Chapter 7
Sawyer’s pov
We just got done at the sporting goods store. Now we headed to Chill Out Cones. It is one of the best ice shops around here. They have many flavors, some you could not even fathom. I should know I have a wicked sweet tooth. Foster clowns me because of it. I just shrug my shoulders and tell him it is my guilty pleasure.
“Well, Amberlynn, this place has the best ice cream you can find around here. They honestly have too many flavors. I do not think I even tried half the flavors, and it is not for lack of trying.”
“Are you slacking in the stamina department, bro?” Foster says, snickering. I gave him a droll look. Yeah, he thinks he is funny.
“I worry about you bro, you are the one that cannot keep up. I run circles around you. There is more stamina in my pinky finger than in your entire body.” I shoot back at him. He just laughs at me. I sneak a glance at Amberlynn. I see she is smiling and laughing under her breath. Mission accomplished.
“Come on, y’all two, let’s go inside. We have ice cream to indulge in. My favorite so far is peanut nut butter cookie crumble. It has the rich flavor of peanut nut butter with the sweetness of Oreos. With whipped cream on top. But the best part is that they blend it together. You can have additional toppings. I add cherries and sprinkles. You can never go wrong with sprinkles.”
“Aww, are you like one of those big kids at heart? Thinking like Peter Pan, living in Never Ever Land, thinking you will never grow up? That’s the cutest thing ever.” She laughs at her own joke.
“Hardy har har, someone has jokes today. I will have you know; you are never told to have sprinkles. I highly recommend you try some.”
“So, if I get some sprinkles, I can call you Princess Sprinkles? Or Princess Sparkles?” That is when Foster really loses it. I am so dumbfounded; I just look at her, my mouth open. Do not know how to respond to that. I just start laughing along with them. It feels good to let loose and give each other s**t. I can see she will fit right in with us.
“Alright, let’s go to the counter so we can order. What are you in the mood for? Foster picks sugar-free ice cream. I think that is a crime against ice cream, but what do I know? They also have fruity flavors. You can get a cone, dish, shake or float. They even make ice cream sundaes.”
“I am not sure. Something with dark chocolate. A few fruits in a cup. Maybe some sprinkles.” She says, looking at me with a wicked grin. I shake my head at her.
“Well, they have this flavor called Midnight Orchard. It is dark chocolate, and you get to pick the fruits either on top or mixed in. There are additional toppings that you can also put on top of it. I have not had the chance to try it yet.”
“Now that sounds good. I think I am going to try it. I would like cherries, strawberries, and blackberries. Can I please have it mixed? Also, some whipped cream on top to please.” A groan gets caught in my throat at the idea of her begging. Unwanted images pop into my head that I do not need right now. Looking over at Foster and I see those ideas pop into his as well.
“You can get whatever you want. If this line ever moves where we can order that is. They always seem to be busy on Saturday afternoons. Our dad used to bring us here every Saturday. It was our family tradition. Then he would take us to the local rink for us to either play around or to practice. Some of my happiest memories. We have not done that in a while. We all have busy lives. No one has taken the chance of spending time together. Foster and I are the ones who spend the most time together. Gunnar is always busy either coaching or helping our dad out with some restaurants. Our dad has a lot on his plate with the restaurants or raising money to help students in sports.” Amberlynn lays a hand on my arm and gives a squeeze with a smile. Little does she know. That smile means the world to me, giving me some comfort, I needed. I give her a grateful smile back.
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Amberlynn’s POV
I put my hand on Sawyer’s arm and give a squeeze. I know how it feels to be alone sometimes. Growing up, I did not really have any friends. Moving around made it hard to form those connections. The girls on the team were just too competitive for me to make friends with. Now it seems like I am finally making some. We finally made to the counter to place our orders. When I look up, there is a pretty girl with brunette hair working the counter. She seems to be about my age or closer to the twin’s age. She is about my height. Looks like she has deep brown eyes, maybe the color of molten chocolate. When she sees us approaching, she gives the twins a big smile that lights up her face. Foster and Sawyer each give her a returning smile. Their interaction is making me uncomfortable. I do not know why. Maybe it is because of our recent interactions. I try to blank my face so no one will notice. She turns in my direction, still big smile on her face. So that settles me somewhat.
“Amberlynn, this is Tilly; Tilly, this is Amberlynn. Tilly is the sister of our goalie. Tilly, Amberlynn just moved in with us. Her mom is dating our dad. That is a long story. Tilly is like a younger sister to us. Following us guys around and bugging to come along. She wants to be one of us guys but cannot skate to save her life.” Foster laughs while he introduces us.
“Hi Tilly, it is nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand to shake, but she rushes in and gives me a hug. Squeezing the air out of my lungs.
“Hi Amberlynn, nice to meet you. Do not listen to these guys. I am just too good for them. They cannot handle my awesomeness. They get imitated by of me. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about yourself. Hold on to that thought. Let me get y’all’s order then I will take my break so we can sit and chat if that is okay with y’all.”
“Sure, I would love that. Is that okay with y’all?” They both give me a nod. I place my order along with theirs. Of course, they would not let me pay for myself.
“Alright, here are y’all orders. One for my new best friend, and these are for y’all hooligans. So, tell me a little about yourself.”
“Well, you just learned that I am living with Foster and Sawyer. We moved here from Texas. I just got here yesterday. I’m trying out for the hockey team. Why are you looking at me like that?
“I am sorry, I just did not peg you for the whole ice hockey thing. I mean, there is nothing wrong with playing. It is a rough sport. Not very many women play the sport. But I am down with you playing. Maybe you can beat these two. They need to be brought down a peg or two. These two thinks they are untouchable in hockey.”
“Hey.” they in unison. Putting up their hands in surrender.
“We will have you know; people try to get the best of us but cannot handle what we throw down. Our stats speak for themselves. I am not trying to be conceited either.” Sawyer says, shrugging a shoulder.
“If that is you not being conceited, then I do not know what is.” Tilly said. I laugh at the two of them.
“I honestly do not know how they play. But I am now. Sounds like I might have a challenge on my hands with these two, but I am not sure if it is going to be a fair challenge since it is two on one. Then again, I am up for a challenge, like I said.” I raise one brow in an obvious challenge.
“I, for one, never back down from a challenge. What about you, Foster?”
“Well, I am not sure if it is going to be fair, but I will take the challenge. Maybe we can get Gunnar to ref. for us.”
“If ya’ll doing this, then I must come and watch it; someone must cheer for the obvious winner, which we know is going to be Amberlynn. I want to be there when she whips the ice with y’all. So, count me in on this shindig. Okay, my break is over. Amberlynn, can I get your number? So, we get to know each other and hang out with just the two of us. I am sure you have enough testosterone with these two and Gunnar.”
“Sure, I would like that. It was nice talking to you.”
“You too; talk to you later.”
“Are y’all ready to go? Time for dinner is getting close, and my dad and your mom are expecting us.” Foster asked.
“Sure, I am ready to go. Wanted to thank y’all for today. I had lot of fun. Cannot wait to do it again; maybe we can go to the rink next time too. I am dying to get on the ice. It has been a while.”
“I had fun today too. Sawyer and I have not done this in a while. We are glad you had fun, but next time we can go to the rink.” Foster replied.
“You probably need to go to the rink since you will need all the help you can if you are going to play the both of us.” Sawyer says with a smirk. I just give him a long look and flip him off with my finger. He just starts laughing at me.
We leave the ice cream shop and head back to the place I call home now.