A week later Haley was invited to Patrick’s place for the first time. Jonathan thought it was better if they met on their own and since they didn’t really know each other, it was safer to have this meeting at someone’s apartment. Seeing where he lived would give her a clue about what kind of person he was. She had to blend out everything she already knew about him. Posing as his girlfriend wouldn’t be that hard, would it?
She had to admit that she was a little nervous. After all, it wasn’t every day that you met your fake-boyfriend, the guy you’d be spending a lot of time with. She’d dressed in her favorite jeans, red heels and a white blouse. Heels were a must for her because of her height of five foot four. She rarely wore flats, because she felt better in heels, when she could look the people she interviewed in the eye.
Because she couldn’t turn up there empty-handed, and alcohol wasn’t a good choice to bring along, she’d made cookies. It wasn’t a dinner-invitation or anything, just a little get-together of the two of them. And baking helped her relax, so she’d made them this morning.
They had to talk about their schedule today. When they’d go where and do what. When he was out of town for the games, she’d have time for herself. Then there were the home games which she’d have to attend. Not all of them, but a couple at least. That shouldn’t be a problem for her. She’d always loved hockey and seeing Jonathan on the ice in person would be interesting.
Tentatively she raised her hand and rang the bell to Patrick’s apartment. She was immediately called up and took the elevator. He already awaited her at the door to his apartment. A smile was playing on his lips. His hair curled above his ears and he was wearing jeans and as simple black t-shirt. She had to admit that he was good-looking, though not usually her type, since she’d never gone out with a professional athlete. Being friends with Jonathan was one thing, but going out with a hockey player was a totally different matter. She’d made that mistake once. But this wasn’t a real relationship, so she was safe.
“Come on in.” He smiled at her and stepped aside to let her in.
“Thank you.” She could feel his eyes on her body as she walked past and suppressed a sigh. To be fair, she’d done the same when she’d walked up the corridor to his door, so she couldn’t hold this against him.
Patrick helped her out of his coat and asked her if she wanted something to drink. After handing her a glass of water they both sat down in the living room. Haley looked around and had to smile. It didn’t look that much different from Jonathan’s apartment. Hockey stuff was on the walls and on shelves. She could see the puck from his first NHL goal and had to smile.
When she offered him the cookies, he gladly took one. She herself didn’t want any of them. Now it was time to for her to tell him a little bit about herself. She already knew that basics about him. Where and when he was born, how his hockey career had started and whatnot. Everything else would follow when they went out together.
“I’m twenty-two years old, was born in Winnipeg and I have a younger brother and sister,” she started and took a deep breath. This was like an interview for a job. She told him about her childhood a bit, the time she’d spent with Jonathan, but left out the relationship she’d had back then. She did tell him about her last relationship, though. Not everything, because nobody needed to know that much. Not even Jonathan.
“We’d been in a relationship for nearly a year. I broke it off. So, since then I’ve been single. That was one and a half years ago.” Thank God she’d ended it back then. Since that day she’d been a lot happier. Patrick stared at her in disbelief. When he didn’t say a word even after more than a minute, she asked: “What?”
“Sorry, I was just thinking about how you survive that long without having sex.” He shrugged his shoulders, studying her face intently. For a few moments she simply stared at him before she burst out laughing. This was ridiculous.
“Why are you laughing?” Confused he looked at her.
“I’ve probably had more fun since the relationship ended than I actually had during that relationship. Don’t worry about that.” She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from laughing.
“That’s good to know then.” He sounded satisfied, and a smile reappeared on his face. Okay, what was that about?
“About the schedule,” Haley said quickly to steer the conversation into a different direction. “I know you’re on the road this week, but how about you join me for a concert on Saturday? A Promise Kept are playing at the House of Blues and I have to cover them for the Tribune. I’m sure you’ll be seen there and their music is actually pretty good. And on Sunday I’ll come to the home game.”
“A concert, huh?” Patrick thought about this for a moment before he nodded. “Sounds like a really good idea. I haven’t been to a good concert in a while.”
Patrick would pick her up in his car and they’d drive there together. As for the game, she’d get there alone and meet up with him and Jonathan afterwards. If she had someone she wanted to take to the game with her, she’d have to let him know. It was only a short first meeting, but both of them now had a first impression of the other one. Hale could go home now. After all, she still had to get some work done today. Research.
“Thank you for doing this,” Patrick said as he helped her into her coat.
“It’s not a big deal. It will be interesting.” She wanted to turn around and say goodbye, but he stopped her, when he sneaked his arms around her middle and pulled her against his chest. Shocked by this movement, Haley stood perfectly still, feeling the warmth of his whole body against her back. What the hell did he think he was doing? He brushed her hair aside, so she could feel his breath against her ear.
“Patrick,” she said in a surprisingly steady tone, even though her heart was racing. “Let go of me. You’re invading my personal space.”
“Relax,” Patrick laughed, his lips touching her ear. He held her in place and kept on whispering. “You’re supposed to be my girlfriend, so you should get used to me invading your personal space. The public has to believe that we’re together. I’ll hold your hand or put an arm around you. You need to be more relaxed when I do this without warning you first.”
“Jerk,” she mumbled and pushed his hands away. Without turning back again she opened the door and walked outside of the apartment, out of the building and straight to her car. JerkjerkjerkerjkERK.
What had she gotten herself into?