Pucked Up Plans by Taylor Delong

Author:Taylor Delong [Delong, Taylor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Back at home, I carry in and unload the groceries before calling Walsh back. I set Aubrey up with a snack and a show and hide out in my bedroom to return his call. It rings twice before his voice delights my ear.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey. How’s it going? Surviving the ride?”

“Managing okay. I think we’ll be there soon, thank goodness.” There’s agony in his voice, like he’s on edge. My heart spirals hearing it, wishing I could make it better for him, get him to his destination faster.

Instead, I run interference. “So tell me more about this game you’ve invented.”

“So each of us has to tell the other something about ourselves hardly anyone else knows.”

“How do many people not know about your bus thing?” I’m ignorant about organized sports, but they’re a team. They must be somewhat tight. And it’s close quarters on the bus, right?

“It’s not something I advertise, especially this year with being captain. They think I like the front of the bus. And I’ve never actually thrown up on the bus. I came close once but made it to the bushes as soon as the doors opened. I chalked it up to nerves of a championship game.”

I don’t care he’s talking about vomit. I love the sound of his voice. The deep timbre prattling in my ear has my stomach doing flips.

“Your turn. What secret are you going to reveal to me?”

I think for a minute. Even though it was going to be my turn, I don’t have an answer prepared. “I’m not sure I have one as juicy as having to sit in the front of the bus.” I laugh at my expense, stalling for more time.

“Truthfully, I just wanted to hear your voice, Tate.”

Aww. This guy.

“Now I’m the one who feels special.”

“You are,” Walsh compliments.

He can’t see the way my cheeks flush pink nor the way my stomach tumbles again, making me want more than just his voice in my ear.

“I’m not devastated Aubrey’s father died,” I divulge.

A gasp echoes on the other end of the phone. He follows it with, “Shit, Tate. We need to discuss this more, but our bus pulled into the parking lot.”

“And you didn’t puke.”

“Nope.” He lowers his voice. “Thanks for being the distraction I needed.”

“You’re welcome. Any time. It was good to hear your voice.” Jeez, one would think I hadn’t seen him in weeks or months. “Good luck with your game. See what you can do about getting the puck into the net.” My light-hearted attempt at a hockey joke falls a little flat.

“That’s always my goal. See what I did there?” His hearty chuckle causes tremors of emotion.

“Yeah, got it. Clever.” As much as he has to go, I don’t want to hang up. “What are the odds you’ll be stopping by for cookies tonight?”

“Probably in your favor. Lennon’s with her mom for the night. I could come over after Aubrey goes to bed.” Expectation clings to his comment.

I don’t want to turn him down, but I don’t trust myself.

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