Outside people walked by in the falling snow. Ritchie watched them in a psuedo-trance ignoring many of the people in the cafe. His fingers tapped the table in a disjointed rhythm, at least as he could tell. For the most part he wanted some time to himself. It was the height of hockey season at UW-Madison and he was busy, busy, busy. He didn't really have time to go out into the city and do what he wanted to, but he was taking full advantage of his opportunity.
A commotion broke him out of his trance. He turned to see his teammate Sean leaving with his girlfriend, some Venezuelan girl named Maria. Reading their lips he could tell they were having fun. They gave each other a kiss that made Ritchie feel a little bit of envy. He wanted someone like her. He didn't want Maria. She and Sean made a great couple even if they did butt heads from time to time. He just wanted someone who would be supportive and independent at the same time.
"Is this seat taken?" A female voice broke him out of his trance again. He looked across the table.
"Janet?"
"Of course it's me!" she said with a laugh. "Who did you think it was, Mr. Oneida Rocket?" He scoffed a little bit at his nickname. It wasn't a meaningless nickname. Not only is he full-blooded Oneida Indian, he's fast as hell out on the ice.
"Sorry," he said, looking at her. He felt thankful to meet a fellow full-blooded Iroquois, even if she is Canadian... and a figure skater. What is it with hockey players and figure skaters, anyway? "So how was your day?"
"It was good," she said. "My coach wanted me to work on my spins. I had to stay at the rink longer than I hoped. What about you?"
"Hockey practice was easy today," said Ritchie. "Coach had us rest up before we start really working for the series this weekend against Minnesota. Are you here with anyone?"
"No," she said. She looked at him with her beautiful Indian eyes and said, "Except you."
Ritchie smiled. The day just got better.
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