Open Lanes
Page 16
The table howls with laughter and I see even Nikky is trying to hide a smirk behind her hands. I’m really glad she’s finally getting more comfortable around the team. She’s been a little shy around them, but she needs to get used to it. Brayden is helmet over skates for her so she’s not getting away from us anytime soon.
“Shut up, asshole. That’s not what I meant. That girl over there at the bar.” I look over my shoulder to see what girl he’s pointing to. She’s sitting on a stool at the bar, her back is turned to us, her long blonde hair curls halfway down her back. I feel like I should know her, but it’s hard to tell from this angle. I know a lot of girls; I would need to see her face to put a name to her. I look back at him, waving my hand for him to continue. “She’s in my psych class and sits in front of me. The other day she was telling the girl next to her all about how she’s pregnant. She said she tried to tell the father, but he was a major dick about it, so now she doesn’t know what she’s going to do.”
My eyes go wide, and I look back at the girl. Why is she sitting at a bar drinking? I don’t know a lot about pregnancy, but I know you're not supposed to drink during it. Penguin said it was a few days ago though, so maybe she was mistaken? Or maybe she lost the baby. For some reason sadness washes over me at the thought of either of those options. What the hell, I don’t even know the girl. Why do I even care what she does or if she’s still pregnant?
My attention is drawn away as a group of guys enters the bar. I nod at them when they catch my eye before turning back around to look at the girl one last time, though I don’t know why. Only this time, it isn’t her back I see. It’s her deep blue eyes staring directly at me. My mouth drops open and I feel all the blood draining from my face. My heart is pounding in my chest, and everything around me blurs as the room starts spinning. It’s a good thing I’m sitting because otherwise I would probably be on the floor right now. I quickly break eye contact and turn back to my team. I don’t hear another word that is said for the rest of the night. The only thought in my head is fuck. Oh, fuck. This is really fucking bad.
THE END
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A Note from Mary
Dear Readers,
Wow! What a journey this has been! During quarantine I decided to take a writing class online. I had always loved writing and found that I missed the creative outlet it gave me. I just never had time to do it anymore. One class turned into two and then three. It was so much fun to be writing again! Suddenly, I had characters competing for space in my head. I loved every minute of it! Then one night during a Harry Potter movie marathon with my boys, a little voice started screaming at me. That voice turned out to be Nicole, and she wouldn’t let me be until I wrote her story. That story is now about to be my first published book! Crazy, right?
I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this book and giving a new author a chance. I really want to hear what you think of Nicole and Brayden and their journey! Feel free to contact me on Instagram, Facebook, or by email!
I also want to thank my kids who have been my biggest supporters all along. They asked how many pages I was up to and wanted to know why the cover model had to have no shirt on. I love you guys so much!
To my parents who have always been there for me. You guys are the best. Thank you for everything.
Thank you to my bestie Michelle, who was the first person I told I was writing a book. She was also the first one to read it and help me out with some changes along the way. I love you and I miss you every day!
I also need to thank Athena and Darlene as Sisters Get Lit.erary Author Services for all their support and help with editing/proofreading. They are the absolute best!
Another huge thanks to Leanne @trn.thepage PA services for being an absolute lifesaver- I don’t know what I would have done without you.
And the biggest thanks to my BETA Readers, ARC readers, and all the fellow authors/bookstagrammers who have helped support me on my journey.
Special shoutouts to:
@it.sgottabethebooks – Who jumped at every chance to help share this book with others.
@bookedonlattes – an amazing BETA Reader who helped me more than she will ever know.
@reads_a_book_a_day – another amazing BETA reader who really gave me some amazing feedback!
You guys are the best! Thank you so much for everything!
Hugs and Kisses,
Mary Morano
Also by Mary
Moosehead Hockey Series
Open Lanes - Brayden and Nicole’s Story
Snipe - Justin and Rebecca’s Story - Preorder now available
Lighting the Lamp - Penguin’s Story - Will be Part of an Anthology coming in November 2021
About the Author
Mary is a single mom who decided to take her own advice and follow her dreams of being an author. She’s a New York Islanders Fan and can be often found driving her kids to one of their many sports activities. She enjoys reading, and watching Harry Potter, Avengers Movies, and SVU. You can find her on social media, and she would love to hear from you!
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Email: Mary@MaryMorano.com