One in 2330 ~ Connor Bedard Love Story

20. Brady's Gonna Kill Me

Friday, November 17th, 2023. 11:00 AM.

We had just finished our practice for today. I was surprised that D.J. allowed me to help him coach for today as well, but I wasn't complaining. It allowed me to spend more time with the guys, and they all appreciated my opinion enough to listen to what I had to say, which was nice. The most surprising thing about this practice though, was the fact that D.J. wasn't even at the practice today. As the Head Coach, I would've thought that you would care more about what your players were doing, but hey. If he wanted to get himself fired, that was all on him.

Alfie and I had to quickly come up with a game plan before the practice, as D.J. didn't leave us with anything. Thankfully we were able to come up with something, as the two of us had studied the players a lot during last night's game.

After practice was over, Alfie and I headed back into the dressing room and I started taking off my gear. I had to dress in full hockey gear, as I needed to show the guys a few techniques that included stick-handling and passing.

"Great practice today, guys. I'm confident we're gonna win tomorrow against Minnesota." I said, sitting down in between Brady and Jake.

"Yeah, well, you and Alfie are great coaches," Brady replied, nudging my arm in thanks.

"Thanks, man," I smiled, slipping my shoes on and shoving all of my gear into my bag.

We all piled onto the bus and as soon as we had gotten back to the hotel, I got out of there as fast as possible without making it look like I was in a rush, as I had only half an hour to get ready for my date with Rids.

Was I nervous? Hundred percent.

The last time I went on a date with someone was probably three years ago. I was in my Sophomore year at St. Louis High School and this guy that I had known since grade six asked me out. i had dated him for about a year before I had dumped him since he was cheating on me, so it's been a while since I've ever been asked out.

I took probably the quickest shower of my life, changed into a pair of black tights, a black a-line skirt and a lavender blouse with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. I clipped on a pair of amethyst teardrop earrings and a matching necklace. Opting for comfort over style, I also slid on a pair of black Doc Martens, as I didn't want to go wherever we were going, walking around in uncomfortable heels.

I did my hair up into a half-up, half-down look and lightly curled the rest of my hair. I applied the slightest amount of make-up. Nothing special, just some mascara and concealer to hide any pimples that I had. Almost the second I was done, I heard a knock on the door to my room.

"Just a sec," I called out, grabbing my clutch off of my nightstand and making my way to the door.

I took a deep breath and straightened out my skirt before I opened the door to reveal Rids standing there, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his dress shirt. Rids was wearing a pair of black dress pants and a white dress shirt. It was pretty much what he wore for the walk-up photos before every game, but it suited him. Also, I was pretty much doing the same, so I really couldn't complain.

"You look amazing," Rids complimented, taking in my appearance.

"You clean up nicely, yourself." I smiled, closing the door to my room behind me. "So, where are we going?"

*  *  *

"So how many people know that we're going on a date?" The two of us were walking down the streets of Stockholm. Where to, I had no idea, but I trusted that Rids knew where we were going.

"If you haven't told anyone, the only people that knows are Timmy and Branny." Rids replied, making me look at him confused.

"Why, Branny?" I asked. "Timmy I understand, but I would've thought you would've at least told Sandy, given he's your roommate."