Page 9 of These Pucking Boys

“What do you say, June? I promise you’ll have fun, and I’ll be with you the whole time, if that helps.”

“Really? You’re going to be my wingwoman?”

She laughs. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

Melissa sounds sincere, and I used to be a good judge of character. I’m not as confident in my skills anymore—I should have seen Bill and Danika’s duplicity. But…

“Okay. What time is the party?”

“Right after the game, at the Four Diamonds Hotel downtown. You’re welcome to watch the rest with me from the VIP box.”

I glance at my wrinkled and stained dress. “I’m not dressed to attend a fancy party. I should go home and change.”

The moment I say those words, my stomach twists savagely. Home. The apartment I share with Bill won’t be my home for much longer. I can’t afford to pay the rent on my own. My heart takes off at breakneck speed, and I stand on the precipice of a panic attack.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Not really. I just realized I have to move out.” I open the faucet and splash cold water on my face.

“That’s tomorrow’s problem. I can get you a different dress, if you’re open to it.”

I turn to her. “What do you mean? Borrow a dress from you?”

“Not exactly. I’ll call my personal shopper. She’ll bring several options for you to pick from. She can probably be here within the hour.”

Wow. Personal shopper. Melissa must be a big deal. I can’t believe she’s going out of her way, trying to make me feel better. Then again, if the invitation came from the players themselves...

My first instinct is to say no, but I can’t shut myself off from opportunities just because I’m scared of making a fool of myself. After being turned down on the Jumbotron, I don’t think I can sink any lower. “All right. Let’s do it.”

Melissa smiles from ear to ear. “Excellent! I’ll call my personal shopper right away. She’ll have questions for you.”

“What kind of questions?”

“Preference in style, colors, size, etc.”

“Oh, cool.”

A group of loud ladies enter the restroom, and one recognizes me. “Oh, you’re the Jumbotron girl! I’m so sorry, dear.”

My face gets hot again, and I don’t know what to say. I’m frozen, drowning in my shame.

Melissa links her arm with mine. “Let’s get back to our seats.”

I let her steer me out of the restroom, grateful for her assistance. I wonder if they have alcohol in the VIP box. I could definitely use a shot of tequila right about now.

CHAPTER 6

JUNE

There’s a minute left on the clock, and the Titans are winning four to three. The Boston Zodiacs are a tough team to beat, especially with their goalie. Leo Wiseman is a brick wall with ninja-like reflexes. If it weren’t for him, the Titans would be winning by a much larger margin.

The Titans are on the offensive, and someone passes the puck to Ryan Bertrand, their hotshot center. He shoots, but Leo, once again, performs a miracle and catches the puck. The guy bends like a pretzel, making me wonder if he has any bones in his body.

“I can’t believe it,” Melissa blurts out. “How did he manage that? Ryan must be pissed.”

My eyes follow the man in question, and he doesn’t seem happy. “Maybe the Zodiacs’ goalie is a member of the Fantastic Four.”

“What?” Melissa looks at me as if I spoke in Klingon.