Carmen launches into an overview of the day. I’m going to take Sophie to Boston on Saturday. I don’t have a game, and Carmen has already made sure Sophie’s not busy. I need to ask her myself, but the details are settled. She even gives me the name of the park where Sophie’s dad proposed to her mom. I’m obviously not going to propose, but Carmen says its Sophie’s favorite park. Her parents came to Boston on their fifth anniversary of dating, and it turned into a big proposal. There were ducks involved.
I take notes as Carmen tells me what to do. I’m glad I let her get involved. This date is going to be perfect. Sophie is going to love it.
I add my own flair, too. I don’t want her to think I’m only trying to please her. There’s a Bruins game that afternoon, so I buy us tickets. It’ll be the perfect combination of something I love and something she loves.
Carmen approves of my idea. She stands over my shoulder as I compose a text to Sophie.
“Hey,” I type. “I was wondering if you’d go to Boston with me on Saturday as a date. I just want one chance to prove it’s worth it. What do you say?”
I throw the phone on the couch after I hit send. I’m scared to see her response. What if she says no? All of this planning will be for nothing.
“Travis, when she tells me to fuck off, you’re going to the game with me. Those tickets were nonrefundable.”
He laughs. “I’ll take one for the team. Is it wrong that I want her to say no?”
“Yes, it’s wrong. We want them together, remember?”
“Yeah, but I like the Bruins.”
“You can see games when you play for them. Now, it’s time to go. I’m hungry. Let’s leave Matt to avoid his phone on his own.”
“Sounds good to me. See you later, man. Good luck.”
Carmen gives me a quick hug. “Let me know how it goes, okay?”
I promise I will and see them out. With them gone, I find the courage to check my phone. There’s an unread message from Sophie.
All it says is, “Okay...”
19
Sophie
What was I thinking, agreeing to this date with Matt?
I know exactly what I was thinking. I’d tried texting Zack and it wasn’t going well. We have nothing to talk to. I finally told him that I think we should be friends. He agreed, and that was it. I doubt I’ll be hearing from him again. We’re not going to be friends. We can barely keep up a conversation. That’s not how friends talk to each other.
Now, it’s nine in the morning and I’m waiting for Matt to pick me up. It’s a two-hour drive from our school to Boston and the hockey game we’re going to starts at one. I’m glad he told me what the agenda was. I meant it when I said I hate surprises. The dog shelter ended up being a good surprise, but Matt got lucky with that one. I’d rather know what to expect.
Plus, this way I can dress appropriately. After the game, we’re going to walk around Boston for a bit, so I know to wear comfortable shoes. I also bring a sweatshirt because even though it’s warm enough for just long sleeves, I know I’ll get cold at the arena.
Matt texts me to let me know he’s outside. I double check that I have everything in my purse and lock the door as I leave.
I’m glad Carmen isn’t here to see me off. When I told her about the date, she got really excited. She said that him showing me something he loves is a good thing. We did something for me last time. This time, it’s about him.
I’m nervous. We’re calling it a date this time. We’re not beating around the bush or pretending to be friends.
The fact that I agreed is insane. I told him I didn’t want to date him. I’m glad he didn’t give up. I want to go out with him. I like Matt so much more than I’ve ever liked a guy.
It’s ridiculous, of course. But when do relationships ever make sense?
Okay, I guess they should always make sense. In this case, I don’t mind that it doesn’t. I’m a senior in college. Isn’t this when I should be experimenting? That includes dating a guy I’m not sure I trust, even though we barely know each other, and despite the fact that I’ve told him a few times that I don’t think we should date.
I’m sure this is going to be fine. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
“You look great,” Matt says when I reach his car.
“Thanks. You, too.”
It’s far from a lie. He’s wearing a raglan t-shirt that hugs his muscles and a pair of faded jeans. I’m glad he’s driving. I get to clandestinely stare at him all I want.
“I made a playlist for the trip. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course. It’s your car.”
“I think you’ll like some of the music. It’s similar to what you played last time we were in the car together.”
I blush thinking back to that day. What started as an innocent trip to the shelter turned into multiple rounds of the best sex I’ve ever had.
Neither of us bring it up, but I know we’re both thinking about it.
Will we get a repeat tonight? I hope so. I won’t say I only agreed to this date in hopes that we’d have sex after, but it was definitely a consideration. Every time I’ve been with Matt so far has been amazing. I’m still not sold on our compatibility in terms of dating, but we are certainly compatible in bed.
The two-hour drive passes quickly. Matt’s taste in music meshes well with mine. I know a lot of the songs he plays. The ones I don’t already know, I add to a list to listen to more because I like them so much.
He pulls into a parking garage not far from where the Bruins play.
“Do you want to grab lunch first? We have an hour before the doors open.”
“Yeah, sounds good.”
Matt picks a burger joint in the plaza near the arena. It’s pretty packed since it’s almost game time, but we find a place at the bar.
“I’d rather sit at a table, but this will be faster. It can get kind of crazy once doors open so I don’t want to be stuck here for too long.”
“I get it. I do the same when I go to concerts.”
“You’re a big music fan?”
“Yeah, I am. I love live music especially.”
“Nice. Maybe we can go to a concert together sometime.”
My heart warms. Carmen has tried to be my concert buddy, but it’s the same as when she drags me to hockey games. One of us is having a good time while the other tolerates it. I haven’t brought her to a live show in a couple years.
I think Matt and I would have fun at a concert. He seems like the kind of guy who can enjoy a band even if he’s never heard of them. That’s what I look for in a man.
“What’s the last concert you went to?” I ask him.
He thinks for a second. “A couple months ago I saw this band Radar here in Boston. It was an amazing show.”
My eyes widen. “Wait, are you serious? I was at that show!”
“No way! Damn, if we’d known each other then we could’ve carpooled.”
I laugh. “We’ll have to work it out next time.”
We smile at each other. I think we’re both pleased at the idea of a next time. I certainly am. I’m hoping Matt is, too.
We order food and a couple of beers from the bartender. It’s early, but the beers out here will be a lot cheaper than inside. Not that I’m planning on getting super drunk, but I like to enjoy a drink or two every once in a while.
After we’re done eating, it’s time to head for the arena. The line to get in is long, but it moves quickly.
“Have you ever been to an NHL game before?” Matt asks.
I shake my head. “You’re taking my NHL virginity.”
He laughs. “I’m glad I get to experience it. I know you’re not a big hockey person, but it’s different in the majors. I’m not saying you’ll fall in love with the sport. However, I think it’ll be a better experience than college games.”
“I enjoyed my last college game,” I admit. “Although, watching you get hit wasn’t great.”
“Are you worried about me, Sophie?�
�
I shove his shoulder. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“I wouldn’t dare. Let’s find our seats.”
We’re not sitting center ice, but I am surprised to find we’re on the lower level. Matt must’ve paid a fortune for these tickets. He also paid for lunch. If we get dinner together later, I’m going to pick up the bill. It’s the least I can do.
We grab a couple drinks before we take our seats. Matt doesn’t seem to have any superstitions regarding pregame snacks.
“You know, Carmen always gets the same food before your games.”
“Really?”
I nod. “It’s her way of helping the team out, I think.”
Matt laughs. “I appreciate her efforts. Whatever she’s doing seems to work. We’re doing well this season.”
“Are there still professional scouts at the games?”
He flinches. “Yeah.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize that was a touchy subject.”
“It’s not. I like the attention. It means I’m close to achieving my dream. It’s a lot of pressure, though.”
“I can’t even imagine. I don’t think I could do it. I’d crack.”
“I’ve come close.”
“Really? You seem so put together.”
“I try to be, but the team is depending on me. It’s no secret that my playing attracted the professional scouts. My playing could turn them away, too. Coach wants me to keep the distractions to a minimum.”
My heart sinks. Am I a distraction? My treatment of Matt these last few weeks hasn’t helped his playing, that’s for sure. I don’t think it’s harmed him, either. At least, I hope it hasn’t.
“Woah, easy. You’re not hurting my game, don’t worry.”
“I wasn’t…”
Matt laughs. “It was written all over your face. You were spiraling.”
“That’s what Carmen says to me all the time!”
“Your face kind of twists up when you’re going down a rabbit hole. I’ve seen it happen a few times.”
“It happens a lot. You should get used to it.”
“I’m used to it already.”
Our eyes meet. I swear, Matt leans in to kiss me, but he’s interrupted by the National Anthem. After it’s finished, they play O Canada and Matt quietly sings every word.
“Are you Canadian?” I ask.
“No, why?”
“You knew the anthem.”
“Oh. I’ve been hearing it at hockey games since I was a kid. I guess it just kind of stuck.”
“Nice.”
The game starts and Matt is right. It’s a lot more intense than the college games I’m used to. I don’t think I’ll become a diehard fan, but I see the appeal of the sport.
The Bruins win and the atmosphere is insane. We stick around and celebrate with the people around us before following the crowd out onto the street.
“That was really fun,” I tell him. “Thank you for taking me!”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming with me.”
“Anytime. Well, maybe not anytime because I feel like you know other people who would enjoy it even more. But I really did have fun!”
“I think you’ll like the next part of our adventure even more,” he says. “We’re going to take the train. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine with that.”
We get on the T and Matt gives me the name of our stop. I recognize it immediately, but I’m positive it’s for a different reason. Matt couldn’t possibly know of my connection to this stop.
When we get off, Matt takes my hand. His palm is warm against mine. It feels right.
“I’m glad we’re doing this, Sophie. I know we got off to a rough start, but I think we could really turn things around here.”
“I agree.”
“I want to tell you something. I’m a one-woman guy. I’ll never stray. I’m not a cheater. If we’re in a relationship, I’m in it fully.”
The declaration is weird. Does Matt somehow know about Peter? I haven’t told him. It was too embarrassing to share.
No, I think. He’s just being cautious.
The only other person who knows about Peter, besides Peter, is Carmen. She wouldn’t spill my secrets to Matt.
As we walk, the area gets more and more familiar. I love this part of Boston. It’s old and full of historical landmarks, which makes it beautiful to me.
We reach the park I thought we might be coming to. Matt and I walk and talk until we reach the duck pond.
“I love this place!” I say. “It’s my favorite part of the park.”
Matt grins. “This is where your parents got engaged, isn’t it?”
My heart stops. “How did you know that?”
“Oh, um…”
It all clicks into place. I’ve been an idiot this entire time. I chose to ignore the signs when they were right in front of me.
“Carmen told you, didn’t she?” I ask. Matt doesn’t need to answer. The truth is obvious.
“You’ve been talking to her. Conspiring with her. All of this… you guys have been planning it all behind my back!”
“Sophie…” Matt begins. “I asked her for help…”
“No, just stop. I can’t believe you would do this to me. How dare you guys be… you orchestrated all of this. Was any of it real?”
“Of course, it was real!”
I back away. “No. It wasn’t. It was all part of some plan.”
“Sophie, please, let me explain…”
“No. Forget it. There’s a bus that runs to campus. I think it leaves at six. I’ll take that back.”
“Let me drive you home.”
“I can’t be in a care with you for two hours. I just can’t, Matt. Please, leave me alone.”
His head drops in shame. “Okay. Please at least let me know when you’re on the bus and when you get home. Can you do that?”
I may be mad at him, but I appreciate his concern for my safety. I promise that I’ll text him, and then I leave the park I used to love.
Damn Matt and Carmen for tainting my favorite part of Boston.
How could they do this to me?
20
Matt
I am the biggest idiot on the planet.
There’s no denying it. I royally screwed up.
I pull out my phone and call Carmen.
“Hello? Matt? Is everything okay?”
“Sophie’s pissed. She found out that you helped me with planning the dates, and she got really upset.”
“Oh, no. I didn’t want her to know. At least, not until you guys were like together for a while. She hates feeling like people are working against her.”
“We weren’t, though!”
“Look at it from her perspective, Matt. It seems like we were. She wasn’t involved in any of it. She’s probably figuring out all the times I made it so we’d end up in the same place as you guys.”
“Crap. I knew I should’ve done this myself!”
“I’m so, so sorry Matt. I should’ve warned you.”
I shake my head even though Carmen can’t see me. “No. It wouldn’t have mattered. I shouldn’t have taken your help in the first place. I think I’ve lost her for good this time.”
“I refuse to believe that. If I just…”
“No,” I say, my tone a bit harsher than I intended. “Please, stay out of it. This isn’t your fault, but if you get involved it’ll make things worse.”
Carmen doesn’t say anything for so long that I worry she’s hung up already and is on the phone with Sophie. When she finally makes another noise, it’s a long sigh.
“I’m sorry again. I know you say it’s not my fault, but I feel like it is.”
“Don’t feel guilty. I knew it was wrong of us to try and force the relationship but I was so desperate that I let it happen. This is on me.”
“Matt…”
“I need to get going. I just wanted you to know.”
“Wait, is she still with you? How is s
he getting home?”
“She’s taking the bus. I made her promise to text me when she gets to the station and when she gets home.”
“Fuck. We really screwed up. She hates the bus.”
Of course, she does. Sophie would rather deal with a crappy bus ride than sit in my car. I don’t blame her. If I was in her position, I’d be mad, too.
Why did I let it go on this long? I should’ve stopped talking to Carmen about Sophie after the failed first date. If I had, then maybe Sophie and I would be enjoying a nice walk together.
“She won’t be mad at us forever,” Carmen says. Her voice is tentative but hopeful. That’s exactly how I feel right now, but it seems worse coming from Sophie’s best friend. If Carmen’s not confident that Sophie will forgive us, should I be?
“I hope you’re right.”
After I hang up with Carmen, I pace through the park trying to come up with a plan. I’m pretty sure I’ve ruined any chance I had of dating Sophie, but I hope I can smooth things over enough to be friends.
How, though? She thinks we conspired against her. All I wanted was a chance with an amazing girl. I have no idea how it got this complicated.
There’s a birdseed dispenser near the duck pond. I fish a quarter from my pocket and buy some to feed the birds. I read once that bread is actually bad for them. I guess those trips to the pond with my mom as a kid weren’t as great as I thought. For the ducks, anyway.
I’m immediately surrounded by ducks when the feed hits my hand. I chuckle and toss some. Carmen would have loved this. Too bad I messed up before we had a chance to enjoy it.
Coming to the place where her parents got engaged seemed like a great idea when Carmen mentioned it. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best plan, and not just because Sophie ran off. It’s not exactly the right vibe for what’s as essentially our second date.
“Shit,” I mutter.
“Is everything okay, son?”
I jump and turn around, finding an older man standing behind me. I had noticed a few people killing around the park, but I didn’t know anyone was this close.
“Yeah, sorry.”
He gives me an odd look. “You don’t seem okay. Is it girl troubles?”
Cocky Puck: A College Sports Romance (Hockey Hearthrobs) Page 12