Talk Hockey to Me (Bears Hockey #3) - Kelly Jamieson Page 0,39
she’s still here…I mean, I’m still here…ugh. Might as well tell her every damn thing.
“I have this sort of strange phobia,” I finally say.
She cocks her head. “A phobia?”
“Yeah. A fear of mascots. It’s called masklophobia.”
Her faces scrunches up into a “Whut?” look. She blinks. And blinks again. Then she says, “Oh.”
She’s not laughing.
“I’ve never heard of that,” she continues slowly, pulling her legs up onto the couch and tucking them under her. “I guess it’s like a fear of clowns? I’ve heard of people who are terrified of clowns.”
“Yeah, I don’t like clowns much either.” I rub my chin. “But mostly mascots.”
She nods. “Do you know why? Did something happen that was traumatic?” Her eyebrows pinch together. “This isn’t because of your PTSD from the accident, is it?”
“No, it’s been since I was a kid. The first time I saw a someone in a costume like that, it was the Easter Bunny. I barely remember it, but I do remember how fucking creepy he looked and it scared the hell out of me, because he was talking but his mouth wasn’t moving. My mom says I tried to run away, but everyone laughed and chased me, and that scared me even more.”
“Aw.” Her eyes shine with sympathy. “How old were you?”
“I think five. Mostly, I just avoid them. It’s not like mascots are a big part of my life.”
“Except hockey mascots.”
“Yeah.” I make a face. “I had no idea when Hakim asked me to come with him that there’d be a bunch of them at that picnic. Or that one of them would chase me.”
She laughs softly. “I’m sorry.”
I grin. “It is kind of funny.”
“Not so funny when I fell on my face.” She grimaces. “But I think the costume protected me.”
“That was why I went back to you. I was worried you were hurt.”
“But you didn’t know it was me.”
“I kept hearing your voice. I couldn’t believe it was you in there.” I start chucking. “Christ. I can’t believe this. It’s actually hilarious.”
“It’s good you can laugh about it.” She smiles. “And then I got stuck in the costume.”
“Maybe having to rescue a mascot will help me overcome my phobia.”
“Ha! You’re welcome.”
Our eyes meet in a burst of heat. I swear I see sparks in my peripheral vision.
“Oh shit!” She bolts upright.
I start. “What?”
“I don’t have my phone! I gave it to Kevin to hold for me.” She reaches out and grips my arm so tightly I swear there’ll be bruises there.
“Oh. We’ll get it. I’ll call him.”
The look of utter panic on her face has me biting back a smile. “Now. Do it now.”
“Calm down. It’ll be fine.”
“My phone! It’s my life!”
I pull out my phone. I have Kevin’s number from when I called him as a reference. It rings a couple of times, then he answers. “Morrissette. What’s up?”
“Hey. I have your team mascot. I’m holding it for ransom.” I meet Kate’s eyes, which widen. Then she bites her bottom lip, smiling.
Silence. “What the fuck?”
“I need Kate’s cell phone, her shoes, a dozen beers, and an extra-large pizza delivered to her place within the next hour, or you’ll never see Orson again.”
Kate cracks up, falling sideways on the couch.
“No anchovies on the pizza,” I add. “Do you have the address?”
“Uh…no.”
I look at Kate and she shouts it out.
“Got that?”
“What is even happening?” Kevin sounds confused. “Are you serious?”
“Serious as a shootout in sudden death OT.”
“Okay, that’s serious.”
“Yeah. Also, you owe Kate.”
“Ha. I guess I do. Okay. See you soon.”
I end the call and set my phone down. “There. It’ll be here soon.”
“I’m being held for ransom?” Her eyes twinkle.
“No. Not you. Orson.” I jerk my head at the costume. “I’ll set that motherfucker on fire if Beaven doesn’t show up.”
“Hunter.” She cackles more. “You won’t do that.”
“Hey. You know my little secret now. You know I’ll do it.”
She shakes her head, still shaking with laughter. “You’re nuts.”
“True, but I own it.”
“Wait, I didn’t mean—”
“I know.” I smile. I’m fucked up, but I can still joke around. “So. This is a nice apartment.”
“Thanks. It’s small, but it’s a great location. Finding a place in New York wasn’t easy.”
“I’ve heard that.”
“It’s nothing like your luxury digs.”
“Eh. It’s a hotel. With apartments. I need a roommate to afford it.”
“You won’t after you sign your next contract.”
I have to smile. “I like your confidence.”
“I am confident.” She tosses her hair. “I’m good at my job.” Then she mutters under her breath, “Even though some didn’t think so.”