Page 26 of Shane
“If you want them,” I say very indifferently, but deep down, I desperately want her to say yes. I’ve done a piss poor job of impressing her so far but on the ice, I know I can wow her. The game is where I shine.
“Based on the buzz on campus about your upcoming season, I’d think you do better selling the tickets instead of giving them to me. I bet you’d make a killing.”
“I see your business-savvy brain is at work, but unfortunately, reselling comp tickets is not allowed. I could get into a lot of trouble.”
“So you’re a rule follower?” She grins, and I might be reading way too much into it, but I think I’m finally making some headway with her.
“Only some rules,” I tell her playfully.
“How about giving the tickets to your family?”
“I’m from New Jersey, and it’s probably going to be a rare occasion when my mom can fly across the country to catch one of my games. Flights are expensive, and we play a long season.”
“Oh, right, of course.”
“So really you’d be doing me a favor. Seeing a friendly face at the home games would be nice.”
“And you don’t have any friends you’d like to give them to?”
“I’m a freshman just like you. Other than my teammates, I haven’t made any friends yet. And it’s going to be pretty sad to look in the stands at an empty seat when some of the other guys have people come watch them play.”
“I just saw you talking with a group of people you’re supposedly not friends with.”
“Oh, them? They’re friends of the team. Fans, really.”
“It’s amazing how you have so many fans and haven’t played a game yet.”
“Some of us have been here all summer. That’s how we know each other.”
“Gotcha.”
But the look on her face tells me that she only believes half of what I’m saying.
“So you’ll come?” I crack a smile.
She appears to finally consider my offer.
“If you promise to come to the next project meeting.”
“It’s on Thursday again?”
“Just like last Thursday, Shane.”
I already know I have a conflict that day. If I’m going to be perfect on the ice, I’ve got to be consistent with my training. Sacrifices always have to be made for excellence.
“I have a better idea.”
“What could be better than meeting your class obligations on the days we all agreed to?”
“Are you going home for Thanksgiving?”
She pauses for a moment as if she isn’t exactly sure about her plans.
“Yes.”
“Pineboro is about thirty or forty minutes, depending on the traffic from Philadelphia. I propose catching up on everything I’ve missed over the break.”
“Thanksgiving break? There’s a lot of time between now and then, and while Lisa might be willing to carry your part of the load, I’m not.”