Mara was sitting at the kitchen table, leafing through the newspaper, when the back door opened. She looked up over the top of the page to see her mother walk in.
"You're home?" Mrs. Hudson stated with some surprise.
"One of the girls is covering the first part of my shift tonight. I needed a little break."
"If it weren't for the laundry piling up, I might have thought you moved out." Her mother smirked.
"I know. It's been a tough schedule the last few weeks, but I really don't mind. I've got the whole day off from Sally's on Friday and the team is off on Saturday, so I won't have to go to the rink. It will be nice."
"Well, I mind. I never see you anymore." Her mother sighed. "I'm running to the grocery store. Do you want to come?" It wasn't like she had anything else to do, so Mara said yes. "I am glad I stopped by for my list then."
When they were in the car and on the road, Mrs. Hudson asked, "Anything interesting going on in that life of yours that I am missing out on?"
"I don't know," Mara said automatically, but then she reconsidered. "I guess there are a few things of interest."
Mrs. Hudson chuckled at her daughter's attempt at being vague. "Care to share any of it with your old mom?"
Knowing what would interest her mother most, Mara said, "Do you remember my friend, Rob McClanahan? He played hockey for the Gophers? I think you met him a couple times."
"I do! He was the good looking one you used to run around with on occasion. Didn't I tell you that you'd make pretty babies with him."
Mara groaned. "Yes, him."
Mrs. Hudson snorted. "What about him?"
"He is still in town, playing for the Olympic team. He and his teammates have been hanging out at Sally's when they have down time. So, that's been interesting."
"Does that mean I still have a chance for beautiful grandchildren?" Mrs. Hudson laughed at the look on Mara's face.
"Mom! I would hope that you think my babies are beautiful no matter who I end up with." Mara shook her head, but chuckled. "No, Robbie and I are still just friends."
"Well, what about the other boys? There ought to be at least a few cute ones."
"I don't know, Mom!" she said, feeling exasperated. Perhaps tagging along with her mom had been a bad idea. "You asked what was interesting and I figured knowing a whole team of Olympians took the cake."
"You're right. It does." Mrs. Hudson smiled as they pulled into an empty parking space.
Mara only hoped that conversation would turn to fruits and vegetables for the remainder of this jaunt.
The next morning, Mara had the front of the Zamboni open to do the daily inspection of the mechanics to ensure they were running safely and properly. She was testing for leaks when someone shouted her name from inside the room. It startled her, causing her to whack her head off the hood. Rubbing the sore spot, Mara walked around to the shed's entrance to see who yelled.
"Did I scare you?" Rob asked, watching her carefully.
"Yeah - thanks. I hit my head."
"Sorry," he replied, sheepishly. "Are you all right?"
"I'll live," Mara retorted. "What are you doing in here?"
"Frank told me you were in here. What are you doing Friday night?"
"Nothing. I have the night off."
"Perfect!" Rob said with a smile. He explained further. "We leave on Sunday for a few weeks in Europe - the start of an exhibition schedule. Anyway, some of the boys want to go out after practice. I thought you and Kelsey might want to come out with us."
Mara shrugged. "Sure. I'm in. I'll ask Kelsey. It will depend on her work schedule. Where will you go?"
"Sally's?"
Mara groaned. "I work there, Rob. I'd rather not spend my free time there."
"Fair enough," he agreed. "I'll talk to the boys about going somewhere else then. I'll let you know Friday morning."
"Sounds good." As Rob turned to walk away, Mara called out to him, "Hey, Robbie!"
He looked back. "Yeah?"
"Thanks for the invite."
"No problem." He smiled. "Oh, nice goggles, by the way!"
Mara felt her face flush as Rob walked out of the shed with a huge grin on his face. Did she really just have an entire conversation while wearing the protective eye wear? Reaching up, she pulled them off, slightly mortified and slightly amused. How did she not realize that they were on her face? She grumbled angrily to herself for a moment before laughing. Thank God it had only been Rob who witnessed it.
"Where is this place?" Kelsey asked while she applied some lipstick.
"Downtown," Mara told her as she tried on a third shirt. Looking in the mirror, she was still not completely satisfied with her outfit. "What do you think, Kel?"
"Depends on what you're going for?"
"Well, I don't want to look as desperate as a vulture. I want to look better than one," she admitted. The two girls dissolved into laughter.
Kelsey motioned to a black shirt that was lying on the bed. "Try that one."
"Yeah, I think that will do it," Mara agreed and Kelsey affirmed the choice once it was on. They were just finishing up when the doorbell rang. Mara groaned and hurried to collect her handbag. "We should have had them pick us up at your house."
There was movement downstairs, which meant one of her parents was about to answer the door. It did not bode well no matter which parent it was. As Mara and Kelsey hurried down the hallway, they heard the door open and Rob's voice greeted Mrs. Hudson. She welcomed him into the house, remarking about how good it was to see him again and offering her congratulations for making the Olympics. The two girls arrived before any further discussion was necessary.
"Bye, mom," Mara said, quickly passing by. "I'll be home later."
"Okay, be safe!" Mrs. Hudson waved to the other boys that had waited in the car. "You kids have fun!"
Mara rolled her eyes and climbed into the front seat next to Mark Johnson. Kelsey slid into the back seat with Bah and Ralph Cox. All of them waved back at Mara's mom. Rob gave her one last wave before they drove off.
"Your mother seems like a lovely lady," Bah said as they turn the corner.
"She is. She also excels at embarrassing me," Mara replied. "I'm glad it wasn't my dad who answered the door."
"My dad would have had his shot gun out. It was probably better that we got picked up at your house," Kelsey admitted.
"Some of the boys should already be here," Rob told them as they walked inside the pub.
It was already crowded and the music was blaring from the dance floor. It took them a minute, but Ralph finally spotted the others across the room. As they weaved between bodies and tables, someone grabbed Mara from behind and nuzzled her neck with his face. She was just about to introduce her elbow to his stomach when a voice was in her ear.
"Mara - it's Jack. Help me out for a sec, okay? Look over by the end of the bar."
Her eyes traveled across the room to where a girl stood with her hands crossed over her chest. She glared at the pair of them. Taking that as her cue, Mara smiled and spun in Jack's arms, hugging him enthusiastically. They clasped hands and Jack led her over to the rest of the group. He dropped her hand as soon as they reached the table. Mara promptly punched him in the arm and yelled,
"Don't ever do that again, Jack! You scared me half to death!"
"Yeah, what the hell, OC?" Bah demanded. "I almost clobbered you - then I realized it was you."
"Sorry," he said with a smile, checking back to where he had left the other girl. "We weren't even here five minutes when that girl accosted me. I owe you one, Mara."
"You sure do. I almost deck you myself."
"Well, that would have made things interesting," Jack replied with a smirk. "Come on I'll buy you and Kelsey a drink."
When they were finally settled in, the girls with their drinks and the boys with their pitchers of beer, the conversation turned to hockey. The boys talked about how hard their practices had been. Each of them complained about something that hurt. Between the drills that Herb was having them do on the ice in addition to the strength training off, they were all being pushed to their limits.
"I think Rammer spent two hours in the tub this afternoon," Ralph said, shaking his head. "It's been brutal out there."
"Hey, how come he isn't here?" Mara asked suddenly, looking around. Verchota and Pav were the latest arrivals.
"He's only nineteen," Rob replied.
"Oh, geez, that's right. He was just a freshman last year. I forgot," she said, feeling a little foolish.
"All right, no more talk about practice. I think we need shots," Jack announced suddenly, standing up.
Mara and Kelsey shared a look that agreed this was going to be an interesting night. While a few of the boys went over to the bar, the two girls slipped away to the bathroom.
"Okay, Mara," Kelsey said as she reapplied lipstick. "Which one is it for you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Which one do you like? I want to make sure we aren't interested in the same guy."
"Well, who are you interested in?" Mara asked, curious as to who Kelsey might be in to.
Kelsey grinned sheepishly. "Bah."
Mara laughed. It was not who she expected, and yet, she was not surprised. "You've got nothing to worry about from me. He seems like a nice guy." She messed with her hair a bit, hoping that Kelsey would not push her for an answer. It was wishful thinking on her part.
"Well, who is it for you then?" Kelsey demanded.
Mara shrugged. "I don't have one picked out."
"So you'll make the rounds, is that what you're saying?" Kelsey teased.
"That is not what I meant," Mara shot back defensively.
"You're telling me that if Robbie wants to make out with you at some point tonight, you'd deny him?"
"I don't know, Kelsey. Quit harassing me!"
"All right. All right."
When the girls returned to the table, they found a few additions of the female variety. It was not all that surprising. It never seemed to take long for the boys to attract the ladies. Shot glasses had been set out around the table, including the empty spaces where Mara and Kelsey had been sitting.
"It's about time, ladies!" Jack quipped as they sat down. "Bottoms up."
They all threw back the liquor. It was disgusting and burned Mara's throat. She made a terrible face and spluttered, "What the hell was that?"
"Tequila!" Jack replied with a laugh.
Mara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She took a sip of her drink to chase away the foul taste in her mouth. "That is the worst tequila I've ever had!"
"That's because it's cheap," Silky explained with a smile.
As the evening wore on, the boys were slowly drawn away to the dance floor. Kelsey, who had been drinking everything put in front of her, finally mustered up the courage to ask Bah for a dance. They had been out on the dance floor for at least three songs with no signs of parting any time soon. Mara smiled as she watched her friend and then turned back to the conversation.
"The blonde at the table in the corner has been staring you down for the last ten minutes, Mac," Rizzo informed Rob. "Go ask her to dance."
"Eh, she's not really my type," he replied with a shrug.
Mara rolled her eyes. "He didn't say you had to marry her."
"Well then, what exactly is your type, because she is gorgeous," Rizzo asked him.
Mara let her eyes wander the room until she settled on a girl who looked vaguely like one of Rob's old girlfriends.
"That is his type," she said loudly, pointing out the girl to them. The boys turned very obviously in their seats. Rob groaned and slid down in his seat.
"Do you know her?" Ralph asked, looking between Rob and the girl.
"I dated her," Rob grumbled. "I should probably go say hello now that you all stared."
"You don't have to do that, Robbie," Mara informed him, but he was already out of his seat. She sighed as he made his way across the room. "He won't be back for a while, boys."
"Good job, Mara!" Rizzo said with a grin.
"I'd feel more accomplished if it wasn't that particular ex-girlfriend. She is a piece of work."
"I don't know why you fellas are looking for girls out there when we've got a perfectly good one sitting right here," Ralph said. "Come on, Mara, you're not going to sit here all night, are you?"
Mara stared at Ralph, trying to look indifferent. "Well, no one's bothered to ask me."
"Care to dance, pretty lady?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows and smirking.
"Okay, Ralph. Why not?" she said with a laugh.
As Ralph stood, Verchota spoke up, looking a little crestfallen. "Hey! You're going to dance with Coxy, but you never dance with me?"
"I'm always working when you ask me, Philly," Mara replied.
"Oh, right," Verchota said, realizing his blunder.
"Shall we?" Ralph asked, offering his elbow to Mara. They strolled out onto the dance floor. After a few beats, he spun her around, and then asked, "So, what's the deal with you and Verchota?"
Mara laughed, surprised by the query. "Well, that's a first. It's usually what's the deal with you and Mac?"
Ralph shrugged. "You and Verchota seem to banter back and forth a lot. I just wondered if there was history there."
"Nope. I've known him for about three years. We got to know each other better when I started working at Sally's. It's the hang out spot for most of the Gophers, if you haven't figured that out. Phil just always seems to know how to push my buttons."
"Did you ever think he might like you?" Ralph asked.
Mara raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Fat chance. I've seen the girls he dates. I think he just likes to grate on my nerves."
"And you and Mac?" he prodded.
"We met in a class, freshman year, and had some mutual friends as well. We hung around a fair amount over the last four years. He's a good friend, but that is all. Is there anyone else you care to know what?" Mara asked.
"I'll be sure to ask if I do," Ralph said with a wink as the song ended. They danced together for a couple more songs before they were interrupted.
"I'm cutting in, Coxy," Verchota said, weaseling his way between the two.
The music suddenly slowed down considerably. Ralph had a devious little smile on his face as he walked away. Verchota pulled Mara close, stepping on the tip of her shoe in the process. She winced.
"You like Coxy?" Verchota asked to break the unusual silence between them.
Mara shrugged. "He seems like a nice guy."
Verchota nodded, but there was something else on his mind. "What's happening between you and Mac?"
"Seriously?" Mara groaned angrily, pushing away from him. "Why is everyone so concerned? Can't we just be friends?"
"Mara - Mara - I'm sorry!" he said quickly, trying not to make a scene. He had no idea that would hit a nerve. He grabbed her shoulders, trying to draw her back in. "Come on, just dance with me. Come on!"
She gave him a hard look before complying. Once she seemed to calm down he asked, "What the hell was the about? I wasn't trying to make you angry - just asking a question."
"I'm sick of everyone asking about me and Rob. Ralph just did. He doesn't know us so I didn't care so much, but I wouldn't expect you to ask. We're not acting any different than usual."
Verchota chuckled. "Fair enough."
When the song ended, they both knew that it was time for a break from dancing. Before Mara could get away, Verchota grabbed her arm and pulled her in the opposite direction.
"Look, before we go back to the others, there is a reason I asked about you and Mac." He seemed quite serious, which caught Mara off guard.
"You're a really great guy and I like the relationship we have, but…"
"Really? You wouldn't go for me?" he said, diverting a little.
Mara shook her head. "I think we both know we'd drive each other crazy."
He nodded. "True. Well, what do you think about Silky?"
"What about him? I hardly know him."
"You did a real number on him when you helped him with that vulture. He hasn't been quite the same since." Mara looked skeptical to which he added, "I'm serious, Mara! You should have seen the way he looked at you and Coxy. You'd've thought Herb showed up and told him to pack his bags."
"You better not be messing with me, Phil," she said sternly. "I didn't think you were that much of an ass."
"I'm not! I just thought you should know, in case you were interested. I doubt he'll make a move with Mac around."
"Thanks, I guess," Mara replied, uncertain about what she was supposed to do with the information. It was a little hard to believe since it was coming from Verchota, but she would take it in stride. When they returned to the table, a couple of the boys heckled them.
"Back so soon?" Jack asked, smirking.
"My feet need a break," Mara said, sitting down next to him. "Philly's got two left feet."
"Well, you're no ballerina," Verchota shot back.
Mara grinned. That was the Verchota she knew and loved. It put her mind at ease. She looked at her empty glass. "I need a drink!"
Jack picked up the pitcher and poured her a beer. "You were right, by the way."
"Usually, yes," Mara replied, taking a sip, "but what was I right about this time?"
"You said Mac wouldn't be back if he went to talk to that girl," Jack reminded her, nodding to where Rob stood. "He hasn't been back."
She glanced over. He did not look miserable, so that was positive. "Well, he better come back at some point. He is my ride home."
"I'm sure someone would be happy to give you a ride, Mara," Verchota said loudly, shooting a look at Silky behind his back. Mara ignored him and gulped down some more beer.
"I think it's time for another round of shots," Jack declared. He and Pav left to acquire them.
"Let's find you guys some girls," Mara said with a playful grin, looking around at the remaining boys. This was one of her favorite games. It was her hope to distract Verchota.
The game went on for some time. Mara tried to guess each boy's type by describing one of the girls in the room. It was entertaining. A few of the boys were more difficult than others. Eventually Jack and Pav returned with a tray of shots. They all downed them. Mara immediately regretted it. She coughed a little since it burned going down and then proceeded to find her next victim.
"Okay, who's next?" she asked, eyeing up who was left.
"Silky!" Verchota yelled, slamming his shot glass down on the table.
Slowly, Mara slid her gaze over to where Silky sat. He was leaned back casually with his arm draped over the chair next to him. He was looking at her with some interest and smiled when she caught his eye. She snapped her gaze back to Verchota, gave him a hard look, and then scanned the room for options.
"Okay, I got one. She's three tables over with a pink shirt, talking to the girl with glasses."
All the boys followed her direction and description, had a look, and then turned to see if Silky approved. He shook his head, not looking the least bit impressed by her choice. Mara frowned and avoided eye contact with Verchota. She looked around for another potential match.
"Try the blonde in the blue halter top to the right of Robbie." She was certain she had it this time. All eyes swept to the girl and then back to Silky, who simply shook his head again. Mara drew in a calming breath because she could feel Verchota's ego swelling with each of the rejections. "Third time's a charm."
She considered Silky for a moment, trying to surmise what he might go for. His eyes lit up. She turned in her chair to see what she was missing behind her. Turning back, she announced her final guess, feeling confident she had found a winner. "Table to the left of the jukebox - green shirt."
Silky did not even bother to look at Mara's suggestion this time. He was already shaking his head. His eyes never left Mara's face. She pursed her lips and her nostrils flared. She really regretted that last shot now the effects were beginning to take hold.
"I've got the one for you, Silky," Verchota practically shouted. He leaned on the table, looking mighty proud of himself. A couple of the other boys had smirks on their faces, which suggested that Verchota was not the only one who suspected Silky's interests. As soon as he caught on, Silky's expression fell slightly. "Three seats over - across the table - black shirt."
All eyes moved to Silky. Mara's slowly shifted in his direction, curious about his response. There was a pink flush to his face that had not been there before. He did not move one way or the other for a moment before looking at his teammate.
"Screw you, Verchota."
"Just trying to help you out, man!" replied Verchota, smiling broadly.
"What's going on?" Rob asked, walking up behind his Minnesota teammate. He had caught the tail end of the conversation.
"Nothing," Mara huffed, quickly standing. "Come on, Silky. Let's dance before Philly wets himself with excitement."
As they walked away, the boys put their heads together to fill Rob in on what he missed. Mara seethed with anger, only a little embarrassed, realizing that the scenario was much more so for the boy next to her. Thankfully, they were stalled for a moment when their path crossed with Kelsey and Bah. The pair was laughing.
"Mara!" Kelsey shrieked, clearly intoxicated and leaning on Bah for support. "This is the best night ever! I'm so glad you invited me along." She pulled Mara close and tried to whisper in her ear, but was not very quiet. "He is so cute!"
Mara nodded and looked at Bah. "I think she's had enough drinks for one night."
Kelsey waved a hand in front of Mara's face. "No, no, no. Not Bah. Him!" She stuck a finger in Silky's face. "He is really cute!"
"Hey!" Bah said, pulling Kelsey back to his side.
"Well, of course, he is not better looking than you." Kelsey giggled as Bah led her away to the table.
"Come on," Silky said gently, taking a hold of Mara's arm as she watched her friend with concern. "She'll be fine."
Mara let him lead her out onto the dance floor. It was a slow song so there were a few beats of awkward silence while they swayed.
"I'm sorry!" They both said at the same time, trying to alleviate the silence.
"Verchota is such an ass," Mara added, shaking her head.
Silky nodded his agreement. "Well, he is from Minnesota."
"Watch it, Boston boy!" Mara said with a chuckle.
They stayed together for a few more songs, wanting to avoid the taunts from the others as long as they could, knowing the teasing was inevitable. In the short amount of time they were together, Mara realized that she did not mind Silky's company. He was much more subdued and thoughtful than some of his teammates. It was refreshing to have a conversation that was not laced with sarcasm and teasing. He was also very easy on the eyes, which did not hurt things either.
They were forced to part when Ralph came over to tell them that Rob's car was leaving. Mara was a little disappointed, but then she remembered the state that Kelsey had been in and knew it was for the best. She also did not need to indulge any longer. As they weaved their way back to the table, Ralph leaned in and quietly asked, "What's the deal with you and Silky?"
Mara rolled her eyes and shrugged. It was far too soon to have an answer to that question. Back at the table everyone was on their feet, which indicated that Rob's car was not the only one leaving. Silky stood beside her while the others argued about who was sober enough to drive.
"Can i walk you to the car?" he asked quietly while the others were preoccupied.
She nodded. There were a couple of catcalls and whistles when Silky followed Mara to the car. She flipped them off as he opened the car door. She crawled in next to Kelsey and Bah, who were cuddling in the back seat. Ralph had refused to sit in the back with them. She did not blame him one bit. Looking out the open window at Silky, Mara smiled.
"See you in a few weeks, I guess," he said.
"I'm not going anywhere," she replied. "Good luck against those European teams."
"Thanks."
Mara watched him walk to where Rizzo had parked. This was not what she had expected from the night out - not that much had happened. Silky's interest was an interesting development. Kelsey seemed to be enjoying herself immensely as she was tangled with Bah. Avoiding the spectacle, Mara looked forward. Rob caught her eye in the rearview mirror and raised an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes and smiled.