THE HOCKEY ALPHA'S HUMAN MATE

LARA PARKER.

It is the WORST time of the year. Don’t ask why, lest we end up triggering the series of unfortunate events. Yes, I am desperately hoping that it would not be the same as all the other years. But what happened?

I woke up to the water supply system at my apartment being under maintenance, which I had not been informed of prior, and how did I find out? Mid shower with my hair half washed, still all shampooed and all. Smell any bad luck yet? No? Wait, there’s more.

“Thank you for coming to my aid, Mariah.” I’d said to my best friend, and quite frankly the only person that has made living in New York not so hellish.

Mariah pulled up her Audi SUV at the parking lot, the car coming to a soft halt, nothing compared to the screeching mess my excuse of a car gives off. She turned her head to look at me, her smile blinding, even more so than the purple highlights in her hair. “Don’t mention it. Saves me the trouble of going through Nana’s way too long Christmas eve tradition.” She shuddered at the thought, as if she had gotten chills. “There are too many traditions and too little time for it.”

My brows drew in as I reached out to remove my seatbelt. “Isn’t Christmas eve in like, seven days?” How can the tradition begin by now?

She stared at me dead in the eyes, and said one thing in response. “Exactly,” She deadpanned, and something about her tone told me not to inquire further, and I did not. Heaving out a breath, she shook her head, shooing the thoughts away.

Glancing outside, my lips parted slightly at the snow that was falling, and I glanced down at my outfit before shifting my questioning gaze to Mariah. “Do you think I should’ve worn something more covering?” I arched a brow. “Or maybe a jacket?”

She gave me a onceover, and I suddenly felt self-conscious. I had on a red dress she’d helped me buy when we went shopping recently. It had spaghetti straps and stopped by my knees, ruffled around the hem. It hug my figure almost as though it was a second skin and that was what made me conscious the most. Luckily, my hair being straightened covered my shoulders, but still.

“Lara, you look gorgeous, girl. If I were Chris, I’d surely tap that.” She winked. “It’s different from your usual top and jeans. I’m sure Chris would feel the same. It’s perfect. Besides, he’d set up this date for you at this time, I’m sure a proposal is coming your way and when it does, it’s best to look your absolute best. It’s the pictures you’d be looking back at later on.”

I gave her an amused look, feeling some of my nerves go down. She’s right.

I chuckled, successfully removing the seatbelt. I patted down my straightened auburn hair—it was a hassle taming it to that position I tell you. “Yeah, well, hopefully he’d put a ring on it.” I sounded calmer than I was internally. My inner teen is all giddy at the thought, clapping her hands her hands. “I’d need some good my way after the shitty day I had at work today.”

“Difficult client?” She arched a brow.

“Don’t mention it. Mrs. Vance is becoming even more insufferable as well.” Mrs. Vance is my direct supervisor at work and so, technically, my boss. I shook my head. “Wouldn’t answer back, and I need to nail a great interview before the year ends, else, I might as well kiss my end of the year bonus goodbye.” ‘And it’s a goodbye for my mother’s house as well’ I thought, but did not add. “Damn those sports dudes.” I hissed, because I could see my payroll flying away just as much as their goals were.

Mariah offered me what was supposed to be an encouraging smile. “You’d get it, I’m sure. If anyone could pull it off, it’s you.” Her smile widened, and I would’ve believed her if I hadn’t woken up with more bad luck than I’ve had the entire year.

“Thanks, Mariah.” I said regardless, then pushed the door open. “I’ll get going now.”

“Good luck!” She yelled from behind as I stepped out of the car. “And just know, it’s totally okay if you’re too smitten by Chris after your proposal that you’d forget to update me. But, I want all the details tomorrow.”

My grin widened. “Of course. Talk to you later.” I waved at her.

“Bye!” She waved back.