Page 125 of The Best Friend Power Play

Hannah: I remember one of my friends saying not all that long ago that love ultimately boils down to friendship.

Amiel: Ooh, ooh. That was me.

Hannah: LOL. It was. Culver and I already have that. We know each other better than anyone else. We have a deep connection. A true bond. I love him. I trust him. I gave myself to him like I never have to anyone else. We don't need a word to define our relationship. We're not friends. We're not lovers. We're so much more…

Beth: You just made me cry and ruin my mascara.

Summer: It's 9:45 on a Sunday night. You are not wearing mascara.

Beth: Who knows? Maybe I am.

Amiel: Well, I'm so happy for you both. I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness.

Evie: We all do.

Summer: 100%.

Evie: Does this mean you'll be attending the first game of the preseason in LA on Friday with me?

Hannah: You bet I am!

"How do you do this?" I ask Evie, who's standing next to me.

"Uh, like this." She explains her actions to me as she breaks them down into slow motion. "First you raise your arms in the air. Then you jump, which is optional and not strictly necessary, but I feel it helps more with the next part, which is to open your mouth and scream as loudly as you can, either in support of your own team and/or player, or taunting the enemy. Your call. I favor a four-to-one ratio, but play around with it until you settle on something that's right for you."

"I don't mean cheering," I say, bumping her with my hip. "I mean, this." I wave my hand in front of us.

We're in the stands for the LA Swift's first game of the preseason.

The stadium is packed. The crowd is buzzing. The sponsors have been acknowledged. And I can't help but notice a lot of people keep looking our way.

It's not my first time watching a game or even watching a game here at the stadium. I've come a few times over the years with Evie, but this is my first time attending a game since the story about me and Culver broke.

All week, people who have no intention of buying flowers have been coming into the shop just to gawk at me. These are the same people who have known me all my life, suddenly acting out of character, just because they've seen or read a few stories about Culver and me.

As Culver and I agreed, we put out a statement confirming we are indeed together, adding that we're married. It's not surprising everyone believes it. They've thought we were a couple for years anyway.

"You're the new girl," Evie explains. "The media attention will wear off after a while. It always does. Take it from someone who knows."

"I hope so. I feel so self-conscious."

"Don't be. You're fine. Besides, Culver is going to love your surprise."

I nervously fiddle with my jacket zipper. "You think so?"

"I know so." She gives my forearm an excited squeeze. "When are you going to do it?"

"I was thinking when the Swifts score their first goal. What do you think?"

"That's perfect."

"Good." That's one less thing to be worried about. "I'm just so happy he got clearance to play. That fall…"

"Oh, my gosh. When you told me, my heart sank for him. Thank goodness it wasn't serious."

"Seeing as you're a hockey expert, in your opinion, how do you think he'll do this season?"

"Well…" She considers her response. "He's been in top form these past three years. His only downfall last season was his injuries. So as long as he can remain uninjured?—"

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