Page 51 of Power Play

Back to your existentialism I see.

Well, I’ll be there. I’m your friend, so you won’t be totally alone.

Physically at least. I can’t speak on a metaphysical level.

Liam

Never thought I’d read glow in the dark condoms and metaphysical in the same text thread.

Me

You’re a goalie, Sullivan. I need to keep you on your toes.

Liam

Considerate as always, Pipsqueak.

Friends and Familynight is one of my favorite parts about working for the Stars.

The organization opens up the arena for players to bring their loved ones down to the rink for a couple hours. It’s a lownight, an evening with games and prizes and watching the guys live a normal life away from screaming fans.

The tradition has been going on for years, implemented by Brody Saunders in his first season as head coach. He likes to talk about how camaraderie isn’t built during practice but outside it. Events like this give the team a chance to kick back on their day off, enjoying time with their families during a stretch of home games.

“Why aren’t you on the ice?” Maven leans over the boards and stares at me. “You look very sad sitting alone.”

“If by sad you mean content, then, yes. I’m wonderfully sad.” I laugh and drop my elbows to my knees. “Can’t a girl watch safely from the stands without being heckled?”

“She can, but you always do things with the team. Last season, you participated in a hot dog eating contest and nearly choked to death. Please don’t tell me you prefer processed meat over ice skating.”

“I don’t know how to skate. I never learned.”

“What? You’ve worked for hockey teams for years. You’re around the ice almost every day.”

“The key word there isaround, not on. My job keeps me firmly on dry ground, and I have no complaints.”

“How have you never learned?”

There’s a moment of hesitation before I answer her.

I could tell her about the time Steven tried to teach me. How frustrated he got when I didn’t understand the physics behind the movements. The yelling when he said he couldn’t be around someone who didn’t give their best effort and the disappointment on his face when I fell and couldn’t get up.

It might have happened a decade ago, but I haven’t stepped foot on a rink since.

I smile and shrug instead, feigning nonchalance.

“When I interview the guys, it’s always in the tunnel. Being proficient on skates isn’t part of the job description,” I say.

“Let me teach you! It’s so easy when you get the hang of it and?—”

“I’m fine, Mae. You don’t need a liability trying to pull you to the ground. I’m having fun watching you all.”

“Are you sure? You can hold my waist. We can start a skating train. You know the team will join in.”

“I’m positive. Do a couple more laps and we can grab a drink in the lounge when you need a break.”

She blows me a kiss and I scan the rink, smiling at everyone having a good time.

Grant and his youngest sister, a figure skater, are doing laps around everyone else. Ethan is chatting with a woman who doesn’t look very interested in what he has to say. Hudson is laughing with his dogs as they slide across the ice and Maverick and Emmy are involved in some sort of game of tag.

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