The Boyfriend Goal (Love and Hockey Book 1)

Josie

As I settle into my new old job at the little library next to the fire station in the Upper Haight, I feel both like an explorer in San Francisco and like a regular.

When I first arrived here back in the fall, I connected instantly with the city. San Francisco is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences. It’s a little like a new book. You crack it open and discover a story on every page.

When our schedules align, Wes and I explore the city’s neighborhoods, from the postcard charm of Chinatown to the edgier vibes of the Mission District. We go to bookstores, and we check out night markets, picking up some of Maeve’s lamps to decorate our place.

It’s not quite black and chrome now. It has a little more color.

Tonight, though, it’s time for that cocktail-mixing class at last. We’re taking it with our friends. We go to Sticks and Stones, a bar the guys on the team like.

We join Max and Asher at the sleek silver counter. Miles is here too. He’s a center on the team, and he’s started hanging out with the guys lately. He’s both sarcastic and thoughtful and that combo seems to keep the guys on their toes.

Everly and Maeve are here too, and so is Fable. As the owner—a friendly guy named Gage—guides us through how to mix an old-fashioned, Everly scoffs at Max’s efforts to mix in bourbon. He looks amused as he stirs, but then the famously grumpy goalie turns to her with a stern look. “What is it, sunshine? Got a tip for me on my cocktail?”

Sunshine? I look to Wes, whispering, “He calls her sunshine?”

Wes shrugs. “Evidently.”

“Not at all,” Everly says to Max with a bright smile. “I’m just enjoying learning all about your new skills.”

“You’re surprised I can mix a drink?”

She gestures to his face. “I’m surprised you’re not scowling.”

“Consider me shocked too,” Miles weighs in.

“Same here,” Asher adds.

“And I have to agree,” Wes adds.

“Looks like it’s unanimous,” Everly says.

Max harrumphs, almost like he’s been caught red-handed being un-growly. He resumes mixing, and I keep wondering what’s up with the two of them.

But I’ll find out another time.

For now, I shake my cocktail glass, the ice clinking against the metal, and I’m happy, surrounded by friends who feel like family and with my guy by my side.

A few weeks later…

The view. Seriously, the view. “A little to the left maybe,” I say.

Wes adjusts the frame and moves it slightly on the wall, then lifts the hammer again and smacks the nail behind it. “I think you just like watching me being handy,” he drawls.

“Maybe,” I say. “I mean, the arm porn is good from where I sit.”

He finishes hanging the artwork we both picked out, then asks, “Is this good?”

“It’s perfect,” I say, then pat the couch cushion. “Now come join us.”

He walks over to the sofa, and flops down next to me and our newest addition. “Hey, Pancake,” Wes says, then nuzzles the cutie—a Cattle Dog mix we adopted from Little Friends. He’s item number one on our new list, which we’re still building, but we have two items on it so far.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Ten Things To Do With Your Love

1. Adopt a dog.

2. Make a home.

We’ve crossed off number one. We’re busy working on two, and the art on the walls is part of that. We framed the original list from Aunt Greta with all but number ten crossed out.

Now, he wraps an arm around me, and we enjoy the view of our new art together.

Number ten has always been something that shouldn’t be crossed out.

It’s something you should do every day.

It’s something we do for each other.

10. Make someone happy.