Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,6
in New England then?” I pop another fry in my mouth.
“Yeah, definitely, but I was always one hundred percent sold on B.U., and with my grades, I was able to get some academic scholarships. The financial package they offered me is pretty awesome. You must be having a blast playing hockey for them.”
“I am. I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but I’d always wanted to be a Terrier.”
“I think I remember you saying that at some point.”
“College hockey is a lot different than high school hockey was. I’m on a team with some really talented players. I’m just trying to hold my own.”
“Yeah, but you’re an awesome goalie.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“They’re lucky to have you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m not just saying that. I know for sure. I saw most of your high school games.”
“I like to think my playing has improved since then.”
She nods. “Don’t be so modest. You know it has. Every game at B.U. that I’ve gone to you’ve slayed.
“Thank you. I appreciate your support.” If she only realized how her being there makes me feel more confident. And even though I always try my best, I somehow manage to find that little bit extra to give when I know her eyes are on me. I pretend she’s there for me and not because her brother’s on the team.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how beautiful she is. And being here with her is just confirmation that I know, just like I knew when I left last September, that whatever this thing I have for Maddie is, it feels like much more than infatuation.
It’s a less than ideal situation to be crushing on my best friend’s little sister. It goes against the bro-code, and I never go against the bro-code. It’s an unspoken rule that Marshall and I haven’t had to discuss. He’s made comments over the years about no one being good enough for his sister, and I know that includes me. He’d flip out if he found out I was thinking of her as anything more than a friend.
“Is something on your mind?” Maddie questions, drawing me from my confused thoughts.
“No. Not at all. I’m getting ahead of myself thinking about all the things I have to do for my family this summer before heading back to B.U.. It’s kind of daunting how long that list is.” It’s not the truth, but it’s not a complete lie either. I have too much to do before the end of August rolls around, and I’m sure I’ll be procrastinating for as long as possible.
“I bet. I can’t wait to start college.”
“Why are you in such a rush? You have the whole summer ahead of you.”
“I don’t know. I’ve always dreamed of going, like it’s some magical time in one’s life.”
He smiles. “I don’t know that I’d call it magical, but it beats high school.”
“Ugh, nothing could be worse than high school.”
I rub my chin and think about all the great times I had. “I had a lot of fun during those four years.”
“Well, you were popular.”
My face twists into an expression of distaste. “I hate the word popular. What does that even mean?”
“It means everyone automatically loves you, and you don’t even have to put any effort in.”
“That’s not a nice thing to say. I’m not some asshole who ignored everyone or shit on people for no reason. I’ve always been friendly to everyone at school. Including people who aren’t part of my close circle of friends or ones who didn’t even deserve any kindness from me.” I try to stay calm, but I’m worried that I made her feel that way. Wasn’t I a good friend to her as well as her brother?
“I’m not saying you weren’t.”
“I’m not sure what you’re saying. But whatever it is, it doesn’t sound like a compliment.” I stare knowingly at her.
She swallows down a bite of pizza and takes a sip of soda, clearing her throat, as if the pizza dough is stuck. Or maybe that’s her foot. “Forget I mentioned anything. I didn’t mean to offend you, and if I did, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t let my personal feelings about high school taint our conversation.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Really. I’m truly sorry. I know I’m overly sensitive about that stuff because I’m Marshall’s sister. Do you know how many times people have openly displayed shock that he and I are related? And they show such derision when they find out it’s true. The sneers and