Chapter Five #3
Snorting out a laugh, Spencer said, “You think this is scary? I saw them kiss.”
Oh, that will totally start rumours spreading.
“What?” Ajax shouted. Then stared at them again.
“Yes. We kissed,” Louis clarified. “I like Rosie. She likes me. Get over it.”
“Are you two dating now?” Morgan asked. “Do we have a new Mum now? Hank will be so upset when he finds out you’ve replaced him.”
“Hank is a big boy. He’ll get over it.” Louis rolled his eyes again. They would hurt soon if he rolled them again. Whispering so only Rosie could hear, he said, “I can let go if they are making you uncomfortable.”
“No. I’m happy.” She even snuggled in closer. “This is funny.”
That made him feel on top of the world knowing she wanted to hug him, and that she wasn’t worried about who knew.
Focusing on the rookies again, he answered, “We are not dating. Yet. I am hoping to win her affection. You two are not helping with that.”
“Oh! Good plan,” Morgan replied. “She will like us more. And then we can do less interviews.” He even rubbed his hands together with glee.
“I don’t care about you two!” Louis retorted. “I can ask her to make you do more. I like her, for her.”
He felt Rosie melt in his arms.
Turning to Spencer, he threw his phone at him. “Emerald was asking about you. Please drop her a message to confirm proof of life.”
“Why can’t you do it?” Spencer asked, grinning at the hug.
Louis pulled a face. “I am busy right now.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Spencer teased, “Wow. You are letting me talk to your sister. Must be getting serious.”
That just got him a scowl in response from Louis. Smiling innocently, Spencer made a video call. Louis didn’t pay attention to what was said, but it made Emerald giggle. That was what counted. Morgan and Ajax even joined in. That was good, at least they were annoying someone else now.
Eventually, the whole team appeared to wait for news. No one else commented about Rosie in his arms, almost like they expected it.
Dr Jenkins came out, surprised to see everyone. “He’s fine,” she told them. “Very bruised. But he is cleared to go home.” Then she noticed Louis and who he was holding. Staring at Rosie, she then winked. “Surprising. But adorable.”
Hank hobbled out, holding his ribs. Staring in Louis’s and Rosie’s direction, he held out his arms. “Ah. A friendly face.”
Reluctantly letting go of Rosie, Louis offered him a hug. This man was his friend, and if he needed a hug, he would get one.
Hank was almost offended and brushed Louis away with a laugh and a push of his hand. Which made Louis laugh. “Not you.”
It was Rosie he gave a hug to. She didn’t fight it, she welcomed it. Louis felt so relieved. His best friend had needed a hug, and she had been ready to give one, so he had some comfort.
That caused Morgan to scream again. “Our mums are hugging!”
Hank frowned. “What?”
“Ignore him,” Louis responded quickly. “Morgan. Shut up.”
It felt good seeing her involved. It felt good that everyone was bantering and smiling. Hank could have been seriously hurt.
Unfortunately, it had to come to an end. Rosie let go of Hank and turned serious. “Sorry boys, time for interviews.”
They all groaned, and she had an evil smile on her face. “Morgan. Ajax. You’re up.”
They sighed, accepting their fate, and they followed after her like good little boys.
“You, too, Louis.” That stern look she gave him made him smile.
“Ha!” Morgan shouted in triumph as he skipped ahead.
Louis gave a single nod and put his hands in his pockets. “Thought that might happen.”
And you know what? He didn’t mind. He would follow her anywhere.
Spencer waved, still holding Louis’s phone. No doubt Louis would regret that quickly since Spencer could talk to Emerald and Vince the whole time he was away. Plotting. Or flirting.
“Have fun!” Hank said cheerfully.
“You’re lucky you’re injured,” Louis fake grumbled.
Not that he meant it. Hank took a big hit to protect his goal. Louis couldn’t ask for a better goaltender. It did mean he avoided today’s interviews, though.
“Yeah, so lucky to be hit by a wall,” Hank responded, laughing.
With that, Louis followed. For once, he was grinning during the interview instead of feeling that sense of doom.
They were the generic questions asking about the game, how Hank was, and what would they do to prepare for the next time they met that team.
Louis couldn’t exactly admit he was out for revenge, but judging by the questions, it wouldn’t shock anyone.
Once they were finished, Morgan and Ajax were up ahead and eager to leave. Louis caught up to Rosie.
“I meant what I said the other night. I would like to spend time with you. If you were up for it soon?”
He’d given her a few days space as asked, wanting her to find peace again. If she said no, he would wait if she needed more time. There was no hurry. If she was still interested, that was.
“Sounds intriguing.” She kept her eyes forward, but she was smiling widely.
“Would you like to go to dinner with me?” Louis asked quietly. “There is a nice tapas restaurant I thought you might like.”
Stopping, she faced him. “I would really like that.”