Walking on Thin Ice

Chapter 4 - Sweet but Still Sour

The music gently played in the background of the bar as people conversed and complained about their everyday lives. The energy was high, but at several tables, it was rather mellow and playful, as several future Olympic athletes sat and took psychology tests that Coach Herb had given them. Several of them joked and messed with their friend's papers, marveling at how some of the boys had already finished their tests. However, there was one table where four young men sat, each having a good drink but fiercely taking in the questions that were presented. Jack casually leaned back against his chair as the young man Ralph Cox had a slight sip of his beer. Dave Silk sighed loudly as he read the question.

              "You're stopped by a policeman, but you're not a fault. Do you state your disagreement right away?" He sighed once again as he quickly flipped through the packet, "He's got three hundred of these things."

Jack sat up slightly when he noticed that Ralph had finished his beer. He grasped the pitcher and gently swirled the alcohol around, before finally refilling Ralph's mug.

              Mike Eruzione quickly spoke up to his friend," It's a test Silky. You've taken one or two before."

              "Not to play hockey I haven't." Dave Silk replied, looking over at his friend adamantly.

              Ralph spoke up," Can you even read Silky?"

At that, the boys relaxed, sitting up and laughing at his comment. Mike sat up a bit as he laughed and Jack smiled down at his test, laughing slightly as he tried not to break his cocky exterior.

              "I try." He joked. Jack looked up slightly and noticed a familiar head of hair in the crowd of ongoing college kids and he smiled widely, wondering how she had managed to find her way here. Yet she seemed to be searching for someone. Jack decided not to find out whom. When he decided to try once again to be friendly, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted.

"Janie."

              Janie spun to look, hoping to quickly catch on to where Rob or Buzz was, but never saw them. Instead, she saw Jack, sitting with a few players from Boston, and one other young man. She was unsure about whether to go over, but they waved her over and she grinned. She felt rather shy, but she had met several of these boys at hockey games. Jack stood up from his chair, and remained standing until she arrived.

"You don't mind waiting with us chumps, do you?" he joked, motioning for her to sit down.

              "I can sit with these boys, just not with you."

It was another sarcastic comment, but Jack could tell that she didn't say it to be mean. He smiled to himself as Janie sat next to Ralph, "Hi, Janie Gallagher."

              "Ralph Cox."

He shook her hand. The boys watched her with a certain interest. They all viewed her as a rather stunning, compelling creature, and Jack noticed this, coughing slightly and clearing his throat. Mike and Dave noticed his behavior and looked down, slightly amused by this.

              "I remember you boys." She motioned to Dave and Mike. They nodded, offering her a mug of beer as a greeting.

"Star hockey player of the University of Minnesota women's team, but lives in Boston. How does that work?" Dave joked, placing both arms on the table, and leaning in. Janie sighed, leaning back, choosing to play along.

"I discovered education was more important than hockey." Mike faked a gasp, and Jack nearly fell out of his chair with laughter," And I was also absolutely repulsed by this one."