PUCK (A BAD BOY HOCKEY ROMANCE) by Jessica Marx Page A

everything is lit up. It amazes me how something so simple can become so lavish with the right elements.
    I notice Steven walking up toward the house. He's holding his signature cup of coffee. He looks like he's talking to himself, which means he must be talking on his blue tooth to someone. I turn around and get started on my first task of the day. I want to complement him on a job well done, but he never makes his way inside.
    The morning flies by as the crew and I work through each check list. By the time noon rolls around, we are ahead of schedule and just about ready to move into the outdoor kitchen and let the cleaning crew come in and take care of this one. I have a couple more people coming in to help us work through the next part of the day. The rest of my staff will be here later in the afternoon.
    I tell them to take a short break before we start moving everything outside. I want to see what the outdoor kitchen looks like today and be sure all of our deliveries made it to the walk in refrigerator.
    Our tent is open on two sides to allow for ventilation but also hide us from the guests at the party. I do a walk through, making sure all the burners work and everything is in it's place. I check in the fridge to ensure that my orders were delivered and put in their proper places. I walk through the other side of the tent and notice one of the grills won't light. I kneel down to check if anything's wrong and hear the sound of Puck's voice.
    My heart skips a beat. I'm actually excited just knowing he's here. I guess I missed him more than I thought. I hear him talking, but no one is answering, so I assume he's on the phone. I can't help but overhear what he's saying:
    I’m only here for a few - just looking around before I leave. The set up is unbelievable . I hear him say excitedly.
    I can’t wait to see you tonight,
    There’s a pause and then, I know. Just having you there will make the night that much more special.
    I don’t want to hear the rest, but I can’t help myself. I want to know who’s on the other end, although I’m pretty sure I know already.
    I’m sure you will look beautiful. Just try not to be late, okay?
    He laughs at whatever is said on the other end. Then, love you too.
    I’m floored. Love? He loves her? What the fuck? Really? It was barely minutes ago when I was reading his sweet note. I touch my pocket, feeling the carefully folded note, assuring myself that it really happened.
    How can I be so stupid? One dinner, a few kind words, promises of change, and I’m eating out of the palm of Puck’s hand. I feel sick. I honestly believed him. I’ve been giving him the benefit of the doubt. Talking myself into thinking his ‘meeting’ with Amanda Adams was, in fact, a meeting. I’m such a fool.
    I hear Puck walking in the opposite direction and breathe a sigh of relief. I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath. I don’t want to look at him right now, and I certainly don’t want to have a conversation. I don’t know how to handle this and today, I have way more important things to think about. I stand up and stride back toward the house at a quick pace so I can hopefully avoid running into Puck on my way.
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    B ack in the kitchen , things are in full swing. Luckily our space is big, but it’s time to move our operation outside. We’re still running ahead of schedule so I give everyone a warning and let them finish what they’re doing before having them regroup by the table. In the meantime, I try to compose myself and get my mind where it belongs - on the event that’s about to happen.
    Steven passes quickly though the kitchen, giving a quick nod as if to say ‘hello’. He’s still on the phone and I’m sure he will be for most of the day. Moments later, he’s back and refilling his coffee cup from one of the boxes on the table. I hear him end his conversation as he adds some milk to his cup.
    “How’s it going?” he addresses me, “actually don’t