she's full of rage

“Oh the teasing must be the worst. I would hope they have your back, yeah. I mean, that is like the true test of a brother.” She chuckled softly as she nodded her head. “Oh definitely. I would think you earned all the bragging rights, too. My favorite is posting on social media.”

“I try to wear the team colors for the games and if the shade of my dress is a little off, they tease me about it. They are lucky to have padding on because I hit them when they say it,” she smiled as she gave a soft nod. “I literally post my dog on social media and that’s about it. Sometimes a selfie, but I’m not that great at them.”

“I guess that’s the good thing that came out of it.” Rebecca shrugged, though at the same token, her face was offering a smile. “Screw it because you became pretty successful and others opinions don’t even matter.” The woman shook it off.

“It is. But I would never admit that they are like my brothers because they will try to take that in and tease me. But when I went through hard times, they were all right there by my side.” Vienna really was thankful the more she thought about it. Plus not many could put up with her. They deserved a trophy on that themselves. “That’s right. I tell myself that every day to make myself feel better. One of those mantras, you know?”

“Then i’ll send them all the luck and positive vibes I can. I might even get some merch and show up at a game.” He chuckled softly. “Thank you. I guess I have more skills than I thought.”

“Oh really? Do you like hockey? It’s a bit of a hit or miss sport, literally,” she thought for a moment. “You are talented. Although, don’t get a big head because I said that.”

“Sounds perfect for you, Vienna. Aoife and I like to lounge around and watch it too - that and trashy reality TV,” Charlie chuckled. “Oh, the friend is a he? Is your pumpkin loving friend a special kind of he? Or am I reading more into that look on your face?” Charlie knew all to well that warm smile that you couldn’t help but let peek though. “Thank you, but I’m more of the brains behind the operation. I have other geniuses in the kitchen actually making them a reality.”

“I have a secret addiction to 90 Day Fiance. I have no clue why, but it’s the most hilarious thing to watch,” she smiled as she set the fire hair behind her ear. A pause formed as she gave a small smile, tilting her head in thought. “Maybe. We went on a date, but I don’t want to overthink anything. He’s been around for me the last year and last year was one of the worst years of my life. He was there for me and I kind of gained feelings. I don’t want to get my hopes up, so we’ll leave it at that,” she gave a small nod. She really didn’t know what the situation was with her and Jackson, but she liked to think it was something positive. “Still. You are much more creative than I’ll ever be for thinking of these different ideas and different meal combinations, you know?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll pass on it,” he promised. “Are you a Food Network certified critic now? Good to know. Yeah, we’ve got some things for the holidays lined up and we have a couple of special menus for each new sports season. Baseball’s the most fun around here though. I’ll have to suffer through having to make a big deal out of the Cubs for the sake of business.” He watched her take a few bites, smiling when she looked pleased enough. “The shakes are where it’s at, though.”

“Good. Highly recommend that,” she smiled up at him. “It’s the most relaxing thing for me to watch. And I love food, so it’s a win win. Good a friend-” she thought for a moment, pushing her lips to the side for a second on how she would describe him. “He loves pumpkin bread or anything pumpkin, so might ned that. Oh right. Yeah, they are probably doing better than the Pirates, though. I swear those games are only good for pierogi races.” She smiled as she moved the shake closer to her. “I approve of this. You’re an awesome cook, Charlie.”

“I mean, I used to know this guy who wanted to write a ‘book of quotes.’ Whatever that means. And I asked him. I said, ‘Oh, so you’d wanna, like, find different quotes from people and put ‘em all together.’ And he said, ‘No, I’d make up my own quotes.’ That’s pretty weird, right? Who would wanna read that?” Going off on this tangent, Buzz gave a shrug, features falling into a smile. “Well, I’m glad he’s okay, I guess. I forget words for things all the time. It helps to, like, wave your hand around like this. It gives you a moment to think.” Demonstrating, he flicked a palm through the air, as if searching for some missing phrase. But he tended to talk with his whole body anyway. “I’ve heard of hits that end whole careers. He’s pretty lucky, huh? What do I know, though? I was a cheerleader, not an athlete.” 

“Is he well known to want to be quoted? Or is he just some random person that thinks he’s important enough to need a book. I’m not gonna lie, it’s weird when someone unknown thinks their quotes are special enough for a book.” Vienna furrowed her brows in thought. A smile formed as she nodded. “Those are more illegal hits. Normal hits are okay and usually aren’t career threatening, but illegal hits could really ruin everything. There’s some guys that purposely do hits that can be considered illegal and I just can’t stand people like that. It’s like their only job is to hit people.”

“I can just imagine how much your mind must be thinking about it. Good luck with this season. Just remember that you got this and you can do anything.” 

“The Blackhawks could use the luck. Not that they are bad or doing bad, but they definitely could use more luck in that field,” she made a small face in thought. “You should be a motivational speaker.”

“I know you’re an adult and all but I really don’t feel right talking about people pounding each other into walls with you still,” Charlie said, pushing a basket of diner food over to Vienna. “Alright, special family preview of some of my favorite new Backstop Chicago items. Have at it. Be brutally honest.” 

“Yeah, I suggest not watching this next interview then because that’s where I made a complete idiot of myself,” she face palmed herself as if that was going to fix the interview. “Oh, yum. You giving me all this is gonna make me have to go to the gym. What all is here,” green eyes moved around the plate, a smile forming. “First off, first impression, very good. Looks like you will want to eat it, which is very important according to people on the Food Network. Are you doing different holiday foods as well when that comes around?" Vienna raised her eyes as she started to eat, content with the food he gave her.

“Traumatizing your own kid is romantic ideals to you? Red, that’s too kinky even for me.” He hid a smirk behind a sip of his drink. He wasn’t much for a lot of PDA and such. Preferring a nice hand hold or maybe a couple stolen kisses when no one was really aware. Drunken escapades aside, that is. “That’s fair. There’s got to be something there between people otherwise, what’s the point?” Jackson definitely saw something between them.

His brows drew upwards and wrinkled formed above them momentarily. “Why? You know what they say about assumptions, don’t you?”His tongue ready to deliver the age old remark if she feigned ignorance. “Maybe we should have a meal of pumpkin bread and perogis. Just total carbs and pigging out for a cheat day.” It did sound rather enticing and gave them an excuse for more time together. Laughing then, before he took more fries into his mouth. “Really? I thought it would be empowering. Imagine you’re one of those kids, you get to run a town and all that shit.” His eyes went over to the man that came in question for an example. Still grinning from the compliment she gave that didn’t go unnoticed. “Yeah, but his bud just threw left handed. It might be based on preference? We can always ask.”

Giving a quick roll of her eyes, she tilted her head at him. “That’s not what I mean. It’s the gentle hand holding or the quick glance that is just so nice to see,” she mused in thought, a smile forming on her face. “The little things, you know? Not the creepy things. What do you have me pegged as?” She couldn’t help the smile that formed as her face heated up. He truly knew how to make her blush, regardless of how hard she tried to hide it. “Exactly. I mean, I guess I only really see it when it’s a gold digger. Which I’ve seen a few through hockey and awkward. I really had no clue how to react or how to ask questions because I didn’t feel comfortable.”

“Don’t even say it. Don’t even think about it,” the redhead pointed at him, raising a brow back at him as she let her green eyes meet his. “Honestly, that would have been the most romantic thing anyone could ever do for me. Pumpkin items and pierogis,” she nodded, thinking for a moment. “And coffee. That’s the trifecta.” Taking more fries, she closed her eyes as she scrunched her face. My cousins used to make it even more scary than what it was, which I think made it worse. I normally don’t mind horror movies, but depending on the person I’m with, I could be perfectly fine or get horrible nightmares. It’s never a middle ground.” As she made a small face, watching the man completely miss, her eyes moved back towards him. “I mean, if he’s left handed, then he’s going to throw left handed. Unless he can use both hands. I’m only right handed. I’m sure they would have instructions. It’s kind of like them telling you what to do for an escape room or any other thing, right?”

“Are you ready for that one, or do you feel like you need more time to get the interview ready? That actually explains it. Sorry to hear you didn’t get much sleep before that. I would’ve been so out of it.”

“I think I’m ready. I have a lot of notes written up. It’s just preseason things that start to stress me out. I don’t really relax until the season starts. And I’m a massive perfectionist, which just adds everything to it.”

“Oh my gah, you’re definitely dealing with some immature weirdos. I hate when guys do that. It’s like, calm down all that talk you do is actually really gross and not funny.” She shook her head as well. “It’s a blessing because you’re yourself and most likely unfiltered when people need that.”

“Sometimes they are, but they really feel like a bunch of brothers. I love them and can’t deal with them at the same time,” a smile formed in thought. “Hopefully. I was a really annoying kid when I was younger because I was two years ahead in school and kids saw me as a know it all, when I really didn’t mean to be. Sometimes, I think it still follows to now.”

A grimace graced Victoria’s face as she listened to the redhead, and was able to completely to feel the embarrassment they were going through. “Fuck. That’s awkward. It happens to the best of us, though. I can’t even count how many times I’ve accidentally said some very questionable things.” She laughed softly then, trying her hardest to push those memories back into the forgotten crevice of her mind. “I can promise you’re not. There’s almost 3 million people in this city, there’s definitely been some worst mishaps today. What is it you do for work, anyway?”

“I think I’m going to have to do another interview to really make things work out. This was supposed to be a more serious interview before the preseason starts,” she took a deep breath as she ran her hand through her hair. “Really just starting to get stressful the closer it comes.” A stressor she wished she could avoid. “I’m a sports journalist for the Chicago Blackhawks. If you watch the games, I’m that person interviewing the guys and talking to the coaches. A dream, really.”

“He does have a name, I’m getting there, V. This is all kind of new to me again,” Nicolette laughed. “His name is David,” she said, mastering the Spanish pronunciation as usual. “We met in a bar in June. I didn’t really think anything of it but then we saw each other again…” She paused, thinking about the night that everything changed for her. “I um, I got paranoid about my ex, I guess, and he walked me home to make sure I was safe. Stayed the night too, actually.” Nicolette nodded in agreement with Vienna. She was grasping the basics of the game but that was all she dared to dive into at this point. “I’m not stressing out over it too much. He’s pretty good about trying to explain. He used to play, actually, so he’s doing a pretty good job of it. Those are like, good seats right? Sorry, I honestly don’t do sports in general.”

Nicolette payed the utmost attention to Vienna’s story about her date. She’d heard bits and pieces here and there but to hear everything in so much detail made her even more excited for her friend. “Alright, so if you’re throwing axes I need to make sure you’re definitely going to kiss his ass, okay? No sleeves. I want you to have good arm mobility. Maybe a cute crop and some high waisted jeans? How’s that sound?”

Pausing as she listened, the name sounded familiar, furrowing her brow in thought. “I think I know him. Or met him. Or it sounds familiar. But I did meet a guy once with the name and liking hockey. But I work with so many guys that things could probably blend together. But, I’m happy for you. You really deserve that, Nic. Patient men are hard to come by, anymore,” she smiled softly as she looked over. “Yeah, they are good. Um, it’s where I am to watch the game and keep up with what’s going on. It’s much more comfortable, also. The seats are padded, free drinks and food. It’s nice. I could live there, in all honesty.”

Thinking for a moment again of the potential that this date could lead to automatically made Vienna’s cheeks turn red. Setting her hands on her face to cool it down, she took a deep breath. “That sounds good. You’re going to need to help me. I literally only wear dresses for work or motorcycle jacket and jeans. There’s no middle ground and I feel like this date is just a brand new style I haven’t thought about. It’s been years since I’ve been on a date. A little scary, the more I think about it.” Of course it was someone she was beyond comfortable with, but she knew Nicolette understood why Vienna had the small fear. “Okay, I’m overthinking and worrying about things that aren’t even going to happen because I know this date is going to go well and I need to focus on that more than what bad things could happen.”

“It wasn’t like they tried fucking while I was in the room. Don’t worry.” He snorted out a laugh then. His brain defensively picturing another couple entirely to spare himself from the awkward creeps that might leak into this whole date thing. “I just remember them doing a lot of kissing and snuggling and hand holding while we were out. That’s why I made that conclusion.”

A small scoff came along with a shake of his head. “Should I be offended you don’t remember pumpkin bread is not only my favorite food, but the most delicious thing, period?” His head then cocked to the side before the sweet sight of loaded fries came onto their table and he gestured for the redhead to dig in. He certainly did. Taking three at once to dip into the ranch that came with it before going into his mouth. “Mm, you should try making that roll and I’ll be your critic. Free of charge.” A quick cheeky grin displayed his dimples. “I bet you got lost in that pumpkin patch, often. Probably running around in them with that axe, right? I ain’t never really used one, but It doesn’t seem that hard.” He shrugged.

“Oh, that’s definitely not what I meant, but now the image is in my head and I don’t want it there,” she shook her head, crinkling her nose. “Awe, that just means they are in love. That’s sweet. My parents are like that. It’s nice to see. It shows me what love really is,” Vienna gave a small nod in thought. If only she knew that a few years ago, but she wouldn’t be where she is now and she really likes where she is now. “It’s better than those couples that can’t even stand beside each other. That’s the most awkward thing and I never know how to react when I’m near a couple like that.”

“Honestly, I didn’t think you were serious. It just seems to be the farthest thing from what I expected out of you,” she couldn’t help the smile that formed at his reaction. “It really is the most delicious thing. Up there with homemade pierogis.” As she took one of the fries, she took a bite, smiling at how good it was. “I paid you a bit already when you were my lawyer. Taste testing better be free of charge. I’ll try, but I can’t say it will be as good as it used to be. My grandmother sold them. I definitely can’t compare to that.” She couldn’t help but let her smile grow as she watched the dimples form. “It’s like Children of the Corn all over again. Which is not the movie to watch when your grandparents have corn fields. Nightmares for weeks,” she spoke with her hands, grabbing another fry after. “You would look good with one of those big ones that cut the trees. I’m sure they show you the different ways before you actually attempt it. My brain is the one hand going, but there’s a guy over there using both hands, so I don’t know who is right and who is wrong.”

“On today’s episode of ‘What did Buzz Say,’ I told someone the world would be a better place if we used keys to open things instead of lock ‘em. And then I thought about it, like, for real, you know? And well…that was sorta dumb.” He sighed deeply before flashing a smile. “Hey, I knew what you meant! He, like, knocked into him, yeah? I think that’s a perfectly okay way to say that. Besides, that sounds like a foul to me, so technically, they were in the wrong from the beginning.” He laughed.

Brows furrowed as she tried to understood what he said, eyes widening when she realized it. “I swear I could just write a book on the stupid things I say. Which I don’t think is a good thing,” Running a hand through her hair, she nodded. “Yeah it was a hit. Which I forgot the word hit for that small moment and said pound instead. Some hits are good, though. This was a good hit, but it was a little rougher than normal so I was just asking how he was. Apparently he’s good enough to laugh at me, so there’s that.”