Yeah, I was on my way downtown to meet friends when I saw the smoke coming from the hood and I pulled over. I was rambling, I knew, but it was better than the alternative of awkward silence. And it didn’t stop when I turned the car off, so I have no idea what’s going on, but as you heard, I called AAA and hopefully they can help me out when they get here.
Do you know how long they’ll be ?
Oh- I waved him off before crossing my arms over my chest. -you know how it is when there’s weather like this. They’ll be here as soon as they can.
While he appeared to recognize my deflection of the truth, he didn’t push. Do your friends at least know you’re out here ?
I bit my lip. I may have just told them I couldn’t make it out, I said. His gaze turned flat and I quickly continued, defending my actions. I didn’t want them worrying.
Lia-
Is everything alright out here ? another male voice suddenly cut in, yelling through the snow. My attention flicked to the vehicle with surprise, not realizing Derrick hadn’t been alone. Do you guys need help ?
Derrick squeezed his eyes shut. No, he replied, voice strained. We’re good.
Either the other man didn’t hear him or he completely disregarded Derrick’s response, because the sound of a car door slamming sliced through the wind. And from the sigh that left Derrick’s lips, I figured it was the latter.
Before I could entirely understand how my luck had brought me face to face with Derrick again, suddenly the number of tall, built men standing in front of me had doubled.
You sure ? The newcomer smirked, nudging his elbow into Derrick’s side. Because it seemed like you guys were chatting out here for a while.
It’s been like, three minutes, Derrick muttered under his breath before casting an apologetic look my way. Lia, this is my roommate and teammate, Ryan Nyberg. Nyberg, this is Lia.
The goalie for the Knights. Of course my wreck of a car would attract two of the most idolized athletes in the city.
Uh, hey.
Ryan’s eyebrows shot up, looking between the two of us with intrigue. How do you two know each other ?
The second a low, almost undetectable chuckle left Derrick’s lips, I narrowed my eyes, watching as he tried-and failed-to disguise it as a cough. But the shadow of a grin was enough to give him away as he thought about the answer to the question. How we knew each other, as well as how well we knew each other.
We met a few weeks back in San Francisco. We were meant to be on the same flight back to Boston before it was canceled. Not a lie, but as I replied nonchalantly, I saw a spark of something in Ryan’s gaze. Whatever Derrick had told him after returning on New Year’s was clearly enough for him to connect a few dots. We barely know one another, really, I continued.
Nothing significant, eh ? Ryan laughed, shaking his head at his teammate. How unfortunate.
The heat I felt on my cheeks told me I should’ve been embarrassed by the twist of words, but I was more amused watching Derrick’s reaction to the good-natured ribbing. He rolled his eyes and brought his hand up to shove Ryan’s shoulder, muttering something I couldn’t quite comprehend under his breath.
Well, I said, clapping my hands together, thanks for pulling over to check on me, but I’m fine. Really. I’ll just wait in my car until AAA gets here. No problem.
Concern crept back into Derrick’s features, not buying my overly chipper tone. Will your car even turn back on ? You’ll freeze if you have to wait out here much longer.
This guy’s right, Ryan said. He’d dropped his happy-go-lucky persona, now equally as troubled as Derrick at the idea of leaving me to fend for myself. Which I was perfectly capable of doing, under most circumstances. How much longer do you think you’ll have to wait for help ?
I looked between the two of them, debating how to respond this time around, but I ended up going with the truth. Sighing, I said, half an hour at this point. Probably longer.
The two men exchanged a look before Derrick spoke. And have you eaten dinner yet ?
No… I trailed off, not understanding where this was going.
Then how about this. There’s a small diner off the next exit. Our treat. It’ll get you out of the cold, and trust me, you’ll feel a lot better about this whole situation with some food in you. Maybe even a hot chocolate.
Um, well, I-I don’t know, I replied, stunned at his suggestion. You guys probably have plans, and-
We don’t, Derrick said, cutting me off and elbowing Ryan.
He’s right, we don’t.
They may not have had plans, but that didn’t mean they hadn’t been on their way home. However, as bad as I felt for appearing to need a knight in shining armor-or two-I truly didn’t want to be left in this weather to freeze.
Then sure, I resolved, releasing a bated breath. Let’s go.
The bell over the entryway jingled as I stepped inside, the two men close behind. True to their word, it had taken all of two minutes to pull back onto the highway and arrive at the diner, and the second a surge of warmth greeted me, I realized just how cold I’d been.
Rubbing my hands together, I looked around, not at a chain but a good old fashioned, hole-in-the-wall diner. There were a few booths lining one wall, short stools situated up against the front counter, and square tables filling the rest of the space. All of it decorated to transport guests back to the 70s with red and teal leather, checkered flooring, and even a milkshake machine.
Interesting. Unexpected.
Um… I’m just going to… I hooked my thumb towards the washroom signs near the back.
Sure, sure, Derrick said, his hands stuffed in his pockets. What did you want to eat ? I can put in your order.
My gaze flew towards the handwritten menu hung high behind the counter, scanning the options. A cheeseburger is fine. No pickles.
And a hot chocolate ? he asked, the corner of his mouth hitching upward.
I smiled shyly and nodded. Yes, please.
Not wanting to draw out the awkwardness, I scuttled my way through the diner, needing a few moments to myself to come to terms with the turn my evening had taken.
After relieving myself and washing my hands, I stood in front of the mirror and let out a slow breath. This doesn’t mean anything, I muttered to myself, my cheeks still rosy from the cold. This is all some kind of fated fluke and he’s just being nice. There’s no need to be awkward, so go out there, be confident, and you’ll be fine.