by Lucy Smoke
As everyone else packed up their things, we stayed seated. I wasn't sure about him, but I was a little sad. This had been our last class together, and besides our study session on Monday, we didn't have any plans to see each other. And as much as I wanted to open up that door, the Puck Games loomed in my mind.
Did I really know Christian well enough to say that he wouldn't do to me what happened to Steph? She thought she had met a really nice guy, and everything was going great. Then when it was all over, and he had gotten what he’d wanted, his true colors were revealed. Could I take the risk that Christian would do that to me? I didn't have a James in my life that could pick up the pieces. I only had Steph. Steph who had begged me to figure out what was going on and to get her name off that board.
No, I couldn't open that door.
I heaved a heavy sigh and started packing my things away.
"Uh Hayden," Christian started, hesitation stretching his words. "There’s this festival tonight, the Winter Wonderland. I saw a poster for it on my way to class this morning; it has snowman building competitions, food stalls, and horse and carriage rides. Looks a little corny, but I thought it might be fun. Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to go with me?"
My pulse pounded in my ears, and I was sure you could see them physically moving from all the pressure. Did he just ask me out on an actual date? Not a casual hangout. Or volunteering to help. But an actual date? Where I was already going on pseudo dates with Vinnie and Justin. I wasn't sure if I should cheer or puke. Could I manage all three of them at the same event on the same night?
My mind raced through the possibilities, and I realized that if I spaced their stalls out, I could maybe make this work. With a lot of luck. And some help. Steph is going to kill me.
"I will actually be there already," I answered as I closed my bag before turning to him. "I'm organizing it."
"Oh, you're organizing it huh?" he asked; his hand reached up to scratch the back of his neck.
"That's what I said." I watched him process an option other than Yes or No. "You could totally still go," I added cheekily.
The Winter Wonderland was predominantly for couples. Or for pairs. There was a romantic horse and carriage ride around campus, snowman building competitions, and the food stalls had cozy little couches with blankets. Not really something a single guy wanted to attend on his own.
"Ah, no thanks. I was hoping to go with you, but since you’re busy I'll probably hang out with my roommates tonight instead," he said as he ducked his head, breaking eye contact. I watched as he jammed his things into his backpack, not seeming to care that he was crushing his notes. I was getting the vibe that he just really wanted to get out of there.
My brain and my heart were fighting a tug of war inside me. On the one hand, I had to bite my tongue, hard, to stop myself from telling him they would be there too. Because how exactly would I explain knowing that to him? And then on the other hand, I was happy dancing that he was choosing to stay home on a Friday night when he couldn’t hang out with me. That last part took some of the pep out of the dance since I wouldn't get to see him even for fifteen minutes.
I was losing my battle at keeping him – them – as just sources. All of them were showing me sides of them that I just didn’t think they would show a Puck. But I still needed to get to the bottom of this whole thing, not just for Steph, but for me too. This story was going to finalize my portfolio, my future. That was all that mattered. Steph and my future.
Pulling my bag up onto my shoulder, I stood up to leave but felt Christian’s hand slip into mine, stopping me from leaving.
"Is there any way you could sneak away for a bit so that we could, I don't know, make a snowman together or something?" His eyes pleaded with me to make it work. He had completely lost his confident edge, staying seated, letting me have the high ground. My heart fluttered. He genuinely wanted to make a snowman with me. Okay brain, I am letting heart have this one.
A cheeky smile grew on my face. "Not exactly, but there is definitely a way we could build a snowman together tonight. You could run a stall for me. I need a couple more volunteers."
"Done," he said without hesitation with a huge smile on his face.
His swift reply shocked me for half a second before I responded. "Great! I'll text you the details?" I asked.
"Sounds good, see you tonight Hayden." Christian squeezed my hand before he let it go.
I smiled back at him and then turned and headed out of the room.
My steps slowed once I passed the door and entered the hallway, as all of the things that could go horribly wrong tonight started to occur to me. My stomach hollowed out as horrible scenarios of all the guys confronting me, or worse two of them seeing each other and getting into a fight. Their friendship, their family, obliterated in a matter of seconds over me.
Shit, I really hadn't thought this one through. I might not like what they were involved in with the Puck Games, but after talking with Vinnie about the three of them working as a team, I really didn't want to interfere with that. And besides, I didn’t know their side of the story. Maybe they had to participate, maybe it wasn’t optional.
Won't your article on the morality of the hockey team interfere with their chances of making it into professional hockey after college? My Inner Voice spoke up.
I stopped, seriously considering the question. I’d no doubt that it would tarnish their reputations, but would it stop them from getting drafted? Most sports teams had a morality clause ensuring their players were all good people, this would definitely breach that.
However, I wasn't writing the article for them or for me; I was writing it for Steph, for every girl who had gotten herself unwittingly onto the Puck Board. For every woman who had been mistreated by some star athlete who thought he could do whatever he wanted because he was brought to the college on scholarship. I wasn’t going to not write the article.
But I was going to need back up tonight to juggle all of them. Since Steph got me into this mess, she was going to help me handle it. I pulled out my phone and opened my messages to her.
Me: So about tonight, I need a favor. All three of my sources are going to be there.
25
Christian
Friday 8th December – 17 days until Christmas
I checked myself in the mirror for what was probably the tenth time in the last five minutes. I hadn't been this nervous over a non-date before. I’d never been on a non-date before. I'd even changed my shirt three times, which she probably wouldn't even see since I'd have my jacket on the whole time. I felt like slapping myself.
I'd just never felt this way about a girl. I mean, I'd had girlfriends, but they had never gotten my heart thumping the way Hayden did. When I had bought that eggnog for her, I’d contemplated throwing it in every trash can I’d passed, not sure if I was being too forward, worried that she didn't like eggnog, nervous she would turn down my offering, and then I would scoff at myself for being so sapped out over a girl. But ultimately, I would walk by that trash can, eggnog still in hand.
Christ, I sound like a chick. Come on Christian, where’s your head at? Confidence!
Checking the time, I saw that I had twenty minutes before I had to meet Hayden at the front of the Winter Wonderland. Grabbing my phone off its charger and then snatching up my keys and wallet, I headed out into the hallway only to stop dead when Justin and Vinnie both came out of their rooms at the same time.
I hadn't told them I was going out tonight, hoping to avoid it since I didn't want to explain about Hayden. I’d struggled with not telling them about her, since we usually shared everything that was going on with each other, but she was too important to me. Vinnie hadn’t brought any Pucks home since Tori, but I still didn’t want him near Hayden until after I had declared Whip status. It was crap, but it was true. I didn’t trust Vinnie near Hayden. He’d go after her with his entire arsenal of tricks, and I honestly wouldn’t blame her if she fell for him.
And Justin, I’d overh
eard him the other day talking to Grant about the girl he liked. I’d been a bit hurt at the time that he hadn’t come to me for advice, but I understood it. Grant was a safe zone. I seriously hoped he took Grant’s advice, it would be great if I wasn’t the only one to bring a girl into our group.
The awkward silence stretched. And stretched. I suddenly remembered that I only had twenty minutes until I was supposed to meet Hayden. I quickly scanned both of them, noting that neither of them made direct eye contact with me, and I realized they were dressed to go out as well. I knew nothing about either of their plans. Looks like we’re all keeping a secret. Fine by me, it meant I didn't have to tell them about my plans.
"I'm heading out I'll see you guys in the morning," I stated as I brushed by them, heading into the living area.
"Yeah me too," Justin muttered as he made his way into the kitchen, "I'm... meeting Grant at the The Sports Bar."
I shot his back a skeptical look. Justin going out for drinks? I hoped that was his cover for the girl he wanted to date. Since I didn't want him asking about my plans, I let it slide.
"Where was the invite bro?" Vinnie demanded of Justin, as I grabbed my coat out of the front closet, slipped my arms into it, and started the inner breast buttons up.
Justin turned looking a bit startled. "Uh... well... We only just made plans a minute ago. I thought you’d already have something lined up for tonight." An oddly pleased look grew on his face as he finished, like he had just come up with the excuse on the spot. I narrowed my eyes at him. He probably had.
"Lucky for you, I do. My cousin Paulie is in town, we're going to grab some dinner and then hit up some clubs."
Paulie was back from Europe? I thought he wasn't coming back until after the New Year? Stopping myself from asking why he was back so soon, I checked my watch for the time. Fifteen minutes until I had to meet Hayden.
“Bye,” I called out as I stepped towards the door and closed it behind me. They didn't even acknowledge me. Perfect.
I headed towards the elevator and then down to my car in the carpark. I got in, turned it on, and pulled out of our building, driving towards the campus. As I parked the car in the parking lot near the entrance to the Winter Wonderland, I pulled my phone out to check Hayden's message.
Hayden: Hey, so meet me at the ticket stall at 6:30pm and we will sort out your stall x
She'd ended it with a kiss. Did that mean tonight would end with a kiss? Shaking my head at my own romanticism, I sent her a quick text to let her know I’d just parked and was on my way in. Getting out of my car, I locked it, and pulled my gloves out of the pocket of my jacket.
Keeping a lookout for Hayden, I approached the ticket stall. At first I couldn't see her, but then some ticket purchasers moved out of the way and there she was, clipboard in hand, aqua beanie in place – the same one from that very first time I saw her at the rink - and a massive smile on her face. She looked like she was in her element, all cylinders firing and loving everything about it.
I took a moment to drink the sight of her in. Long, dark brown hair all wavy running down to her butt. I could see gold hoop earrings peeking through the gaps and wondered if she always wore those or if she had put them on just for me? She had a cute black leather jacket that only came to her waist, with a green shirt on underneath. Following the line of her body, I noted her dark blue, skin tight jeans that tucked into those black leather boots.
Fuck she looked hot, especially with her cheeks all rosy from the cold. I watched as she waved her arms around as she talked to a girl with short, blonde curls. Blondie was nodding her head to whatever Hayden was saying. A guy with brown hair and glasses came to stand behind blondie, causing her to look up and over her shoulder at him with a smile. Ahh, blondie's boyfriend.
Seeing a break in their conversation, I continued on towards Hayden ready to get our non-date started. I was keeping my fingers crossed that the night did end with a kiss.
26
Hayden
Friday 8th December – 17 days until Christmas
Two words. Panic. Attack. My arm free-fell to my side as I finished reading Christian’s message.
I was really doing this. Having three kind-of-dates, with three best friends, roommates, and hockey players. What the hell was I thinking? Am I insane? I must have been to have allowed myself to get into this stupid situation. I'd texted them all today, telling them to arrive at different times, fifteen minutes apart, so that I could get each of them paired off with another volunteer and hidden in their stalls before the next one arrived.
Where the hell was Steph...
"Hey Sugar, how you doing?" Steph said from behind me, making me twirl around and nearly topple over in the ridiculous shoes I had chosen to wear. Yes, they were sexy as all get out, but they weren’t appropriate for snow or sudden surprises. Good thing looking sexy is the priority tonight.
"Wow darling, don't go breaking a leg," she exclaimed as she steadied me. Once she caught a look at my face, the panic consuming me must have been evident. "Honey, what's wrong? Is it the festival? Did something go wrong?"
"No... it’s my sources. What have I done? What if they bump into each other?" My breathing was starting to come in short, sharp puffs.
"Wow, stop right there. Take a breath. Come on, breath with me. In. Out. In. Out." I listened to her instructions, taking deep calming breaths, the panic starting to recede. "Now, run that one by me again. Why is this a problem? They are just sources for the article, right? Why does it matter if your cover gets blown?"
"I... it's just... I don't want them to know about each other. Did I tell you they are roommates? That they want to go pro hockey together? Vinnie said they were family."
"No, you didn't, but that's not your problem. Your job is just to get the information you need from them remember? You are a journalist, you’re just playing a part to get what you need. You are undercover. That's all," she commanded, her voice strong and sure.
Her reassurance and belief in me helped me to strengthen myself in the face of my fear. "You’re right," I replied. Where had my confidence gone? I had been keeping them separated for the past two weeks. Granted, the geographical location was bigger, but tonight I had helpers who would keep them apart. This was going to be fine.
Yeah you keep telling yourself that, sweet cheeks.
"Well okay then, let’s shake off this little panic attack. Tell me the plan. The only thing that is making me happy with you right now is that I get to spend the night with one of your sources, grilling them about their interest in you. So, who do I have, and where am I going?" Steph asked, sweeping me along with her enthusiasm. I could have sworn she was more excited about tonight than I was.
"You have Christian, and you’re at the Snowman competition." I gestured over her head and in the general direction of the Snowman area.
I looked over her shoulder to see James approaching. Excellent.
"Hayden," he greeted me as he stepped up behind Steph, his chest practically bumping into her back. When she tilted her head back and up at him, his smile deepened. "Steph."
"James," she said on a whispered sigh.
I turned away for a moment, not wanting to intrude. And if I was being one hundred percent truthful, I was actually a little jealous. I wanted to have that with someone.
You could have that with Justin. Or Christian. Or Vinnie. My Inner Voice whispered to me.
No, Inner Voice, I couldn't. This article would ruin any chances of that ever happening.
Well then you need to make a decision, them or the article.
I almost nodded in agreement with myself, but managed to hold onto my sanity. I glanced down at my phone; no new messages.
"Hayden." A deep voice called out.
"Here we go," I muttered under my breath as I turned to face Christian as he emerged from the parking lot. Suddenly, I was filled with about a million butterflies, but this time it was the nice kind, the ones that warm you up, not make you need to pee.
"Hey, Chr
istian." I smiled at him as he got closer. He looked so good tonight. He had his black double-breasted jacket on, a woolen scarf, jeans, and tan colored Timberland boots.
"You look amazing," he said as he came in for a hug. I reached up and wrapped my arms around him, enjoying the embrace.
I blushed as Steph stepped into view and raised an eyebrow. I mouthed "What?" at her, like I didn't know that she was suspicious of my feelings about Christian. God, what if she saw me with the other two? She was going to want to hand in her best friend card.
I stepped back from him. "Christian, this is Steph, my best friend," I said as I gestured to Steph who quickly schooled her expression and stepped up with her hand out.
"Pleasure," she stated, her southern accent a little thicker than normal.
Christian reached out to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you. So, you're the person I need to ply with alcohol to find out all the details on Hayden, right?" he asked with a cheeky smile on his face.
I could tell Steph struggled not to be charmed by him, keeping an adorable scowl on her face. "I can't divulge anything that is protected by the best friend code."
I scowled at her, until she took the hint to play nice.
"But chocolate on the other hand, that trumps best friend code," she finished with a firm nod.
Christian let out a laugh. "Duly noted."
I tugged on the sleeve of his jacket to get his attention and handed him a simple map of the festival, pointing out the snowman location, which was in the far south east corner of our area. "You are stationed at the snowman building competition with Steph," I told him. "Basically, all you to need to do is keep the soft snow pile high so people can start their snowballs, collect the pails, help people select their decorations, and write their names down on the plot-gram that's already up there so we know who made which snowman."