One Timers

“You’ve never looked better, sister dearest!” George howls as I get out of my car.
“This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever worn.” I respond, pulling at the hem of the Hartnell shirt I’m currently wearing. “But a deal is a deal.”

My stupid ass brother, is a huge Flyers fan. Of course that doesn’t sit well with me, being a huge Penguins fan. We grew up in Harrisburg, about half way between the two biggest cities in Pennsylvania. No one in Harrisburg agrees with each other since half the city roots for Pittsburgh teams and the other half roots for Philadelphia teams. I’ve seen playoff hockey split families apart for months. Unfortunately, last night we made a bet on who could do shots quicker. I almost beat him, but he won by a couple of seconds. As my punishment, George decided I have to wear a Scott Hartnell jersey to a Penguins practice. I want to kill him.

“Let’s get this over with.” I mumble.

Despite the thing I’ve been forced to wear, I thoroughly enjoy practice. I’ve been to a few before, and every time I’m amazed at how skillfully these guys move around on the ice. I’ve been skating all my life, but I’ve never been able to do anything more complicated than simply skate backwards. I get a bunch of dirty looks from other fans at practice, but they seem to simmer down once they realize I’m a Penguins fan being forced to wear a Philly shirt. My brother, however, gets a lot more once he loudly states his opinion of each player. He’s still going on about them as we head for the parking lot once it’s over.

“And that Bennett kid. Seriously, isn’t he from like California or something? Who the fuck plays hockey out in California?”
“Have you never heard of the Kings?” I yell. “Or the Sharks, or the Ducks? Just because it’s California doesn’t mean it’s not somewhere people can play hockey. Besides, Beau Bennett is by far one of the best young players in the league. It doesn’t really matter where he’s from. You’re just jealous he’s not on your team.”

I hear slow clapping behind me and turn, only to be surprised to see Beau Bennett himself standing there. I turn bright red.

“What beautiful words coming from a beautiful woman.... wearing a not-so beautiful shirt.” He says, wrinkling his nose.
“Um...” I can’t think of anything to say. George just chuckles.
“I’m... Uh-I’m not... I don’t like the Flyers.” I stammer.
“But you’re wearing a Hartnell shirt.”
“Oh, uh.. yeah. I lost a bet.” I cross my arms across my chest, hoping to cover up the offending logo.
“Alice here thought she could outdrink her older brother.” George says, stepping in. “She was wrong, so I had to make her pay. And to be completely honest with you, I’m actually a fan of yours. You’re the only Penguin I can tolerate. I saw you standing there and I know you’re one of her favorite players. I gotta mess with my little sister, you know?” Beau laughs.

“I’m one of your favorite players?” He asks, his gorgeous blue eyes staring straight into my soul. I give him a smile and nod. “I guess I owe you, then. For sticking up for me.” I give him a confused look and he reaches into his pocket and pulls out two tickets. “My sister and her friend were supposed to come to the game tonight. But their flight got delayed and they’re not going to make it. I would love it if you would take them.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, the initial shock of meeting him wearing off.
“Yeah, of course.” He smiles. “Just don’t bring your brother here. I can’t have someone I invite cheering for the other team.”
“I’ll bring my roommate.” I respond.
“Perfect. These tickets will also get you access to the locker room after the game.”
“Oh, wow.” I say, holding them more carefully now. “That’s totally unnecessary. Thank you.” He leans closer to me.
“Truth be told, I just want to see you again, Alice.” He says. I love the way my name sounds coming from his mouth. I pause and stare at him, finding myself getting lost in his eyes. George clears his throat, bringing me back to reality.
“I guess I’ll see you tonight, then.” I say.
“I guess you will.” He gives me another smile before turning and walking out the door.

“Jesus, Al.” George says, holding back a laugh.
“What?” I ask, my face still flushed.
“He was totally hitting on you!” My jaw drops.
“No he wasn’t Georgie. He was just being nice because I defended him.” I correct him.
“Uh, no. Being nice is saying thank you and offering to give you an autograph or a picture. He just gave you the tickets his sister was supposed to have. And he asked you to come to the locker room after the game. Then he said he wants to see you again. That’s totally hitting on you.”
I can’t help but get butterflies in my stomach when he says that. He has to be lying. There’s no way that Beau Bennett was hitting on me.
“Shut up.” I say, earning a laugh from my brother. “Let’s go. I have to get Kelly and tell her we’re going to the game tonight.”
----------------
“I’m officially agreeing with George on this on.” Kelly says as we head towards the hallway that will take us to the locker room. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime, and Beau happened to score the game winner.
“What? Why?” I ask.
“Did you not see the way he looked over at us when he scored? He was totally trying to catch your attention.”
“Kel, we were right behind the bench. He was probably just looking at his teammates.”
“Oh, no. That was a totally different look.” She insists.
“Just shut up, okay? It’s not happening.” I hiss.
“Why not?” She asks. We’re almost to the door and I’m starting to feel really nervous.
“Because he’s Beau Fucking Bennett. And I’m just Alice. Like I told George, he was just being nice to me because I stood up for him. That’s it. Now stop trying to make it something that it isn’t.” Her eyes go wide and she’s staring at something behind me.

“You know, I think your friend actually had a valid point.”
“Beau.” I squeak, turning around. “Hi. Good game. Fantastic goal.”
“Thanks.” He smiles. “I was hoping you’d like that.”
“Hi, I’m Kelly. Alice’s roommate.” Kelly interjects, sticking out her hand.
“Beau Bennett. But you already knew that.” He says, shaking it. “If you’d like to go ahead and go into the locker room, everyone’s dressed.”
“Sounds great, Beau.” Kelly says, slipping through the doors.
“What did you mean she has a valid point?” I ask once the door is shut.
“Well, for the record.... I wasn’t just being nice to you because you stood up for me. At first, yeah. But I don’t know. There’s something about you, Alice. Why can’t there be something between us?”

Is this serious right now? Is Beau Fucking Bennett standing here asking me why there couldn’t be something between us?

“Um...” Wow, Alice. You’re brilliant.
“Let me take you out to dinner. Right now.” He says. “I want to get to know you.”
“Okay.” I whisper.
“Great. Did you drive or did Kelly?”
“Kelly did.”
“Fantastic. I’ll go let her know you’re leaving with me and then we can go.”

He heads back into the locker room and I’m left standing there for a minute, still trying to process everything that’s happening.

Notes

I have such a thing for Beau. I feel like a traitor.

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