Wicked Winters: A Collection of Winter Tales

by Lucy Smoke

  "Like a ten," I smiled back at her. "Steph, he has seen you crying with snot coming out of your nose over another guy. You’re going to wow him the moment he sees you. Trust me. Just be you."

  She slapped me playfully on the arm, but whispered, "Thanks," before turning and heading down our row. We had to squeeze past a couple of avid fans who were already cheering on the home team before we made it to our seats.

  "Hi James," Steph exclaimed as she sat in the seat next to him.

  James fumbled with his phone, clearly not expecting Steph to be suddenly sitting next to him, his cheeks tinging red. "Hi Steph, what are you doing here?"

  "Hayden got two media tickets from one of the hockey players for her article. I thought I would tag along, see what it’s all about," she replied, her smile on one-thousand-watt strength.

  "Oh right, well, if you have any questions just let me know." He smiled nervously back at her.

  Steph glanced back at me, worry in her eyes. James was not acting like he had a crush on her.

  I leaned in and whispered in her ear, "You’re coming on a little strong, just relax. I swear, he likes you."

  She nodded and took a deep breath, before relaxing in her seat.

  "Hey James, I'm going to go grab some snacks, want anything?" I asked around Steph.

  "No Hay, I was going to go get them," protested Steph, already starting to rise out of her seat.

  "It's alright hun, I've got it; you got wine and ice cream last night, so it's my turn. Besides, James can give you a rundown of the rules and then you can explain them to me when I get back," I said as I gave her a nudge in the ribs and a slight scowl. Didn’t she realize I was giving her alone time with him?

  Taking the hint with an embarrassed smile, she turned back to James and asked him for the rules as I headed back down the row. I reached into my back pocket as I felt my butt cheek vibrate and pulled out my phone.

  Vinnie: Get the tickets okay?

  Me: Sure did! Brought a friend with me J

  Vinnie: Oh yeah, girl friend or guy friend?

  Me: Both actually J

  Vinnie: Is this two people or someone who is bi? :p

  I let out a soft laugh at his silliness as I got into the snacks line.

  Me: Two people. The sports journalist from The Press, and my bestie.

  Vinnie: Ah you mean James? Good guy, could use a few sessions at the gym though.

  Me: Some girls go for the tall and lean ones.

  Vinnie: Do you?

  Hmmm how should I play this?

  “Next please,” called out the female attendant, startling me out of the chat haze I was in.

  “Hi, sorry. Could I get three hot chocolates, a box of popcorn, and three packs of candy, please?” I requested. The girl nodded and turned to grab my order.

  Vinnie: ??

  Oh, I know!

  Me: No, I go for the tall, dark mysterious ones.

  Vinnie: Ah, so me then ;)

  Me: Lol no, you’re not mysterious at all.

  Vinnie: Aww I’m crushed, Scoop! I’m totally mysterious, it’s a requirement of being an Italian male.

  Me: Nah, I got you and your intentions all figured out.

  Vinnie: Oh yeah? What are my supposed intentions?

  I hesitated for just a moment, but decided to put it out there in a roundabout way, see if he took the bait.

  Me: You just want to get me into your bed.

  “Here you go, I put the drinks in a tray for you. That’s twenty-two sixty, thanks.” The food and drink were placed on the counter as I pulled out my purse and grabbed my card. I thanked the attendant before heading back to my seat.

  Getting back was harder than I’d expected, having to dodge all of the fans and not spill anything, but I eventually made it. Steph and James barely noticed my arrival, apparently having moved on from the rules of hockey to the latest movies that were out. Hopefully, one of them managed to segue their way into a movie date request. I handed them their drinks and put the snacks on the floor between mine and Steph’s feet, pulling my phone back out to see Vinnie’s reply.

  Vinnie: Ahh that’s where you’re wrong Scoop. I don’t want you in my bed. I want to get into your bed ;)

  A chuckle escaped my lips. So slick! I realized I could use this situation to my advantage to help me determine whether or not this was just about a one-night stand or if he was truly interested. If this was just about scoring with me, then maybe some dates would get him to admit that?

  Me: Well, just so you know, I require at least three dates before I will invite you up to my dorm :p

  Vinnie: Oh, so you live on campus huh? And I will keep that in mind ;) Gotta go, coach is about to start the pregame talk.

  Me: Okay, good luck! Don’t chirp too much, you might cop stick!

  Vinnie: Uh oh, look out, someone’s been Googling hockey lingo :p Meet you at The Sports Bar at the end of the game x

  15

  Vinnie

  Sunday 3rd December – 22 days until Christmas

  I checked my phone for the time - nine forty-eight - quickly grabbed my hair styling stuff and headed back into the showers to use the mirrors. I’d rushed through my usual shower and team chat, so when I went back in, pretty much the entire team still were still in the showers or stood around in their towels.

  I dropped my things on the bench and opened up the dry wax, scooped up a glob, warmed it up in the palms of my hands before running it through my hair. Chicks always loved it when a guy took care of themselves, and I loved to please the ladies. I smirked at myself in the mirror. That was smooth, even for me. My smirk dropped a little, Hayden appeared to be immune to my usual moves even though I’d dulled them down for her. Something told me she wouldn’t be impressed with my usual lines. She seemed like the type of chick that wanted more from a guy, and I hadn’t decided if I wanted to give her more of me. I was hoping that these business drinks might turn into social ones so that I could get to know her better.

  "Where are you off to in such a rush Morello? And looking all fine." Davidson smirked over my shoulder in the mirror.

  I leaned forward and fixed up a bit of hair that wasn't doing what I wanted it to. "Have a follow up with the journalist from The Press, apparently she needs more info about my stats. I got her tickets to the game, and now we’re meeting up for drinks at The Sports Bar to answer any questions she had from the game."

  I quickly rinsed off my hands, when I felt Davidson clap me on the shoulder and give it a little squeeze. "Ahh, so should we expect another Puck on the board before training on Tuesday?" he asked.

  I just smiled back at his reflection and shrugged one shoulder, not committing to anything.

  "Excellent. Well in that case, don't do anything I wouldn't do," he replied as he sauntered off with a chuckle to himself.

  Sighing, I grabbed my things. Truth was, I didn't think I wanted Scoop to become a Puck. We had only seen each other face to face for the interview, but ever since we had been practically texting none stop. She was hilarious, meeting me toe for toe with innuendos and sly comebacks. She was like me but in chick form.

  I hoped that tonight I would be able to make a decision about how I felt about her. I was tired of the Pucks jumping in and out of my bed just to get a number on the board. I was more than that, and I wanted a girl who wanted more from me than just a score. But was I ready to declare Whip?

  Back at my locker, I sprayed some cologne on my neck and shirt, then grabbed my wallet and my phone.

  Time check: nine fifty-seven and no text from Scoop.

  Crap. I was trying to ignore the fact that every time I got a text my heart would thump a little in anticipation, hoping to see 'Scoop' with the little investigator emoji next to her name flashing up on the screen. And that it dropped when there was no message at all.

  Both Justin and Christian were at their lockers as well, Christian still in his towel, but Justin had managed to at least get his pants on. Both were playing on their phones as I walked across the room
towards them.

  "I'll see you guys back at the apartment, I'm having drinks with that journalist from last week," I told them.

  "Okay, Vin," Christian replied as he looked up at me from his phone, a distracted smile on his face.

  I glanced over at Justin who texted someone, a girl I hoped. It was about time he got over Vanessa. I still couldn't believe he had actually joined in with Tori the other tonight. I just hoped he would tell us about this girl that had had him smiling for the past few days. Not that we spoke about our feelings and shit with each other, but normally we knew what was going on in each other’s lives. I felt a little guilty that I wasn’t being honest about Scoop, but since I wasn’t sure what I wanted with her yet and I respected her too much to let her enter the Puck Games, I had to keep her on the down low.

  I was just about to hit him up about the mystery texter when my own phone buzzed, making me almost jump. I kept my crap together, not wanting anyone in the team to see how on edge I was. I was potentially, maybe, kind of thinking about declaring Whip status for a girl I’d had a one-hour conversation with and about one hundred texts. They would think I’d smacked my head on the ice just a little too hard tonight.

  I flicked my gaze down to my phone and right on cue my heart started making a mad gallop for the finish line. Scoop.

  I swiped my thumb over the screen and opened her message.

  Scoop: You better not be standing me up, pretty boy. I might have to take one of the offers up from the three guys that have already approached me ;)

  The odd mix of exasperation at the pretty boy label, happiness that she could flirt and call me out at the same time, and annoyance that she was being hit on warred within me, making me antsy to get out of the change rooms and over to the bar.

  Glancing back up, I saw that Christian had gone back to his phone, and Justin was pulling a shirt out of his locker.

  "What are you two up to for the rest of the night?" I asked, trying to at least act a little normal.

  "Probably just the usual, playstation and maybe a pizza from your uncle’s," Justin said as he pulled his shirt on. My Uncle Giovani owned the local pizzeria. "If you bring this chick home, can you keep it down? I have an assessment to get done before tomorrow."

  "Sure thing, don’t wait up.” Not that I planned on bringing Scoop back to the apartment, but I had to keep up appearances. She would be locked down as a girlfriend before she met any of the other players on the hockey team, even my best friends. Waa, girlfriend?

  Neither of them replied, which was fine by me because I needed to get out of there.

  As I power walked through the halls, which still had fans milling about, I unlocked my phone and reopened Scoops’ message.

  Me: On my way, I'd never stand you up. Unless it was against a wall ;)

  I rounded the corner to the main entrance and headed out the front. The light snowfall caused me to pick up my pace so that I didn't freeze in the parking lot. As soon as I was on the other side, the bright neon light of The Sports Bar lit my way to the front door. Phil stood out by the front checking IDs and just waved me through when he saw me coming. Phil was your typical bouncer – massive with a shaved head and suspicious eyes. But he was a huge fan, so I always made sure to leave him a drink at the bar for the end of his shift.

  I tipped my head in acknowledgement and pushed through the doors, a wave of warm, yeasty air with a hint of hot sauce washed over me.

  Scanning the room looking for Scoop and I found her sitting at a high bench table on a swivel bar stool with a backrest. Her hair was out; a light wave made it look like she’d just gotten out of bed. Black skinny jeans tucked into black heeled ankle boots and a light pink v-neck sweater that looked like it was hugging her body.

  Was it weird that I was jealous of a sweater?

  Her jacket hung over the back of the chair with her aqua beanie tucked into one of its pockets.

  While I had been busy ogling her, apparently so had another guy at the bar. He approached her with two drinks in his hand, one beer and one glass of champagne. He placed both of them on the table in front of her, which caused her to put her phone down and look up at him. The look on her face was priceless. It just said "Really?" which for some reason made me smile. I watched for a second, just to see her work her magic on someone else. After a couple moments talking, she had the guy laughing, picking up his drinks, and walking back to his buddies at the bar.

  I took that as my cue to approach, crossing paths with the rejected man.

  "Don't bother bro, she is apparently waiting for someone. Nice chick though, let me down with a joke," he offered.

  "Thanks, but she’s waiting for me. And I know." I smiled at him. When I reached her, I almost went in for a hug but pulled back just in time. Just because I was fairly certain I was ready for PDA didn't mean that it was even on her radar. Besides some light-hearted banter, she had only agreed to meet with me in a professional manner. So instead, I sat in my chair and covered her phone with my hand.

  The look she gave me would have made a weaker man’s nuts pack up and go home for the night. I just smiled at her knowing she thought I was another guy hitting on her. Once recognition dawned on her, her face lit up with a smile. She put her phone down on the table and gripped my hand in a tight squeeze. She went to pull away, but I held on for just a second, not wanting the warmth of her hand to disappear. But I did eventually let her go.

  Patience was a virtue.

  "Sorry I'm late. I rushed through the cool down and clean up, but there are a few team things you can't get out of." I hoped that my instincts that she was a reasonable person were true.

  "That's fine, I only got here maybe fifteen minutes ago. I’ve just been replying to some friends and going over my notes from the game. How's your cheek?" she asked, a touch of concern in her voice at the end.

  I reached up and fingered the butterfly bandage on my left cheekbone. One of the defenders on the other team had been fouled for high sticking after he’d smashed the handle of his stick through my helmet guard and into my face. The move had knocked me flat on my ass, and I had seen stars for a moment, while Justin and Christian had come to my aid. Besides a bit of tenderness and a lot of blood, I was actually okay. No concussion from the head rattle.

  "Yeah, the doc cleared me. I didn't even see it coming," I said sheepishly, still a bit annoyed at myself. "Would you like something to drink? Wine? One of those girly drinks?"

  "Actually, a beer would be better. I know, I know." She raised her hands into a defensive position and reclined back in her chair with a cute pouty expression. "Not very ladylike, but I like what I like."

  I raised an eyebrow as a chuckle escaped me. "Okay, any particular one?" I asked as I stood from my chair.

  "Coors," she replied with a smile. I was a bit dazed by her smile for a second, causing me to stare at her momentarily.

  “What? It’s a good beer!”

  “Nothing!” I quickly replied before deciding to go with the truth, “I was just dazzled by your beauty and zoned out for a second there.”

  She snorted out a laugh. Literally snorted. And then slapped her hand down on the table like I had said something hilarious.

  Once she got her breath back, she gestured towards the bar. “All right Romeo, sure you were. Now off with you, go get our drinks,” she demanded imperiously.

  I approached the bar and ordered our drinks, making sure to leave Phil a beer too. While I waited, I made eye contact with the guy who attempted to approach Hayden earlier. He tipped his head in acknowledgement, and I gave a quick nod back. After paying, I carried our drinks back and slid one across the table to her. Scoop was playing with her phone, a slight frown on her face.

  “Everything okay?” I asked.

  "Thank you and yeah, my bestie was having a guy issue, I told her we could sort it out when I got back to the dorm," she said before she brought the bottle up and took a sip, seeming to savor the taste.

  I just smiled in return and took a few mout
hfuls of my own. Chicks that drank beer were seriously hot. It just screamed, "Yeah I could kick back with you and your friends." Which any girlfriend of mine would have to do, no way would I ditch my boys. They were family. A girl would never come between us.

  "So, what did you think of the game?" I asked.

  "It was... interesting. A lot louder than I had expected, and so many more fans. I think I even saw a bunch of girls wearing your jersey. Although they did have it rolled up so that it showed off their stomachs, so I can’t be sure," she replied with a completely innocent tone.

  I felt my cheeks start to burn at that and was thankful for the dark lighting in the bar. "Uh yeah, there are a group of girls who come to every game. They are really... supportive." I took another swig from my drink in an attempt to hide my awkwardness. I didn’t want to be talking about puck bunnies with Scoop.

  I looked at her over my bottle to see she was actually smirking at me. Before I could do anything to get back at her, she continued on with the conversation leaving me to catch up.

  "I did actually have some questions though; do you mind if I record while I ask them?"

  "Yeah sure, that's fine. Be easier for you when you're writing, right?" I asked, trying to be as helpful as possible. Wait, maybe I shouldn’t be helpful that way she’ll need another interview? No, I need to do the right thing.

  "Yep, it sure will. Okay one sec, let me line everything up." She fiddled with her phone, turning on her recorder and opening her notes up with all the questions.

  She looked up at me as she hovered over the record button. "Ready?"

  "Yep, do your worst, Scoop." I smirked back at her.

  And that's how, thirty minutes later, I found myself using the various sauce bottles from our table and the table behind me to explain a particular play we had used tonight to get the puck behind the goalie and flick it into the nets on a forward pass.

  The whole time we talked, Scoop was one hundred percent animated and interested in my answers, asking interesting questions, some which required me to think quickly on my feet. Voicing my answers actually gave me an appreciation for a lot of the things the coaches had set up since I’d never really thought about why we did what we did, just that that was how we had been told to do it.