by Bee Daniels
"They're so going to win this. Your boy is going harder than I have ever seen him go before," Abigail cheerfully said as she did a tiny shimmy in her seat. Both teams were playing intensely on the ice, and though Melanie did not care for hockey, she couldn't hide her excitement either. She really wanted Weston to win this game.
"I wish you stop saying, 'my boy,'" Melanie said with a curt smile before she jumped out of her seat and clapped when Noah scored another goal. He seemed tense at the start of the game, but now, he was getting better and better.
Abigail leaned over to her ear, smirking. "Technically, he is your boy now."
Melanie didn't know how her friend was able to drag the truth out of her. She should have never told Abigail that she was thinking about giving Noah a chance when Melanie herself wasn't sure why she told him that. She had been so caught up in the moment that she wasn't thinking straight until she got back to her apartment. But even then, Melanie didn't go back on her word because a tiny part of her knew she wanted to be with Noah.
As Noah skated across the ice, Melanie saw his determination and the hard work he put forward to win this game, not only on the ice but off the ice too. He skated ferociously down the ice, barreling through his opponents, and shot another puck that tangled into the net, and everyone cheered.
They were going to win this game. Melanie knew it. Noah pumped his fist into the air as he skated back down the ice. As he passed her part of the arena, Noah looked at her and winked, and Melanie couldn't help but blush, knowing it was for her as some of the girls in her section yelled and screamed.
After the second quarter, it became apparent that this game was a slaughter, with Weston’s team the lion, and the Hawkins' team its prey, and it wasn't long before Weston won the game and everyone in the arena yelled and jumped in pure utter happiness.
"Let's go to the back again," Abigail said, dragging Melanie out of her seat before she even got the chance to protest. Once again, Melanie found herself somewhat hiding in the back, not wanting any of her students to see her back there being a fangirl, since it was clear that besides the reporters, it was really only the girls hanging out in the back, trying to get a whiff of some of the players, and though Melanie was sure that some of them were the players' girlfriends, there were way too many of them for them all to be.
Though none of the players had come out of the locker room yet, the press was busy having a frenzy as they took pictures of an older couple, who stood off to the side waiting as they spoke to Julie, Melanie's student. Melanie wondered if they were Julie's parents, though they didn't look much like her. She also wondered who they were and why they had the attention of the press as though they were celebrities. But then again, they looked as such. Even with the husband dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a simple blue vest over his sweater, he was well-polished, if the gold watch and rings were enough of an indication. The wife dressed the same in casual jeans and a shirt, but her heels, along with her jewelry, were very telling.
"Walker, are you proud of your son's game?" One of the reporters asked, encroaching the woman and man's space. Once the question was asked, Melanie put two and two together as she looked at Noah's parents.
"That's right," Abigail said. "How did I not recognize them? You know, Noah's father was a hockey player himself, one of the best. And his mom used to be an ice-skater."
When Melanie became aware of the fact that she was in the same vicinity as Noah's parents, it nearly made her break out into hives as she tugged at the neck of her sweater. Noah's parents were here in the same room as her, and to top it off, they were celebrities. The reporters were asking them questions with the equal enthusiasm they would ask a rising star like Noah. And Noah's father spoke with the same charm and wit Noah had, tossing grins after his every word that made the reporters lean forward, eating up his words. His wife was different. She seemed uncomfortable in front of the press, and instead, stuck to speaking to Julie.
"I think you have some competition," Abigail said, pointedly, and Melanie rolled her eyes, even though, technically, her friend was right. If she remembered correctly, at the beginning of the semester, it was quite obvious that Julie had a crush on Noah, and at one point, Noah himself insinuated that something had happened between them during a 'study' session.
Melanie's jaw ticked as she looked at how familiar they were. Did they already know each other? Had Julie and Noah dated before, and he never told her? But then again, why would he tell her? Melanie sighed. This was why she didn't date because it drove her insane.
"I think we should go," Melanie said. She would congratulate Noah later. Besides, he was probably going out to party again with his friends, and after the last time she got drunk, there was no way in hell that there would ever be a repeat of what happened that night.
"But," Abigail started, and Melanie grabbed her friend's wrist, ready to drag her out if she needed to. Now wasn't the time for the hockey fan to come out of Abigial. Melanie didn't really want to be here anymore. It was one thing to deal with her students; it was another thing entirely to deal with Noah's parents. It made her uncomfortable, like she would get caught doing something wrong. Like the moment they saw her, they would know she had done some inappropriate things with their son, so Melanie didn't want to see them at all.
"Wait," Abigail said, snatching her wrist back. "Noah came out."
Melanie's heart nearly leapt out of her chest as she turned back around to the locker rooms to see indeed that Noah had stepped out and was next to his parents and Julie. The moment he did, a slew of reporters surrounded him, all pointing microphones and cameras in his face, ready to get the latest comment from the big star.
"How did you feel about tonight's game, Noah?"
"Do you think your father is proud of you?"
"Do you think your team will make it to the Frozen Four?"
"Have you talked to any of the pro hockey teams?"
"Are you going to stay in Massachusetts and play for the Jetters?"
Questions were hurled at him in every direction and the ones Noah could answer he did, but there was one question in particular that even caught Melanie's attention.
"Is this girl your lucky lady?"
All cameras turned to Julie, who was standing on the opposite side of Noah. She blushed immediately and put her head down. Melanie felt her own heart constrict against her chest painfully as she waited for his answer. She never thought Noah to be a playboy, but technically, he was. After all, the first moment he met her, he tried to sweet-talk her.
What if he didn't really like her? And even if he did, was she just one amongst many that he played with? Melanie gnawed on her bottom lip as she waited for his response, going crazy in her head of what he might say. This was why she didn't date, especially young boys like Noah, who could have whoever they wanted. Why would he want someone like her when he could have someone young and fun like Julie, who was his age and wasn't his professor? No one would question their relationship, and even right now, they looked good next to each other and right for one another. Melanie was in over her head and should have never crossed the line, and now she felt foolish as she stood there and watched Julie stand next to Noah and his parents as though she belonged there with his family, whereas Melanie wouldn't look right at all.
"Oh, she's just a friend," Noah said, chuckling as he gripped Julie's shoulder in a familiar gesture, one that invoked nothing but friendship and left Julie looking slightly disappointed as she tried to laugh herself. Abigail elbowed her, but Melanie ignored her as she continued to watch, ignoring the relief she felt in her chest from Noah's response.
After a few more questions, Noah finally managed to escape some of the press when Coach Benson pushed them away, directing them towards some of the other star players on the team, though none of them were nearly as big as Noah. Once they were gone, Noah's eyes searched the packed hallway before they landed on her, and a bright smile appeared on his face. Within seconds, he dodged and w
eaved through the crowd before he made it to her.
"Hey, Noah," Abigail said with a knowing grin split on her face. Melanie sighed and rolled her eyes. She really shouldn't have told her friend anything. Abigail acted as though she and Noah were dating now. Melanie only told him that she would think about it. That didn't mean they were in a relationship now.
"Congratulations," Melanie said, giving Noah a bright smile. "You won the game."
"Thanks to you," Noah said with a wink. "You were my good luck charm."
Instantly, Abigail cooed, and Melanie rolled her eyes as she shoved her hands in her pockets, trying hard not to blush as she felt flowers bloom in the deepest pits of her stomach.
"Don't thank me. It was all you," Melanie said. Noah chuckled, and Melanie felt even more embarrassed. Melanie was going to tell Noah to stop teasing her when she noticed Noah's parents walking over to them, along with Julie. Suddenly, Melanie found herself standing up straight, nervous at the very idea of speaking to them. She knew she should have left, and though it was worth it to see Noah smile at her, the thought of talking to his parents made her feel cold and terribly nervous.
"Who's your friend?" Noah's mom asked, a crinkle in her eyes as she smiled warmly at Melanie. She was a skinny woman, as tiny as a stick, but was beautiful, nonetheless. She and Noah carried the same blue eyes. But Noah's looks definitely came from his father, who closely resembled him with the same sharp features.
The question she asked seemed to stun both Melanie and Noah as they both had a hard time defining who she was to him, which was exactly why Melanie didn't want to meet Noah's parents. If they were to date, how could she ever explain to them that at one point, she had been his professor? What parent in their right mind would be okay with that? They would be ready to call the school board on her, or worse, the police. Should he just call her a friend for the time being?
But before either of them could respond, and the silence draw on longer, Julie answered for them both.
"This is Professor Bryant. She's our professor for the psychology course we're taking together," Julie said as she smiled at Melanie.
Melanie smiled back, though she didn't feel it as she shook hands with Noah's parents. She snuck a glance at Noah, who seemed a bit peeved with Julie's response. Maybe he had also been thinking the same thing Melanie had been. Too bad, Julie had made that decision for them. Then again, it wasn't like it was something they could hide forever anyway. One quick Google search would let them know Melanie's occupation and what her age was, which was older than their son's, even if Melanie didn't look it.
"I hope my son is doing well in your class," Noah's mom said, chuckling. "I know at times like these, his focus can solely be on the ice, but he's really a good student."
Melanie smiled, thinking about how she and Noah had met, and how they had made it to this point. "We had some trouble in the beginning, but now Noah is one of my best students, right along with Julie."
Julie preened under the praise while Noah chuckled, giving Melanie a slight nudge with his shoulder, amused by her answer.
"Well, we're celebrating down at the restaurant, Abby's," Noah's father said. "Have you heard of it?"
"Is that the restaurant with all of the ribs?" Abigail interjected, before smiling sheepishly when everyone's attention turned on her. "I'm Melanie's best friend, Abigail, and a fan of your son's hockey skills."
"Any fan of my son is a friend of mines," Noah's father said, "and you're right. That's the exact restaurant. We brought it out for tonight's win, and we're inviting family and friends to come. Would you both like to celebrate with us?"
Melanie was already armed and ready with a perfect excuse to get herself out of this situation. This awkward situation was enough to push her anxiety out of the roof. She would not put herself through another situation like this again, and right now, with the way she was feeling, though she had told Noah she would think about their relationship, this alone was making her decision very clear.
"We would love to," Abigail said, smiling brightly. "Right, Melanie?"
Melanie gritted her teeth under a false smile. "Yeah, we would love to."
CHAPTER
33
MELANIE
A
BBY’S WAS PACKED TO THE BRIM WITH PEOPLE CELEBRATING WESTON’S WIN AGAINST THEIR RIVAL TEAM. The infectious energy that had been in the arena followed them into the restaurant as everyone enjoyed themselves, eating the good food catered to everyone, while also chatting about what it would mean for Weston if the hockey team won again. And of course, everyone congratulated the man of the hour.
Noah had everyone's attention, and Melanie could barely get a chance to talk to him. Every time Noah would get in a distance of her, someone would pull him into a conversation. It made Melanie remember the same thing she had realized when she saw Noah play the first time— he was a star. After the finals, from how Abigail explained it to her, Noah would be drafted, and more than likely would join a team, ending his college career. He was a hot commodity, and everyone wanted him because of how much of a beast he was on the ice.
Every time Melanie saw that, it made her realize how much their relationship wouldn't work. When Melanie told Noah she would think about it, she meant it. Since that day, she had been thinking about their relationship nonstop; how a relationship would be able to work between them, if it would be a short, sweet kept secret to remember later on, or if they could push it further. But, whenever Melanie looked at all the variables, their whole relationship would always crash and burn before her eyes. No, Melanie was not big as Noah famous-wise, and she never would be, but she was also well known in her field, with a following of her own because of her work. What if they knew she was having a relationship with her student? The public wouldn't be able to accept that, and with Noah soon to be thrust in the limelight for good, how could both of them deal with the world judging them. It wasn't like they could hide what their relationship once was. Hell, they couldn't even hide it from Noah's parents, and Melanie was positive if his parents realized what she had been doing with their son, they wouldn't be happy about it at all and would judge her the way they judged all older people who dated someone younger than them— as predators. It didn't matter that Noah was over eighteen. All that mattered was that Melanie was a twenty-seven-year-old woman who was dating someone eight years younger than her, and at one point, had been her student.
Melanie cringed inwardly at the thought of all the judgment to come. Melanie didn't think she would be able to withstand the weight of the cruel comments that were no doubt to come if anyone other than her best friend were to find out their relationship.
Melanie took a small sip of her club soda, making sure not to drink any liquor. She had learned from her mistake the last time, and there was no way in hell that she would drink around here so she could get caught in a broom closet making out with Noah. That would definitely be the end of her.
Melanie sat at a table alone, sipping her drink as she watched Abigail standing at the bar, talking to a guy she had just met. Apparently, he was a hockey head just like her, and the moment he started to rattle off players Melanie had no idea about, she took her exit and sat down at an empty table.
She wasn't alone for long though before Coach Benson walked over to her table and sat at the empty seat across from her. Melanie inwardly sighed. Coach Benson had always made it known that he was attracted to her, and though Coach Benson was an attractive guy, he wasn't her type. And right now, she didn't feel like entertaining him.
"Hey Melanie," he said as he took a sip of the dark liquor from his glass. A huge smile was on his face, and Melanie couldn't blame him. The man was well on his way to winning a championship, and even if he didn't, he could still boast that he had gotten his team this far.
"Congrats," Melanie told him, and Melanie didn't think it was possible, but his smile got even wider.
"I'm a lucky man," Coach Benson said as he sat his drink down. "And, I'm an ev
en luckier man to get to spend my night with you."
Melanie couldn't help it. She rolled her eyes at the slick line tossed her way. This man didn't know when to give up. Coach Benson laughed at her reaction.
"I'm serious," Coach Benson said. "I thought this night was going well, but then when I saw you right here, I knew it was meant to be."
"I'm glad I could make your night better with my presence," Melanie said sarcastically as she glanced at Abigail again, just to make sure her friend was okay.
"You want to know how you could make my night better?" Coach Benson asked, taking another sip of his liquor, and Melanie wondered how many of those he had for him to be boldly speaking to her this way.
Before Melanie could tell Coach Benson that he should slow down on the drinks because it was clearly clouding his judgment, Noah appeared at their table, dropping down in the seat next to her. Melanie was surprised that Noah managed to bypass all the people wanting to speak to him to even make it over to her. She was positive that she would go the rest of the night without speaking to him again.
But when Melanie saw the look on Noah's face as he glared at Coach Benson, she understood why. Right now, Noah looked the way he looked on the ice, like nothing could get in his way or stop him from getting to the puck, but right now, that puck was her, and Coach Benson was the opponent in his way.
When Coach Benson saw Noah, he sighed deeply before letting out a hollow chuckle. "Is this a joke?" he asked, shaking his head. Melanie tried to understand what Coach Benson thought the joke was.
"Every time I talk to Professor Bryant, you always pop up Noah. This has to be a joke, right?" Coach Benson asked, jabbing a finger at Noah. Noah leaned back in his seat, tossing a casual arm around Melanie's chair, and immediately, she tensed up. What the hell was he doing? But if that wasn't enough to make her heart race, what he said next nearly made her heart stop.