The Girlfriend Game by Sierra Hill

Eleven

Zeke

Although my Saturday started out with a shit storm of worry and stress, after speaking with Glen, followed by an hour conversation with Marek, I’m feeling much better and more positive about where things stand with them, along with my status on the team. I thought for sure they’d bench me, or worse, cut me.

Surprisingly, they were both very reassuring and provided the best option for the best outcome, and I wasn’t let go from the team. Glen was his usual cocky self, but in this case, it served me well. He said he was certain he’d be able to spin this story with ease, turning it into a “savior story.” When I asked what the hell that meant, he explained.

“It means to the rest of the world, you stepped up and used your powers for good. You were caught gallantly protecting an innocent female bystander from the likes of a pushy, aggressive man.”

Okay, then. I liked the approach.

So, now my heart feels lighter and mood brighter as I check my phone to find a notification from the Heart and Soul app.

As I scan it quickly, I reread it again, noticing at the top right corner, there is an active green key.

Holy shit. It’s an invitation. From The Other Sister. To meet in person.

This day is getting much better, indeed.

A ball of excitement unfurls in my stomach, and I click on the message.

The Other Sister: Hey, I know this is a long shot that you might be free today, but I’m available and I’d love to meet up. I’d planned on going for a walk around Green Lake by myself, but that sounded lame, especially if there is a perfectly good walking partner that might want to join me.

If you get this and are available and would like to meet up for a walk, meet me at eleven a.m. at the Beans and Brew coffee shop in Belltown on 2nd Ave. I’ll be wearing a pink running tank and black leggings. Hope to see you there.

And if you can’t meet, I understand and I wish you well.

I look at the time and jump to my feet, circling around in a frenzy over what to do first. I’d just worked out in my home gym and am freshly showered, so I just need to grab my shoes and wallet and I can jog the four blocks down to the coffee shop with time to spare.

I’m about to leave when I realize I should probably let her know I’m on my way.

Mountain Man: I can’t think of a better plan than that today. I’ll be there. I’m wearing a gray Pilots T-shirt, Pilots hat, and black shorts. See you soon.

And p.s., I’m really looking forward to meeting you.

My pulse races as I head out the door of my condo, taking the stairs two-by-two down to the lobby instead of waiting for the elevator. Spring in my step and a song in my heart, as lame as that may sound. I want to get to my destination in record time because today is the day I may be meeting up for the first time with the girl of my dreams.

I jog at a brisk pace, passing by a myriad of high-rise condo buildings and offices along the way. A flower shop on the corner catches my eye, the display of brightly colored arrangements drawing my attention. It’s funny, but I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over five years now and have never stopped in. I’ve never had a reason to stop.

But today, I do. And I know exactly the type of flowers to purchase.

A few weeks back, while it was still early on in our online conversational track, and we were still sharing mundane details about ourselves, she divulged that she hated roses of any kind but loved Stargazer lilies. She mentioned that the smell is like a garden in paradise.

I have no idea what a Stargazer lily looks like and I’m certain I won’t be able to pick one out of a line-up, but the decision is made for me when an older woman opens the door of the shop and steps out, a blast of sweet fragrant scent hitting me square in the nose.

The woman breathes in her bouquet and lifts her head with a smile as she passes me on the sidewalk. “There’s nothing better to brighten a day then the smell of fresh flowers.”

I nod in agreement, reaching for the door to hold it open so I can enter the shop.

“Good morning. I’ll be with you in a second,” the woman behind the counter greets, her back to me as she fiddles with something in the refrigerated cooler, waving her hand in the air. When she stands and turns around, her brow narrows inquisitively, wrinkling her forehead. “Well, hello there. Are you who I think you are?”

I lift a shoulder and nod with a smile. “Zeke Forester. Yes, ma’am. That’s me.”

The apron-wearing woman places her hand over her heart and opens her mouth in gaping surprise. “Oh, my word. You are my son’s favorite player. And we were so distraught over the recent news…”

The corners of her mouth tip down and she averts her gaze. I’m not sure which news she’s talking about, whether it was my incident on the court or the coffee shop situation. Either way, I don’t press for details because I don’t have time to chat.

“Thanks. Listen, I need a small arrangement of Stargazer lilies. Do you have some available?” I make a show of looking down at my watch. It’s ten-forty-eight. “I’m in kind of a hurry, though.”

Her frown turns into a wide smile, and she flaps a hand in the air. “Of course! Let me just get some from the back. How many would you like in the bouquet?”

“You’re the expert…” I squint to read her nametag that’s askew on her apron. “Denise. I’ll let you decide.”

She giggles and swivels around on her heels, pushing through a swinging door toward the back as I pace around the tiny shop. I can hear her singing to herself from the back and it lifts the weight of my indecision over this. I don’t want to come across as overly sentimental or too eager when I meet The Other Sister, but I want her to feel special. Because that’s how I feel about her. The same way she’s made me feel in the weeks we’ve been chatting.

A few minutes have gone by when Denise returns with a bouquet of pink and white flowers, which I gather are Stargazer lilies. The smell is lightly rich and fragrant and confirms my decision without question.

“Here you go, Zeke.” She hands me the bouquet, the stems sticking out from underneath some pink and clear cellophane tied up with a green ribbon. “Is this what you had in mind?”

“They are perfect, Denise. Thank you so much.” I push my nose into the flowers and inhale. “Wow, they do smell delicious. No wonder she loves them.”

I say this more to myself, but Denise quirks an eyebrow. “Ooh, a lucky lady, huh?”

I laugh, hoping to pass it off with a nonchalant nod. “Just a friend. How much do I owe you?”

Pulling out my wallet from my pocket, I open it up to extract my credit card, but Denise waves her hand back and forth over the counter.

“No, no. Please, it’s my treat. But my son Jered would die to have a picture and your autograph, instead. He’d think that was the coolest. Could I be so bold to ask?”

I lift my gaze from the bouquet to find her blushing, batting her eyes bashfully, and holding her phone in her hand.

“How can I say no to that?” I chuckle, taking the phone she holds in my hand and throwing an arm around her shoulder. With an outstretched arm, I position the camera in front of us and smile.

“Say Pilots.”

I snap a few and hand back her phone, as she inspects the photos. And then she hands me a pen and receipt pad to autograph.

“How do you spell his name?”

She spells it out for me, and I scribble my name before sliding it back to her.

“You just made Jered’s summer. He is going to be so excited.”

“Glad to help out.” I pick up the bouquet I’d set on the counter and lift it in thanks. “Tell Jered I hope to see him at a game next season. And thanks, Denise. Have a good one.”

She waves eagerly as I turn and exit the shop, taking a left out the door and heading down the steep hill toward Belltown.

With an excitement in my step that I haven’t felt in months, I practically skip the remaining two blocks to the coffee shop, anxious and eager to finally meet this woman in person.

And hoping it goes smoothly when she finally learns who I am.