Page 25 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"Do you have any extra tickets for tomorrow's game? Or maybe the suite?"

Managing PR gave me a set amount of tickets for each game. Tickets I usually gave to members of the community that would help bring positive press to the team. Tomorrow's tickets are already promised to a kid with cancer and his family.

"I've given those tickets out already."

"Can you get them back?"

"Only if you want to call the kid with cancer and tell him."

Nate shakes his head immediately. "No. I won't take his tickets away, but I don't know what to do."

"You could lay it out for me so I can try and help you."

He takes the chair across my desk, and sits down. "I was hoping at tomorrow's game I could get Lia out on the ice with Penelope and propose for real."

I immediately think of the couple already promised that spotlight during the game. There was no way they'd feel special if a second proposal happened the same night.

"Do you want it public or private?" I ask him. "Considering all the press you and Lia have been in lately, I thought the both of you were taking a break."

"We are, it's just, I wanted to make it real in the same place it started off fake."

"That's really sweet." I tell him.

"I also sorta called her parents, and they're coming into town to surprise her. I'd hoped they'd be able to come too."

Tapping the keys on my keyboard, I pull up the tickets section for tomorrow's game on our website. It's pretty much sold out, but there are a few tickets here and there around the arena.

"Well if you don't mind them sitting in another spot, and spending some cash, you could get her parents seats." I turn my computer so he can see.

He selects two seats and points. "Can you make sure they get in without Lia knowing?"

"I'll make sure will-call has their tickets waiting for them."

"Now what about proposing on the ice?"

"How do you feel about after the game?" I ask him. "I could maybe convince her that I need some press photos of you guys after the game. That would also help cut down on the public witnesses."

"That's perfect. You're a lifesaver."

I smile, "Remember that when I call in a favor sometime in the future."

It's the same line I tell the other guys on the team when I help them out. So far the only thing I've ever called in was when I asked one of the guys to swap Lou's water bottle for one I'd super glued shut. He'd ended up squeezing the thing so hard it had exploded during practice. The video is still ranked in the top five fan favorites on the site. Probably because I watch it anytime I need a pick-me-up, but after I showed it to Maria she'd put a QR code to the video up by the lemon bars in her bakery. If someone voted the video up they could get a dollar off their purchase.

"Now does she have a good jersey to wear tomorrow?" I ask him. "I'm guessing you want her to be wearing your name."

"I'll pick up a new one for her and Sweet Pea on my way out."

Nate leaves and I smile at his plans. I'm so happy for him and Lia, but especially his daughter. She is the sweetest kid and I love that she has a dad like Nate.

Packing up my laptop I head home for the night. My plants need to be watered, and there's a special episode of Say Yes to the Dress I don't want to miss.

I'm halfway home when I get a call from Lia. I answer and put her call on my car's bluetooth.

"I need people." Lia pleads.

"Okay?" I say. "For what?"

"The new spa I work at is going to be offering yoga. I'm supposed to go check out an instructor's class, but I didn't read all the details earlier. They gave me four spots in the class. Will you please come to yoga with me?"

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