I’m home with the guys, watching tape of Pittsburgh’s last series. We’re playing them next week.
The problem is: I’m having a hard time focusing.
My mind keeps wandering to Erika.
What went wrong on our date?
As I worry, my roomates’ chatter goes in one ear and out the other.
Carson
Better watch out, Bast. That Henley dude throws a lot of cheap shots.
Sebastian
I’m not worried. I’ll keep my head on a swivel.
Sebastian
But if your brother doesn’t pull his head out of his ass, I might show HIM a cheap shot.
There’s a beat of silence.
Carson
Cole? You just gonna let him get away with saying something like that?
I lift my head up, glancing back and forth between the two of them.
Carson
What’s your deal, bro?
I shrug and take a drink of my beer instead of responding.
I hadn’t told them about my date with Erika because I hadn’t wanted to jinx it.
A lot of good that did me.
My phone dings on the end table next to me.
Given my mood, I almost don’t even bother to look at it—
But when I see her name, my stomach launches into my throat.
Snatching up my phone, I give my roommates a half-assed excuse about being tired.
I sit on my bed and watch the wavy dots intently. My leg bounces as if on its own.
Erika
I need to apologize for the way I behaved the other day.
Erika
I think I made some assumptions about you because I haven’t dated the greatest guys in the past.
Erika
That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.
Erika
And I shouldn’t have run off with little to no explanation [big eyes face emoji]
Cole
It’s okay. I’m just glad you haven’t completely written me off.
Cole
Will you tell me what made you so upset?
Cole
There was something you said in the park though…
Cole
What did you mean when you said I was using you for your status?
Erika
My father is Gregory Vaughn.
Erika
The Senator. When you told me about the scandal and your manager’s plan…
Erika
I thought you’d targeted me on purpose to use my public image to help fix yours.
Cole
Erika, I’m so sorry. I had no idea who you are and neither did my publicist.
Cole
Don’t you remember? I was trying to contact the real contest winner, Stephanie Wilson.
Erika
I know you told me that. But I’ve had a lot of guys lie to me in the past.
Erika
Guys who wanted to be associated with me for their career.
Cole
That’s terrible. Absolutely none of this was orchestrated to manipulate you, I swear.
Erika
God, I feel so stupid. You must think I’m crazy.
Cole
Not at all. I completely understand why you freaked out.
[I let out a sigh of relief.
But then my phone goes off with an incoming text from my publicist.
Linda
Cole, you’re starting to worry me.
Linda
Why haven’t I heard from you about this date thing yet?
Damn. This is definitely not what I need right now.
I don’t know how much longer I can put Linda off.
I know I should’ve told her the original winner was a dead end and to pick a new one…
But I can’t. Not since I’ve been talking to Erika.
The idea of going on a date — even a fake one — feels wrong.
Cole
Sorry, Linda, I’ve been really busy. The playoffs are right around the corner…
Linda
That’s great, but if we don’t fix your public image, it won’t matter if the team wins the Stanley Cup.
Linda
You’re going to be a free agent in three months.
Linda
And no team is going to want to sign you.
Linda
You’ve got to give me something from this fantasy date to clean up your image.
Cole
Ok, I hear you. I’ll make sure to nail something down ASAP. Thanks, Linda.
Linda
No need to thank me, kid. Just help me help you. Night!
I blow out a frustrated breath.
But then I see Erika’s name flash up on my screen.
Erika
So…does this mean you forgive me?
Cole
You go on a do-over date with me. A dinner date this time.
Cole
You didn’t have fun last time?
Cole
We can still make sure there are no cameras or anything like that.
Cole
I’m more than happy to sneak around the city — as long as I’m with you.
Cole
We can keep this just between us for as long as you want.
Erika
Okay, fine. That does sound…appealing. I would love a do-over.
Cole
Tomorrow night work for you?
Cole
Awesome. Wear your dancing shoes. I’ll pick you up at 8.
