“We’ll see,” Chloe whispered to the others, and I pretended not to hear.
Chapter Seven
Noah
This was the most surreal night of my life. The game had been amazing. I played over fifteen minutes and made some really good blocks. I’d even managed to take possession of the puck and pass it down to Erik. He turned and shot a goal in one motion.
I had an assist in my first game! That was better than I could have dreamed.
I felt I’d done well when the guys started patting me on the back, but when Coach nodded at me as I passed him in the tunnel, I knew. He had the slightest grin and I could feel it in my bones. He was happy with me.
I couldn’t wait to talk to my parents. And Colby. I’d seen her in the audience with the Pride. It felt amazing knowing she was there.
“Noah!”
“Malkin.”
“Noah, can we get a comment?”
I turned to the voices and backed up a little. The hall leading to the locker room was packed. I couldn’t tell who was with the team, who was a reporter, and who was just a fan. It was too much. People were shouting my name, but I couldn’t find them in the crowd.
There was nowhere to run. I wanted to get back to the locker room. That would be safe right?
A horde of girls, probably younger than me, broke through the packed crowd and rushed in my direction.
“There he is!”
“Noah!”
One of the girls was crying. Was she hurt? Had she been trampled? “Marry me?”
Oh no.
The minute those words left her mouth my body went into panic mode. Fight or flight.
I couldn’t fight these girls, though. I’d have to run.
I moved forward but a hand reached out and grabbed my arm. I looked at it, then connected it to its body. I recognized that shirt. I looked up and felt like I could finally breathe. Colby was here.
“Come on. There are a few people who want to talk to you before you go in.”
I nodded. I’d figured that part out, I just couldn’t find them.
She pulled me through the hall, away from the crazed pack, until it thinned out a bit. There were five or so men and women with microphones or recorders pointed at me. Colby positioned me in the center then stepped to the side. I reached out for her, but she was too far away. I wanted her close. I felt lost without her.
“Noah, what did you think of your first NHL game?”
I didn’t know who asked so I scanned the group and spoke. “It was incredible. Such a rush. The team is amazing and has really been great to work with.”
“Noah, you made some impressive saves. Who do you credit for those?”
I almost laughed at the question. Um. Every coach I’ve had since I could skate. “I’ve had amazing coaches through the years and working with Coach Romney and Coach Rust has helped me so much.”
“Noah, do you think you’ll be here next season?”
My heart seized in my chest. “I want nothing more than to be with the Fury next season, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
I looked around as more questions were shouted at me.
Colby stepped forward. “Okay, Noah has time for one more.”
A blonde woman in the front waved her hand. “Noah are you single?”
Colby shook her head and the rest of the group gave the reporter bad looks. I guess they were mad at her wasting the last question on something so dumb. “I…”
“Don’t have to answer that. Come on, Noah.” I was relieved Colby stepped in. I was single, but I didn’t want everyone to know. It wasn’t their business. I couldn’t believe anyone would care either.
“Thanks, Colby.”
She smiled briefly before pointing me in the direction of the locker room. “Just doing my job.”
I shook my head as I walked away. That wasn’t a part of her job. Guiding me through the crowd, helping me with reporters? That wasn’t what a personal assistant did. That was more of a manager or PR rep. She had gone above and beyond today, and I wanted her to know I appreciated it. Should I get her a present? A bonus?
No. That was too much like I was her boss. I didn’t want her to just think of me that way. I wanted to, at least, be friends.
I chatted with the guys and thanked each of them who congratulated me before showering and changing back into my suit. Colby was waiting in the hall with Chloe and Reese when I walked out.
“Nice job, Noah. You did really well.” Chloe reached out and patted my back.
“Thanks Chloe.” Her opinion mattered as much as the guys’ and coaches’. She knew hockey, and from what I’d heard she wouldn’t give a compliment unless she meant it.
“Do you guys want to go out with us for dinner?” Reese asked without looking at Chloe, but she was smiling. They must have planned this. I glanced at Colby, but she was indifferent. Was it up to me? Would she feel obligated? Did she want to go?
“Sure, if you’re up for it?” I directed my question at her and she nodded. I waited for her to say anything, but that was all the reaction I was going to get.
Reese nodded. “Cool. I want to go get changed into normal clothes. We’ll meet you at Chomp in thirty minutes?”
I agreed even though I had no idea what Chomp was.
“See you guys.”
We went different directions in the parking garage and Colby got into the passenger seat without a word.
I started the car and turned to her. “Are you okay?”
She smiled and nodded. “Yeah, sorry. Tonight, was a bit much.”
I ran a hand through my damp hair. “I know. It was crazy. Thanks so much for being there after the game. I had no idea what I was doing.”
She laughed, and her smile finally reached her eyes. “I noticed. I thought those girls were going to grab you and take you back to their lair.”
“That was terrifying.” I pulled out of the garage and headed toward home. “I wasn’t prepared for that. I didn't think anyone would really notice me or care enough to interview me.”
“Oh Noah. You have no idea. The fans went crazy for you.”
“Really? More than just the pack of she-wolves?” The crowd had been loud tonight, but it was always that way at the Fury arena.
“Yeah, the fans took notice and I know the media did. It helps that you look like that.”
What was that supposed to mean? “Like what?” Should I be offended?
She blushed. Her neck and cheeks reddened, and I realized what she was saying. She thought I was cute. I couldn’t help it. I smiled.
When she didn’t reply I looked over at her. “What do you mean, Colby?”
I tried to stay serious, but I couldn’t keep the teasing out of my voice.
She waved me off and looked out the window.
“Oh no. You don’t say something like that then ignore me. Do you mean I’m so hideous that I stand out? People were making fun of me? I knew I should have grown a beard to hide this ugly mug.”
She giggled. “You know that’s not the reason.”
“Good. Cause I can’t grow a beard. I can’t even manage a decent mustache.”
Her laugh deepened. “Please, don’t try. That would be so weird.”
“Oh, now I’m weird looking? Harsh.”
“You know you’re not weird looking.”
“No. I don’t. My self-consciousness is growing with each laugh, Colby.”
She put her hand on my arm and squeezed. “You’re gorgeous, Noah.”
“Gorgeous? That’s what you tell a girl! Do I look like a girl?”
“Well with those lashes…”
I narrowed my eyes at her.
“I’m serious! Your eyes are amazing. So crystal blue. And your dimple. Wow.”
She pretended to fan herself and I no longer knew if she was kidding.
“You have the whole perfect all-American boy look nailed.”
“I’m Canadian.”
She rolled her eyes. “You know what I me
an. You’re incredibly attractive and everyone noticed. I’m sure there will be posters of you up around the city soon. A face like that sells tickets.”
I cringed. I was kidding earlier about being self-conscious. I knew from past experience that girls thought I was cute. But she made it seem like it was more. She found me attractive. Not in the generally good-looking way, but she, Colby, was attracted to me.
The thought made me smile.
“Oh boy. I’ve inflated the ego, haven’t I?”
I pulled into the parking garage below my building and parked. “Nah. I’m just a humble boy next door.”
She smirked. “Every girl’s fantasy.”
Was it? Was I her fantasy?
I wanted to tease her about it, but I didn’t want to push her. I liked what was happening. The teasing. The laughing. I didn’t want her to shut down like she’d been when we got in the car.
“Do you mind coming inside or do you want to wait here?” I pointed over my shoulder then dropped my hand.
“I’ll come in.” She got out after I turned off the car.
On the way up in the elevator I realized I was getting used to her. It had only been a few days, less than a week, since I met her and already she had wiggled her way into my life.
I liked talking to her. Being around her. She was smart and witty. She knew how to navigate this world and never made me feel dumb for messing up. I just wish I knew where the line was. How much of what she did was because it was her job, and how much was because she wanted to?
I had to believe she liked me a little bit, too. She’d spent the whole day with me. She’d calmed me down, distracted me. That felt like something a friend would do.
But maybe she was just good at her job.
“I’ll be fast.” I hurried to my room and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. I debated leaving my suit laying out on my bed, but I knew Colby would yell at me if she saw. She was strict about cleanliness and organization. It was good for me, though. She kept me in line.
“All set.” I slipped my wallet into my back pocket and walked to the door. I stopped when I heard my voice. “What are you watching?”
I looked at the TV and froze. I was on the screen. I was on ESPN.
It was after the game when they were interviewing me.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I ignored it. I was on TV.
“So, ladies and gentlemen we don’t know the relationship status of the newest Fury player, but that won’t stop the fans from falling in love.”
The female reporter was smiling at the camera. It was the same woman from the arena. Was this a new gossip show? Since when did they care about whether or not players were dating?
“This is weird.” I felt like I’d stepped into the Twilight Zone.
Colby laughed. “Get used to it.”
“I’m not sure I will. Can you change it?”
She flipped through the rest of the sports channels, and I was on almost all of them. What was happening?
“Is this real?”
“Welcome to the big leagues, Malkin.” She stood from the couch and offered me the remote.
“Nah. Turn it off. This is too weird.”
She did and tossed the remote on the couch. “Do you still want to go?”
“Yeah, of course.”
I followed her out and back to the car. “Do you know where Chomp is?”
“Yeah, head back toward the arena.”
I followed her directions until she told me to park. We walked into the small, diner style restaurant and saw Chloe waving to us. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, maybe a fancy cloth napkin kind of place. This was much more low-key. Something I was comfortable with. There weren’t too many people in the booths, and they didn’t seem to care about me or Reese.
“Hey guys.” I scooted into the large, round booth leaving room for Colby to sit next to me.
“Is anyone else coming?” Colby asked looking around at the empty space. She was right. It looked too big for just the four of us.
“Yeah, my brother and his fiancé, Madeline, are coming.”
This was the first time I’d be hanging out with the guys, as just me. Not as a team or big group. Just me. Noah.
I tried not to show my excitement, but this was a big deal for me. This was the first step to being accepted by them. Colby and Chloe were chatting about shopping or clothes or something, so I glanced at Reese. I didn’t really know what to say to him. He was still a hero in my mind. Not someone I should be sharing a booth with.
“You did really well tonight. Those were some great blocks. Keep that up and Olli will start asking for you on the first line.”
I clenched my jaw to keep my mouth from falling open. They’d noticed me? Did he really think Olli liked me?
I was sounding like a teenage girl talking about her crush. I needed to calm down. I was on their team. I was one of them. I might not believe it yet, but I was good enough to be here.
“Thanks. I’ll try.”
Reese nodded before looking past me.
“Hey guys.” A male voice called out.
I turned to see Erik and a beautiful blonde walking our direction. Colby patted my leg and started moving closer, so I scooted to the middle to make room for the new arrivals.
“Hi, Noah. I’m Madeline.” She reached across the table and offered her hand. I shook it and gestured to Colby.
“Madeline, this is Colby.”
They exchanged hellos before she and Erik sat down.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Colby. Chloe’s been talking nonstop about her new friend,” Erik said.
Colby blushed, and I couldn’t tell if it was from his words or his proximity. Erik was one of the stars of the team, and from what I’ve heard, every woman’s favorite player.
“It’s nice to meet you too.”
She didn’t sound flustered, like a fan would. I eyed him and scooted closer to Chloe to give Colby more space from Erik.
“Noah, I think I owe you a drink for that goal.”
He smiled, and the group laughed.
“Maybe a root beer tonight.” Madeline winked. I was glad there wasn’t any pressure to drink. I wasn’t old enough and I didn’t want to remind them of that.
“Sounds good.”
Erik nodded and turned to talk to Chloe. Colby and Madeline began talking about their work while I studied the menu. Not that there was much to consider. The place specialized in burgers. I didn’t know who to talk to or how to break into a conversation. I was jealous Colby seemed comfortable meeting new people and immediately getting to know them. I wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of the night she and Madeline exchanged numbers and had plans for another night.
“Noah, what do you think?”
I looked up from the menu to see everyone staring at me. I had no idea what Colby was asking about.
“Sorry?”
“Erik and Chloe are hosting a dinner this weekend and invited us. Do you think you can make it?”
I pretended to think about it. As if I had so many plans and previous commitments to think about. Colby knew I didn’t have anything going on, but maybe she wanted to make sure I was okay with it. That was nice of her.
“Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. Thanks guys.”
“Chloe’s always planning something, so be prepared for constant events or dinners.” Reese sounded bored but laughed when Chloe stuck her elbow in his ribs.
“It’s true. I don’t think I’ve been to so many parties in my life, until I moved here.” Madeline laughed. “I think she’d break down if she didn’t have something to plan.”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “It’s my job you guys.”
Erik shook his head. “For the team. Not for us.”
She shrugged. “When have any of you guys not had fun with me?”
Reese slid his arm around her shoulders. “You’re right. You do make sure everyone’s having a good time.”
She nodded then smiled as the waitress came to our table.
“Are you guys ready to order?”
We went around the table ordering our various burgers.
After the waitress walked away, Madeline asked, “Noah, where are you from?”
I figured she was the only one who didn’t know. “Vancouver, Canada.”
Her eyes lit up and she looked to Erik. “Is that close to where you grew up?”
He laughed and shook his head. “Not even in the same province.”
The rest of the table laughed, even Colby.
Madeline just shrugged. “Canada’s all the same to me.”
“Classic American.” Reese joked.
Madeline leaned forward. “What about you, Colby? Where are you from?”
I sat up a bit. I didn’t even know the answer. Why hadn’t I thought to ask before now? I thought about it for a second and realized I didn’t know much of anything about her. I hadn’t bothered to ask. Yet, she seemed to know, or learn, everything about me.
“I’m originally from Northern California but came here for school. I fell in love with the mountains and the four seasons and decided to stay.” She smiled but I could tell there was something more. Something she wasn’t saying. I’d have to ask her about it later, when we were alone.
“Is your family still out there?” Madeline asked and everyone waited.
“Yeah.”
Madeline nodded. “It must be hard to be away from them. I knew it was for me.”
Colby shrugged. “We’re not that close.”
I’d have to add that to the list of things I needed to ask about.
No one said anything for a beat.
“What brought you here, Madeline?” Colby asked while I absorbed the conversation.
“My dad is the coach.”
I froze. What? How did I not know that?
Colby grinned. “Oh really? Rust or Romney?”
“Romney.”
I needed to get out of here. I suddenly felt like a spotlight was on me. Not the stage kind. The kind interrogators used to force people to confess. How were the other guys okay hanging out with her? Wasn’t everything they said or did reported back?
I was sweating.
Madeline and Colby continued to talk about mundane things while I silently freaked out. This was too much. I wasn’t ready to be around these people. I wasn’t worthy. I hadn’t paid my dues.
Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three Page 5