The Ledger Chapter 2 and 3

Chapter 2 - Perry POV

Beginning of July

It's a scorching summer day in Edmonton. The five of us spread out on lounge chairs around the backyard firepit that is Tobias’ new pride and joy. Next to his two barbeques and top of the line smoker, of course.

“Chipper couldn’t make it?” Dobs asks, confirming what he already knows.

Family is huge for him. Missing the first BBQ of the season doesn’t sit well. Which is the reason for his grumpy mood today.

That’s the thing about being manipulated by someone you love, you don’t realize you’re in a doomed relationship until you’re firmly on the other side of it. No matter how much your friends try to tell you otherwise. Or offer help.

We’ve done all we can, so until Aaron’s ready to leave Tina, we just wait and support him anyway we can. Hating her from the sidelines.

Shoving a lemon wedge through the narrow neck, I hand him a chilled beer which he promptly passes to Leith.

“Come on man, he’s excited. Let him have some fun.” I attempt to be the voice of reason, even if I don’t feel it.

“She’s not good for him.” Dobs grumbles to which none of us can argue because Tina. Fucking. Sucks.

“Alright,” Leith claps his hands together in front of him, leaning forward on his chair. “So, now that we’re here and we’ve won the beauty, what’s the plan for the summer? I’m taking my sis on a vacation next week to see our mom.”

“Does Saskatchewan count as a vacation?” Tyson chirps causing Tobias and I to laugh.

No. No it doesn’t. But Leith’s stepdad just moved there last month for work, so he’s taking his sister to see their new place for the first time.

“You’re going to have to pry her away from the hospital.” Dobs takes a sip of iced cold water, it’s the only thing he drinks besides plain coffee and the occasional scotch if he’s in a particularly prickly mood.

Black coffee, not even a double-double like Leith.

“Yea, well The Littlest Shaw can be bribed to take a week off work with the right chocolate.” Leith grins, knowing Kaitlin is an absolute fiend for chocolate oranges.

It’s the only thing that can stop her from overworking like Dobs. The Shaw’s may be half siblings, but their work ethic is genetic. She got all the looks, and he got all the energy.

“Alright, so Leith’s on ‘vacation’ next week, what about you Perry?” Tobias pops his chin to me.

I shrug because, fuck, I don’t know. Both my parents took the Stanley Cup game being held in Florida as an excuse to travel the U.S. this summer. As an only child, that leaves me with my single teammates and Aaron, when Tina inevitably finds something else ‘wrong’ with him

“Nothing on the books, man. Just me and Blue this summer. Maybe I’ll go for a hike or spend some time in Banff.” I shrug.

Blue is the best thing I’ve ever gifted myself. A massive rescue husky for my twenty-nineth last summer. He’s also the only thing besides hockey that I’m obsessed with. I don’t even mind moulting season.

“Come on man, you gotta’ have something planned for your thirtieth. Fuck, I’ll plan something.” Leith nearly jumps out of his chair.

“No!” All of us wheel on him because anything Leith does is incredibly over the top and I’m not about that.

He’s got a heart of gold and wants to show it. But I’d rather have a few drinks with the guys and watch Blue run around the yard, exactly like what we're doing now.

Only, with Aaron and maybe a few more guys from the team.

Tobias Martell is the highest paid centerman of the NHL and thanks to his investment properties across Canada, major cities in Europe and the US, he’s got a knack for luxurious houses. ‘Mini mansions’ as Kaitlin calls them.

 This backyard is my favourite local one. The grey stone fire pit and cozy lounge chairs are a Godsend for our overworked muscles thanks to a grueling fight for the cup. His mansion overlooking the North Saskatchewan River is a far cry from the apartment I have downtown. Tobias loves living on the edge of the city to have more space. I’ve never understood his need for it. He doesn’t have a dog or a family to fill the place.

Leith nudges my spread-out knee with his foot, “At the end of the month, the same weekend as your birthday, there’s this restaurant opening downtown. It’s got some fancy rooftop patio and it’s locally owned. I scored the whole team some seats so we’re going. Guys only.” He holds his hands up in a surrender before we can pounce on him for wanting to pick up girls. “I swear it’s just us. Gives everyone a break after the stress of the season. Call it team bonding time.”

No one has to mention that we’ve had no trades this year. While other teams and players are getting shuffled around and their coaches ‘suggesting’ team bonding activities over the summer, we do it naturally. We’re the team with the oldest average age and the lowest player turnover. We’re also the northernmost team in the NHL. Built on a tradition of tough, aggressive players, is how we earned the name and reputation: The Enforcers.  

“We’ll be there.” Dobs agrees for all of us as if there was ever any wiggle room.

“I’m down.”

“I’ll bring a moose hat to celebrate Perry’s birthday just like Mont—”

“No.” I chuck a lemon wedge at Leith’s face, striking his cheek. “This is why you don’t plan shit man. I’m planning your thirtieth.”

“Yeah, well start planning, cause in three years I’m gonna need a party!” Leith hollers.

Dobs shakes his head and reluctantly laughs with him. Leith needing a party is the understatement of the century.

We spend the rest of the evening around the firepit, far into the early hours of the morning when the sky finally darkens and the fire simmers out. When Dobs tosses water onto the flickering red coals, sending a pillar of hissing steam into the air, we all grab something, tidy up and head home for the night. Blue hops into the trunk of my SUV that’s been outfitted for a dog since the day I adopted him.

“Wanna’ go for a walk tomorrow, bud?”

Blue stares at me through the rearview mirror as we make our way home. He’s great to keep me active throughout the summer, embodying Dobs’ final parting comment; make sure to keep in shape, follow your meal plan and keep to your workout routine. Because if he’s anything, he’s consistent and dedicated to a routine.

Exactly what I need to emulate to stay in shape for next year. It makes conditioning camp at the end of the summer easier than stopping and starting, which feels like death.

“A walk by the river valley sounds like a good start for the off season, eh bud?” I nod my chin to Blue in the mirror, and he answers with a soft ruff as we drive through downtown. 

Chapter 3 - Collins POV

The next day

I must be sadistic to voluntarily give up my summer days to be stuck in a stuffy classroom taking The Law and Teaching 306.

Yet, here I am.

My ASL class this morning was amazing. Having a deaf professor only communicate through gestures, was a baptism-by-fire way to learn sign language. This law class is boring as hell. And small. Only twenty-five students in the class and all but seven are asleep even though it’s only 11:45 A.M.

To be fair, it is Monday morning. With the sun setting late every night, most of my university classmates are out partying regardless of which day of the week it is. They are all a year ahead of me and required to be here. Redoing a course they’ve failed or nearly failed last semester.

I might not be the smartest person in the room but I’m the most dedicated to finishing my four-year degree early. I want a teaching job ASAP. A full-time paycheck means getting out of my brother’s apartment and getting on with the life I want sooner.

I love Colton and my little sister, Clarissa, but having Colton’s new girlfriend Violet live with us as well as my golden retriever, Piper, makes the three-bedroom apartment… tight.

Downright cramped.

Colton’s taken on the overbearing big brother responsibilities since our ‘barely around’ mother flaked off to be with her boyfriend of the year. Last we heard, they are traveling around Europe somewhere.

Europe.

That’s as precise as she wanted to be on the phone.

I stopped caring years ago when I had to teach Clarissa all the things about her period and bodily hygiene that a mother should teach their daughter. That’s part of the reason I’m studying to be a teacher. Someone needs to look out for the kids when their parents can’t. Or won’t.

They need love and I’ve got more than enough to go around.

My mind wonders through a million pointless things and a dozen daydreams about the kind of elementary teacher I want to be. I’ve zoned in and out a hundred times staring at the peachy-beige walls and the white dotted ceilings tiles of this stifling hot classroom.

Thanks to the old layout and crappy building design, classrooms on the second floor seem to be where all the heat in the U of A travels to. The tiny sliding windows do nothing to ease the scorching temperature but thankfully the clock hits 1 P.M and Hangover Jerry… or Kevin… or Ryan… perks up.

Why don’t I remember his name? Those horrible first day icebreakers really are no help. Jerry-Ryan raises his hand to alert Professor Forina.

“Yes, yes, Alex. I know. Class is over.” She huffs, hating him as much as he hates being here.

Chairs scuffle across the worn checkered linoleum as we all launch ourselves out of the classroom. I try not to touch anyone through the cramped bottleneck of the single door. It’s too hot out to be touched and I’m grouchy already.

Outside in the hallway, my classmates pair off, some groups getting together for lunch or going to the bars just off campus. No one asks me, but I also don’t engage with my classmates. I’ve got shit to do and a very energetic golden, to walk before work.

It takes an LRT and bus ride to get home. I wrangle a bouncing Piper, load her into Priscilla—my red SUV—and head to our usual spot along the river valley by 2 P.M.

“Right on time, my girl.” I pat her head, scanning the area before I unclip her leash and let her roam next to me.

This area isn’t technically an off-leash dog area, but enough people do it that it should be. Besides, no one comes here during this time of the day. I’ve been doing this walk for the last three months and we’ve only encountered a few squirrels through our path in the trees. And some horrifying wasps.

This walk is my place of peace. My space to reconnect, let go and relax. Most university students take the entire summer to do that, but I squeeze in a few hours a day. Spending time in nature with my girl in a productive way has a much better effect on my burn-out-meter than partying the night away.

That’s never been my jam. Or my cup of tea.

Piper and I walk through the partially shaded trail, leggings burning from the sun when we reach a part that isn’t covered by the tall trees. Why did I choose black leggings? Tomorrow is back to my regular summer pastels.

The dry July heat clings to my neck as we walk through the trail that opens to a shallow part by the riverbank. The trees draw back as the ground slopes down toward the North Saskatchewan River. The rest of the raging river isn’t safe to swim in, but this part is fine. Piper is used to our spot where it’s only a few inches to a few feet deep.

It’s safe and secluded.

Or at least it was.

Splashing in the shallow banks is a large white and grey Husky. Instinct has me grabbing Piper’s collar just in the nick of time, because I’m stupid enough to have her off leash in the first place.

“Dammit.” I huff, trying to wrangle her long enough to see an owner for the Husky that’s bouncing in the river. “Is your dog friendly?” My eyes squint in the sunlight and I blindly yell at the man standing way too far away to grab the large dog if it isn’t.

“What did you say?” He calls back from the bottom of the slope. Come on, man. Seriously?

“Is your dog friendly? Like legitimately friendly, where she won’t bite?” I yell louder this time.

He nods, turning his hat from backwards to its normal positioning that actually helps block the sun from his eyes. “Yeah, he’s good, I promise. Nothing to worry about.”

“Famous last words there, bud.” I relent because Piper’s thick coat is probably killing her in the heat.

Letting go of her teal harness, she bolts down the dirt slope and straight into the water. It only takes a second before she’s chasing the Husky who’s unnervingly larger than her.

“Did you just call me ‘bud’?” The stranger asks, cocking his head to the side as I get closer to the water but make sure to keep my distance from him.

“Yep. Don’t know your name so ‘bud’ seems fitting.” I keep my eyes fixed on Piper, making sure the Husky doesn’t turn around and snap at her.

I’m not overprotective. I’m appropriately protective of my girl.

From the corner of my eye, the stranger walks towards me and the hair on my neck rises. Nerves kicking into high gear, I back up slowly. Matching him.

Stopping a decent distance away the man tucks his hands back into his shorts. “Sorry. Noted. I’ll stay over here. I’m Perry, that’s Blue. He loves the water.”

“I’m Collins, that golden fluff ball is Piper. She’s got energy like a puppy even though she’s three now.”

Perry shifts in my peripherals and finally I drag my eyes away from the two dogs racing along the shallow shoreline.

Immediately, I’m livid that I didn’t look sooner.

He’s gorgeous.

Tall but not ridiculously so. Just the right height. Stunning angular face that screams well-taken-care-of with his million-dollar smile, perfect teeth and closely shaved jaw. His short light brown hair is just the right length to run your hands through, which he does. Sliding his finger through the top, he rakes it back before putting his hat on again. Sweet Holy Jesus. He’s toned in a way that makes butterflies erupt in my stomach. God he’s so fucking hot. Perfectly sculpted white top and fitted black shorts only add to his casual style.

He looks… normal but hotter than any man I’ve ever seen. Too good to be true, really.

“Hmm.” It takes conscious effort to pry my eyes off him. “You don’t look like you’re a killer stalking through the river valley.”

“Funny. I was just about to say the same about you.” He fucking winks and the butterflies in my stomach, multiply.

Holy fuck.

“Well, you can never be too careful. It might be my part time job, you never know.” I tease, uncomfortably aware of how sweaty I am. Does my hair look as messy as I feel right now? What if I didn’t put enough deodorant on? Can he see the sweat?

His deep rumbling laugh calms my nerves. “What do you do for work?”

“Guess.”

He turns to me, and I hold his gaze. Teal eyes search me up and down as his lips tighten, assessing me. “Personal trainer?”

“Nope. Two more guesses.”

“Dammit. Okay,” He hums for a minute while my gaze swings back to check on the rambunctious dogs now twenty feet away. “Dental hygienist.”

“Nope. Last guess.” God, I love winning.

“Alright give me a hint.” He crosses his arms, muscles popping and the butterflies drop straight between my legs. “How old are you? Then I’ll guess better.”

 “Nineteen. My birthday is next month.”

His stunning smile drops and the butterflies disappear.

What the hell?

“Okay, I’m assuming university then.” His eyebrows bob and he looks around as if he would rather be anywhere else.

Taking two steps closer to Piper somehow alleviates the uncomfortable feeling from his weird mood change. “Technically, yes. I’m in university full-time, studying to become a teacher, but I also work part-time for my brother’s company.” When I’m not crammed with homework or taking care of Clarissa and Piper.

“Teacher? Uhh, wow that’s amaz—”

“Don’t patronize me.” I toss over my shoulder, feeling the sass radiate out of me. “You got all weird and judgy the second I told you, my age. For a stranger I just met in the secluded part of the River Valley, your weirdness is spot on.” I huff, looking back at two soaking wet dogs having the time of their life and my walls soften a little. Maybe I shouldn’t be so mean. “How old are you?”

Perry comes to stand in line with me, but I don’t turn away from our dogs. “Twenty-nine. My birthday is in two weeks.”

“Wow, happy birthday!” I shoot him a sickly-sweet smile that turns genuine the second he flashes his.

“Thank you.”

“By the way, that’s what you should say when someone says it’s their birthday soon. Not judge someone for their age, which is completely out of their control.” I lecture because apparently his mother never did.

His gaze bounces all over my face before flashing that perfect smile a second time. “Thanks for the lesson, Teach. Sounds like you’ve already got the ‘teacher voice’ down pat.”

“Hazards of being an older sister. It comes with the territory.” I shrug, slowly following our dogs as they move further across the rocky shore banks.

We walk in comfortable silence, or at least it is for me. Perry’s mouth opens then slams shut a second later. Four times.

“It’s nice that the ice fully melted off the river. Though, Blue did like the ice-cold dips.” He grabs at the back of his neck, unconsciously flexing his immaculately toned arms that take effort to pry my eyes from. Again. Damn him. 

I try to hold in my laughter at the fact that this grown man is seriously making small talk about the weather and river. But he’s comfortable to be around, which isn’t always easy for me. Honestly, it could be much worse. So, I humour him.

By the end of the trail, the dogs have dried slightly, and we head straight to the lesser-known parking lot with only a few cars.

“Well, this is me.” I gesture to Priscilla tucked under the shade from a tree and promptly load Piper into the backseats covered with her dog canopy and a towel. “It was nice to meet you.” I smile and he reaches his hand out to shake, and I fake him out, kneeling to scratch Blue’s neck scruff. “Sorry, I meant Blue.”

Perry’s laugh is a soft rumble that brings out the sweetest grin.  Heat flushes over my cheeks. That smile might be my favourite thing about him.

“Should have known. Blue has a way with the ladies.”

“It’s the eyes.” The gorgeous sky blue colour with a splash of brown in the left, makes the Husky all that more adorable. “Anyway, I should get going. Gotta’ head to work.” I point my thumb awkwardly to my SUV.

If I leave now, I’ve got just enough time for a stop for a lemonade refresher on my way home and to make dinner for Clarissa before heading to work for five.

“It was nice to meet you too.” He sticks his hand out again.

This time I take it and imagine that, for a split second, he holds my hand longer than necessary.