Page 62 of Scoring Chances

“Thanks Sinky. I was craving a Big Red.” The guy is young too. He’s slightly taller than Trevor and he’s wearing a cutoff that shows off tremendous biceps.

He looks at me.

“Don’t mind, Vance. He’s Canadian.”

“Is that supposed to excuse him for being a jerk?” I eye the player.

He smiles really big and cracks open the drink.

“No,” Trevor says.

“Dance with me,” Vance says, stretching out his arm.

I stare at it. “I'd rather not.”

“Oh come on, don’t you want to make him jealous?”

“Make who jealous?” I ask.

“Your boyfriend? Is he around?” Vance looks around theatrically.

“That’s Vance’s way of asking if you're single,” Trevor says.

“Ah… and what’s your way?” I ask him.

“Are you?... Single, that is?”

“So just straight to the point?” I observe.

He smiles, revealing dimples.

“These two bothering you?” Joshua walks up. Hands in his pocket like he’s just on a casual stroll.

I look at the two younger players and realize… I was just talking to two guys at once. That would’ve never happened before. Maybe it is the the new outfits giving me confidence.

“We were just talking, Joshua. Unless, that’s not allowed per my job description?”

Trevor and Vance both straighten up and share glances.

“Sorry, Hicks. I didn’t realize she was with you–”

“I’m not with him,” I cut in.

“Oh,” Trevor says, looking even more confused.

“She’s… just my nanny,” Joshua says, watching my reaction.

“That’s right,” I confirm, turning toward Vance. “So yeah, you know what, I would like to dance.”

Now I reach out a hand toward him but instead of taking it, he looks up to Joshua as if asking him permission. Like he’s my dad or something.

“Uh…” he chuckles. “I actually just remembered Fergie needed me outside for something.”

He ducks out, still looking at Joshua whose gaze follows his every move.

“Yeah, I’m gonna… I’m gonna go help him with that too,” Trevor says, he gives me a small wave and follows his teammate out.

Joshua without saying a word, and just mere glances alone, managed to scare away two guys who were nice enough to approach me.