Page 24 of Scoring Chances
“Isn’t she?” Keelan looks at me beaming. And I can’t tell if he means it or if he’s just playing along.
“Well, you two make yourselves at home. There’s drinks poolside. Food on the patio. And Muppet.”
I look around looking for muppets.
“Zane’s parrot," Keelan says. "Don’t get too attached. I tried being his friend, he’s kind of an asshole."
“A cute asshole,” Izzy adds.
"Zane… or the parrot?" I genuinely ask.
They both burst out laughing and I catch a few heads lifting to look at us. I chuckle but decide I shouldn't open my mouth anymore. Apparently I'm funny when I'm not even trying to be.
“I like her,” Izzy says, patting my shoulder softly and looking at her brother.
Michael Ferguson and Libby O’Connor make their way into the outdoor space and Izzy quickly dismisses herself to go welcome them.
“I’m going to grab us some drinks,” Keelan whispers before heading off to the drink table.
I admit, I'm embarrassed having to be around Michael. Considering not long ago–I took my shot with him only to end up being shot down.
And I wonder what he’s told his girlfriend about me?
I’m sure she thinks I’m the queen of puck bunnies. First interested in Michael, working for Hicks, but showing up here with Keelan. I’ve heard what girls say about those who hang around the hockey players a little too much.
Ugh. The optics aren’t great, I gotta admit.
“Well, hello.” A female’s voice purrs, breaking my train of thought. “She’s dressed in all white, with short bouncy brown hair and bright hazel eyes.
Rina Lopez. I looked her up earlier to see what I would be dealing with tonight. Of course, she's imitating and gorgeous.
“Hi,” I say with a smile.
“So you’re Cassidy Jones?”
“Uh… yeah. That’s me.”
Why am I so nervous around her? God, she’s even more intense in person.
From the dark lipstick down to her perfect manicure, everything about her screams femme fatale.
Keelan walks over to us and hands me a drink. “Rina,” he says by way of greeting.
She looks over at Keelan. “Nice shirt, Landry.”
I take the drink from him and he pulls me to his side with his now empty hand, “Thanks.” He beams.
A man approaches Rina from behind and he slowly wraps his arms around her waist, startling her. “Oh, hey!”
“And this is…?” Keelan asks.
The man extends his hand after giving Rina a quick peck on the cheek. “Redmond.”
Keelan takes his hand and gives him a stern shake. And I do the same, introducing myself.
Keelan’s deep in thought for a moment. “Don’t you play…”
“Soccer? Yeah.” Redmond says in a clear British accent.