by Amber Lynn
Ryan’s hand was still on his forehead, but as Dylan spoke he slowly dragged it to the back of his head to pull on a little bit of the shagginess that had started to grow. His mind was flying around all over as he put his arms down on the bench to push himself up. Sighing, he turned around to face Dylan.
“Evidently I’ve had a lot on my mind. I hear a woman singing every game, but I never really looked at her.” In Ryan’s defense, they did turn the lights down and flashed all sorts of graphics on the ice. As far as hearing her name announced, he realized he never listened to the stuff they said during the games.
“Wow. I really don’t know what else to say. If I would’ve known, I would’ve pointed her out.”
Ryan still felt like Dylan was looking at him like he was the biggest idiot in the world, which he would’ve readily admitted in the moment. He tried to replay the anthem from the night before in his head, but the voice he heard sounded nothing like Lisa. It didn’t have the accent, and that furthered his assumption that the accent was manufactured.
“You know,” Dylan said while Ryan remained mute. “Usually when a guy has an obsession with a woman, he sees her places she isn’t. Like he’ll see a woman with similar hair walking ahead of them on the sidewalk and hurry to talk to her. You on the other hand don’t even notice when the woman is right in front of you.”
“I’ve spent maybe thirty minutes with her. I think it’s a little early to say I’m obsessed.” Ryan said the words, but there wasn’t a lot of conviction behind them.
“Keep telling yourself that.” Ryan didn’t make a move to interrupt, but Dylan lifted one of his hands to keep him from talking. “I speak from experience. I was obsessed with Casey before I even met her, so you’re ahead of the game actually talking to Lisa. Casey yelled the most god-awful taunts from the stands and I spent half of each game trying to find her.”
“That’s an interesting way for her to show she likes you.” Ryan wasn’t admitting anything about his interest in Lisa. It didn’t seem like that was what Dylan was looking for, but it did feel like he was trying to open up and form a connection. It was a little strange for the coach and player dynamic Ryan was used to.
“She didn’t like me.” Dylan’s smile widened as he shook his head and laughed. “My wife has a very peculiar way of doing things, which I’m sure you’ve noticed. She got tired of hearing everyone cheering for me, so she did the opposite. Being contrary is just her way of doing things.”
Ryan didn’t want to put his foot in his mouth, so he treaded lightly when it came to talking about Casey’s tactics. Telling his coach that his wife was nuts was a good way to get his butt glued to the bench during games.
While he tried to figure out how to keep from saying something stupid, Ryan studied the man across from him. Dylan was a few years older than him and hadn’t let his retirement from playing the game get in the way of a daily exercise regime. He was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, so his physique was hidden, but Ryan had seen that the definition in his arms and legs was still there.
Dylan was one of those guys who could’ve played into his forties if violence off the ice wouldn’t have cut his career short. Ryan didn’t have the skills for a team to want to keep him around that long. He knew his days were running out, and as much as he loved the game, there was a big part of him looking forward to stepping away from the ice.
“Your wife is an interesting character, and that’s really all I can say based on our short interactions.”
“Smart move. So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day? I was thinking about getting a bite to eat at a diner a few blocks away, and I wouldn’t mind having some company.”
“You want to have lunch with me?”
The offer shouldn’t have been as surprising as Ryan received it. He’d been over at Dylan’s house early in the week, but it was the first time he was really being included with someone from the team in a somewhat normal off-ice activity.
“It’s probably technically still brunch, but I’m sure you can get a sandwich and fries if you want them.”
One of Ryan’s most annoying characteristics, at least based on what other people told him, was his skepticism. He rarely came across someone who honestly didn’t want something from him, and bribing him with food seemed to be the route most people went.
He studied Dylan, trying to figure out what he could have to say that would go over better with food in front of them. Dylan seemed to be pretty straightforward, so if he had something bad to say, Ryan hoped he wouldn’t try to butter him up to get it out.
Dylan’s expression hadn’t changed from the one Ryan always had trouble reading. The coach had the ability to make you feel like he really cared about you, when most coaches made Ryan think they only cared about the win column. Generally, Ryan was with the coaches on that one, so he didn’t mind being one of their pawns.
“Do you take all the players out to this diner of yours?” Ryan felt his left eyebrow raise as he pondered the question himself.
“Nah.” Dylan’s head shook subtly. “Nels and I meet up there all the time, and a few other old teammates join us every once in a while, but I don’t make a habit of taking players out to eat individually.”
“So I’m some kind of charity case.”
Dylan snorted. “You’d have to be dead for someone to consider you a charity case.”
“I like to think that’s what other people think, but you’re giving me the feeling I’m not doing a very good job pulling that off.”
Since Ryan had vacated the bench, Dylan stepped forward and put his right leg up on the bench and leaned his arms on his leg. He’d gotten a good look at Ryan during all the times Ryan had been trying to figure him out, but Dylan decided to take a few seconds to figure something else out.
“I thought your issues with the other guys were just because you’ve played against them and things haven’t always been amicable.”
“Are you saying there’s another reason no one has asked me to join in postgame festivities at the local watering hole?”
It wasn’t like Ryan would’ve taken anyone up on the offer, since he wasn’t a big fan of drinking in public spaces. One too many fights that added to the knots on his head made it pretty clear to him he wasn’t the best drunk. It was his alcohol-fueled fights that were more likely to cause injuries, even though none of them had done any permanent damage to the nose Lisa seemed obsessed with. That being said, it would’ve been nice if someone on the team welcomed him enough to ask him to join them.
“Maybe. I thought the tough guy act stemmed from the hurt feelings about being traded. Most people would probably figure that’s just a fighter mentality, but I know better than that. I’d say ninety percent of the time it’s the fighter on the team who has the biggest heart.”
Ryan nodded. He didn’t like to think that way, but he thought the statistic sounded about right. Very few people liked the possibility of being injured. Someone on the team had to be the one to stand up for the other players though. You didn’t want people thinking they could cheap shot your top scorer and get away with it.
“I bet you won’t find a single one of them who admits to that big ol’ heart you’re talking about.”
“I’m sure that’s true. You don’t have to ask them. It’s pretty easy to see the way they interact more with the kids or are the first to sign up to help with some cause. I saw it with you the other night.”
“I highly doubt that.” Ryan wasn’t really sure where the conversation was going. It sure didn’t make any sense to him how they’d gone from talking about him being a charity case, to his issue with the team, to him having a big heart.
“The way you dealt with Lisa’s insecurities wasn’t from the callousness you sometimes give off. Like I said, I thought the issues with the team was your bitterness, but you honestly don’t want people getting close to you, do you?”
The weird look of caring or whatever it was hidden in Dylan’s eyes hadn’t left, and if anything he’d on
ly turned the volume up a few levels. The charity case idea seemed more real.
“What good would it do? Chances are I’m only here for the rest of the season, and then I’m on the market. A market that doesn’t tend to have a place for thirty-year-old goons.”
“Why even bother being setup on a date then? And why give her your number with a promise of another date?”
Ryan really didn’t need, or want, to be analyzed. It was his own fault for letting someone into his personal life, but that didn’t mean he was going to sit around and let it happen. At least not any more than he’d already done.
“You know what? I need to hit the showers and head home.”
Moving to step around the bench was met by a hand coming an inch away from touching his chest. A quiet rumble came from inside Ryan’s chest to let Dylan know the move was not appreciated.
“I’m a pretty easygoing guy, as I’m sure you’ve realized. There are very few things that piss me off, but I don’t tolerate a guy using a woman who doesn’t expect it. There are women out there who don’t mind just having a good time, but Lisa isn’t like that.”
The conversation had started to irritate Ryan. He wasn’t a lost kid in need of guidance from a father figure.
“I suggest you stop talking right now. I’d prefer not to get kicked off the team for punching you in the face, but if you’re going to imply I’m even considering using Lisa for an easy score, you’re getting at least one punch.”
“So you’re willing to get close to a woman, but don’t want anything to do with your teammates?” Dylan was blowing things out of proportion. He clearly couldn’t read his mind, since Ryan had already thought about how it’d be nice to be invited out by the team.
“How did we go from you wanting to go to brunch to you trying to figure out all my relationship issues?”
“I don’t know, but the offer of food still stands. I’m starting to second guess whether to take you to the diner, but we can grab something.”
It wasn’t surprising that Dylan was backtracking on his original offer. It sounded like you had to be in more of an inner circle to be seen at the diner with him. That made it silly for him to even offer, and even sillier that Ryan was taking the slight rejection so personally.
“If I’m not going to get some of that awesome diner food you were talking about, then I think I’ll just pass.”
Dylan’s arm was still blocking the way. Ryan looked to his left and thought about going the longer way around, but Dylan would still be an obstacle. Ryan’s eye gravitated back to Dylan.
“Look, after all that talk about Lisa, I thought it’d be fun to drop by her work and see if you could ask her about another date face to face. After listening to you talk, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”
“Lisa works at a diner down the street?”
Ryan hadn’t really dwelled on what Lisa did for a living, but something about her working in a diner was funny to him. He didn’t laugh out loud, because Dylan was already on his case, and he would undoubtedly take it the wrong way. The thought of someone who hated eating in front of people being required to be around people eating for however long her shifts were was humorous.
“I guess I should be happy there’s a twinkle in your eye and not disgust. There’s some guys who think their significant other’s income should be comparable to theirs.”
“Are you trying to get punched? I’m starting to wonder if this whole conversation is some kind of ploy just to piss me off.”
Ryan’s teeth started to grit together. It’d been a while since someone really rubbed him the wrong way, and the fact that it was easygoing Dylan made it worse somehow.
“Go get hit the shower and we’ll head over there. I’m probably going to get yelled at later from Casey, but I’m tired of waiting around to see what happens next.”
Dylan moved out of the way, but Ryan didn’t initially move to head to the showers. Seeing Lisa again sounded like a great idea. There was a little worry about the reception he’d get, but he wanted to see if he felt the connection after the mystery of the initial blind date was gone.
His delay was brought about by his momentary wonder of whether he should worry about a shower or just get changed so he could get to the diner faster. He wasn’t great at making impressions, and since Lisa hadn’t called, it was pretty apparent his first impression wasn’t as good as he thought. Showing up covered in sweat would’ve only made things harder.
“I don’t know why you’re taking a special interest in me, but I suddenly got a hankering for a burger and some fries.”
Ryan really didn’t want to know why Dylan was putting his nose in Ryan’s business. Eventually he’d figure it out, but until he did, he was fine focusing on trying to get his second date with Lisa. While he showered and got ready to see her, his mind was totally focused on trying to guess what kind of diner outfit she’d be wearing.
Chapter Six
Lisa was only an hour into her shift and she was already tired. Thankfully she hadn’t opened, but with ten hours to go, she’d be lucky if she wasn’t walking around like a zombie by the end of the day. She usually started a little later on mornings after games, but she’d traded a shift to make sure she had Friday off.
She hadn’t worked up the nerve to text Ryan, but she wanted the night free in case she did and he wasn’t joking about a real date. If he’d only asked for her number, Lisa would’ve assumed he was just being a nice guy. He happily handed over his number, though, so she thought there was a chance he was interested in at least hanging out.
Lisa wasn’t really sure a romantic relationship would bloom between them, but she could stand to have a friend in her life that wasn’t hundreds of miles away and didn’t have a tail. Ryan was an odd choice for a friend, since Lisa found herself stumbling over her own tongue when it came to talking to men, especially men who looked like the embodiment of sex. Ryan was that and more.
She needed to stop thinking about him and focus on her job. She’d spent almost a week walking around with her head in the clouds. Her coworkers had noticed, and were very vocal about what they thought the issue was. Of course the general consensus was that she had a new guy in her life. She was closer to her coworkers than anyone else in the city, but that didn’t mean she had plans to share what was going on in her life.
“We’re going to need to break out the big fans today, girls.” Nancy rolled into the kitchen with a dramatic flair, fanning her face with a rag. “Dylan’s back and he brought some fresh meat. I double checked and there’s not a ring on his finger, so I’m guessing he’s fair game.”
The other two waitresses working hurried over to look out the window in the door Nancy had breezed through. Lisa immediately looked towards the door that led to the alley behind the building. If the other women could see the man in question, it meant they were sitting in Lisa’s section. Dylan was a frequent customer, so she wasn’t surprised he showed up, but the fact that he had a new guy with him worried her.
“Oh my god. Those cheekbones. How in the world can someone have cheekbones that look that perfect?” Rachel was practically squealing. She was only nineteen, and she tended to get overly excited when any guy with good looks walked in the door. Lisa couldn’t blame her, because the teenager looked like a model and chances were she could get one of the guy’s attention with her long blond hair, thin waist and pert breasts that were at least C cups.
Cheekbones on a guy weren’t Lisa’s thing, so she hadn’t made a big deal about studying Ryan’s. She knew they were defined, though, so the notion that Dylan brought someone else with him diminished. The idea of running out the back door was quickly filling her head. At the same time, there was a big part of her that didn’t want him to see Rachel and start comparing the two women.
She wanted to see Ryan again, but she wasn’t sure if he even knew she was going to be there and how he’d take finding out she was a waitress. Dylan seemed like the kind of guy who sprung surprises on people. Lisa had to kick herself
for not at least opening up a conversation with Ryan to get the basic details of her life out in the open.
“And those blue eyes. I’ve always loved Dylan’s, but I wouldn’t mind waking up to those baby blues every morning.” Nancy had joined the group at the door and nudged Rachel out of the way. Nancy was a little older, in her mid-forties, but she was still able to draw eyes from the opposite sex.
“Why’s he staring at the door? Clearly Dylan is talking to him, but all he’s doing is looking this way. Do you think he can see us?” Jen asked.
Lisa doubted he could see anything with clarity, but she also wasn’t rushing over to look out. Her desire to run had gone down. That didn’t mean she was looking forward to whatever interactions she was in store for.
“Maybe he’s really hungry and is waiting for someone to come out there and take his order,” Lisa suggested. She knew if he was staring at the door, that meant he at least had an idea she was there.
Or maybe he really was hungry. She had only said that to try to clear the doorway. They were between the breakfast and lunch rushes, so the four of them were rarely all out taking care of tables at the same time.
“Maybe you should go on break and let me take care of your tables for an hour or so.” Rachel seemed more eager than usual, making Lisa’s defenses perk up even more.
She couldn’t see whatever lust was brewing in the young woman’s eyes, but she’d seen it before. Ryan wouldn’t look at Lisa again if Rachel was able to wiggle her assets at him. Not that she’d had that happen to her previously, but Lisa had enough experience with the guys who came into the diner to have a good idea of how things would go down.
“Last I checked, you’ve been here for four hours and I’ve only been here one. I think that means it’s time for your break and I’ll take care of Dylan and his friend.”
Lisa hated being rude, but it was hard for her to keep insistence out of her voice. If she could’ve strapped Rachel down somewhere to make sure she didn’t bat her eyelashes at Ryan, she probably would have.
