Page 49 of Shane

“Yeah, she has.”

This explains Shane’s resistance to breaking up our parents, which makes me like him even more. His Mom is a widow, and he wants her to find happiness again, which I guess I have to respect.

“Okay, no more dead Dad or sad John talk. We’ve been way too serious tonight, and it was counterproductive,” he says.

“Right.”

“We were supposed to have fun and to get to know each other better.”

“I know how we can salvage the night.”

“Ooh, how?” he bites his bottom lip suggestively.

“Is your mind always in the gutter?”

“Always.”

“Well, how about we escape the gutter and work on our project? That’s a great way to get to know each other.”

“Honk!”

Shane makes this annoying buzzing sound like we’re on a game show, and I just lost a speed round.

“Would you be quiet?” I laugh.

“Honk!”

“You’re so ridiculous.”

But after a few more of his diverting honking noises and a night staring at the city skyline as we cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia, I have to admit that I feel better than I have in a long time.

“You’re probably the funniest hockey player I’ve ever met,” I say, letting my guard down.

“You’ve met a lot of hockey players?” he raises an eyebrow.

“I told you I grew up with some.”

“You grew up with amateurs. I’m a pro.”

“Of course you are,” I smirk. “My bad.”

“Are you denying my greatness, Miss Bing? You saw me play the other day.”

“I think your ego will survive it if I don’t blow smoke up your ass like everyone else does especially that Lisa girl.”

“Why are you picking on my superfans?”

“Oh, that’s what we’re calling her?” I roll my eyes. “I’ve been following your career since high school?” I mimic her irritating small voice. “I bet she has.”

“Ooh, you’re so jealous. You think she wants my big body?”

“More like your big earning potential.”

“Can we drive to one of my favorite spots and hang for a few?”

“Where?” I ask, suspicious of his motives.

“Boathouse Row. The view is spectacular.”