And we’ll have drinks at Zane’s place afterward. He’ll love it.”
The idea of being the star player’s girlfriend still sits heavily in my thoughts. I do like Zane, I don’t regret anything that’s happened, but it’s still a lot to process. I close my eyes briefly and lean my head back against the seat.
“Wait,” Tess says suddenly. “What date? What do you need a dress for?” she asks Lisa, who clearly can’t contain her excitement.
“It’s a bit early to talk about it, but I’m going on a date with a really cute guy. I’ve known him for a while, but people change, right?” Lisa says, half to herself.
“I’ve seen it firsthand,” Tess replies, crossing her arms with a confident nod. “A year ago, I would’ve laughed if someone told me I’d end up dating Leo, but now he’s the sweetest person I know,” she says with a soft sigh.
“You two are adorable,” Lisa says warmly.
“I didn’t know you were an Ella Langley fan,” I comment as another song starts playing.
“Are you kidding me? I’ve seen her live at least twenty times,” Lisa laughs.
“Twenty?” Tess asks in disbelief.
“I haven’t even been to a single show, and you’ve seen Ella Langley twenty times. What am I doing wrong?” I laugh.
“We’re definitely changing that. Next time a cool band is in town, we’re going to a show,” Lisa insists.
We’re almost at the mall now. I recognize the coffee shop and the taco place down the street when my phone buzzes.
ZANE: Hope you’re doing ok. I learned yesterday you look really good in red, in case you need shopping advice xx
I can’t help but smile and blush as I stare at the screen. The fact that he remembers the color of my thong makes my chest flutter in a way I can’t quite explain.
“What are you smiling about?” Lisa asks. I glance up at her through the rearview mirror, unsure of what to say. “Actually, if it’s related to my brother, maybe don’t tell me,” she adds with a laugh. “Unless you want to. But don’t.”
“He’s so dreamy and sweet,” I sigh as Tess laughs.
“I don’t know about the dreamy part, but he’s definitely sweet,” Lisa agrees.
“Since Leo isn’t your brother, I need some fun lingerie,” Tess comments.
“He kind of feels like a brother to me, you know,” I tease Tess, earning another laugh from Lisa.
“Alright, let’s get to shopping,” Lisa says as she parks in front of the mall.
The number of people walking around makes me a little nervous. Chicago is big, but sometimes it still feels like a small town. I take a deep breath before stepping out of the car.
“You’re going to be fine,” Lisa reassures me. “And if anyone tries to bring us down today, I’ll handle them,” she adds, placing a hand on her hip.
“You know, I actually believe you,” I laugh as we head toward the entrance.
“Malls always feel overwhelming,” Tess says, scanning the area. “I don’t really go shopping anymore.”
“Ok, we’ll be strategic,” Lisa tells us as she starts listing things off. “We need lingerie for Tess, a super cute ice hockey outfit for Gwen, and a date outfit for me. Let’s start here,” she says, leading us into a clothing store.
“Didn’t you move back recently?” I ask. “You know this place better than we do.”
“I remember the things that matter,” Lisa laughs.
We step inside and begin browsing. Tess and I move along the racks while Lisa heads toward a section with dresses. She pulls out a dark green dress, the fabric catching the light with a soft, silky sheen.
“That color would look gorgeous on you,” I say. Lisa studies it closely.
“Do you think it’s too much for a first date?”
“What are you doing on the first date?” Tess asks.
“It’s a bit of a strange story, but I told him he had to prove he can be a gentleman,” Lisa begins. “He said he’d take me to a fancy restaurant and maybe out for cocktails after.”
There’s a mix of nerves and excitement in her expression, and it makes me smile.
“This seems perfect for a fancy dinner and cocktails,” I suggest. “Try it on.”
Lisa agrees and heads straight for the fitting room, leaving Tess and me waiting outside.
“Do you think Holt caused the article?” I ask Tess. We hadn’t really heard the name Holt until yesterday morning, but now it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
“I’m honestly not sure, but don’t worry too much about it. I’m sure the guys have your back,” Tess reassures me.
“It feels like a lot,” Lisa says as she opens the curtain and reveals the dress. The silhouette hugs her body in all the right places, and she looks absolutely incredible.
“Are you kidding me? This is perfection,” I say immediately.
“I couldn’t agree more. You’re officially obligated to buy this dress,” Tess adds.
Lisa turns around, studying her reflection from every angle in the mirror.
“I do have some cute heels that would go well with this,” she says softly. “Ok, I’ll do it,” she adds after a brief pause, and Tess and I exchange satisfied smiles.
After Lisa pays for the dress, we follow her to another store.
“The team colors are blue and orange,” Lisa says, turning to study my face. “I think orange is the best option for you. What do you think?” she asks Tess.
Tess follows her lead and looks at me too, as though they’re evaluating me all over again.
“You are officially making me feel weird,” I laugh.
“Orange. Definitely orange,” Tess confirms before they both split up and start browsing the store. I shrug and follow along.
At one of the racks, I find an orange blouse that catches my eye. It’s made of a linen fabric with silver buttons.
“Oh, you should definitely try that,” Lisa says as she walks over, holding up an orange T-shirt. “I thought this might look nice as well,” she adds, pressing the shirt into my hands.
With both of them teaming up, I know I won’t win this debate, so I head to the fitting room to try everything on.
I quickly remove my shirt and try on the orange T-shirt first. It’s tighter than I expected and highlights areas I’d rather not emphasize.
“Definitely not,” I say, pulling the curtain open slightly so Tess and Lisa can see.
“We were right about the color, though,” Lisa replies, her positivity making me smile.
I close the curtain again and switch to the blouse. I’m not wearing a tank top underneath, so it’s slightly see-through, but it still looks flattering.
“Just imagine I’m not exposing myself and that I’m wearing something underneath,” I warn them before opening the curtain.
“Wear it like that and Zane will lose his mind,” Tess jokes, earning a sharp look from Lisa.
“I guess she might be right, but I’m choosing not to go there,” Lisa laughs. “The blouse looks amazing, though. I seriously think we have a winner already.”
“I think so too,” I smile before closing the curtain and slipping back into my shirt.
“Let’s grab a drink,” Lisa suggests once I step out of the fitting room.
“We still need to find Tess something,” I reply, but Tess excitedly holds up a purple bra.
“This was literally hanging right next to the fitting room, and it’s my size. Isn’t it perfect?” she asks, practically glowing as we head toward the register.
“Leo’s going to love it,” I say with a smile.
After we pay, Lisa tells us about a smoothie bar she used to visit, and we all agree it’s worth checking out.
“This side of the mall has changed a lot,” Lisa sighs, glancing around. “The smoothie bar used to be over there,” she adds, pointing to the left.
“I’m sure it still tastes great,” Tess says as she sets our tray of smoothies down.
“I needed this,” I exhale as we sit. “This has been quite a day.”
“It sure has,” Lisa agrees.
“Is the ice hockey life always this dramatic?” Tess asks Lisa, who immediately bursts into laughter.
“You think ice hockey is dramatic? Try figure skating,” she replies.
“You were a figure skater?” I ask, surprised.
“Yep. I got silver at the national championship a few years ago,” she says with a small shrug.
“That’s incredible. So your whole family loves being on the ice,” I laugh.
“Zane and I definitely do. Or used to, I guess. My parents, not so much. They’re a bit more difficult, but that’s a story for another time,” she explains.
“What made you stop figure skating? It sounds like you were really good,” Tess asks.
“I couldn’t handle the pressure anymore. The figure skating culture in my hometown was brutal. It’s one of the reasons I moved West, actually. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I still get triggered when I’m near the ice,” Lisa admits with a quiet, somber expression.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea it could be like that. It always looks so elegant on TV,” Tess says gently.
“Well, like everything in life, there’s a good side and a bad side,” Lisa replies with a soft smile.
“Should we have dinner together tonight?” I ask, sensing the shift in mood. “We could hang out at my place and order pizza,” I suggest.
“I’m definitely down,” Lisa responds immediately.
“Me too,” Tess adds with a smile.