Page 17 of Power Pucking Play

Before I can protest, she's grabbing my arm and pulling me through the crowd. Sal turns as we approach, his face lighting up in recognition.

"Alexandra Brookes," he says, his voice warm. "Always a pleasure, my dear."

Lexi beams, and I feel a pang of...something in my chest. I push it away, just as quickly as it appeared.

"Sal, I'd like you to meet Giovanni De Luca," Lexi says, gesturing to me. "Gio, this is Sal Carmine."

"Gio De Luca," Sal repeats, his gaze sizing me up. "I've heard a lot about you."

I raise an eyebrow, flashing him a ridiculous grin. "Good things, I hope?"

He chuckles. "Mostly good things."

I extend my hand, hoping it's not clammy. "It's an honor, sir. I've admired your work for years."

Sal's grip is firm, his eyes twinkling. "The honor's all mine, son. I've been watching you play. You've got real talent."

"I...thank you." I feel like a little kid who just got a gold star on his math test.

"Of course, talent only gets you so far," Sal continues, his tone turning serious. "It's what you do with it that counts."

I nod, feeling like I'm being sized up. "I couldn't agree more."

Sal smiles, clapping me on the shoulder. "Good man. Now, why don't you tell me about that wicked slapshot of yours?"

As we fall into conversation, I can feel some of the tension leaving my body.

This is familiar territory—talking hockey, strategy, the game I love.

I almost forget Lexi's there until I glance over and catch her watching me, a strange expression on her face. When our eyes meet, she quickly looks away, busying herself with her phone.

Before I can dwell on it too much, Sal nods at me and Lexi. "I'm going to go say hi to some other guests." He glances over. "It was nice meeting you, Gio."

"Likewise, Mr. Carmine," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

With a pat on my shoulder, he walks away, leaving me feeling completely starstruck. Lexi's smirk widens.

"You look pleased," she comments.

I turn to stare at her. "You kidding me? Sal Carmine knows who the hell I am. I'm just lucky I didn't jizz in my pants when he touched me."

Lexi laughs, shaking her head. "You're such a fanboy."

"Hey, I can't help it. The man is a legend."

"He's also a fan of yours, it seems.”

I shake my head. “Nah. Man’s just being nice.”

Lexi raises an eyebrow. "Is it so hard for you to believe that people see the good in you, Gio?"

The question makes me pause. I've always been so focused on proving myself, pushing to be better, that I've never really stopped to think about how others view me.

And by the time I did, it was, apparently, too late.

"Anyway," she says, changing the subject, "let's go get some food before all the good stuff runs out."

We head toward the buffet table and start filling our plates. As we make our way there I notice a few men checking Lexi out. I wonder if they think we're together and feel myself puff out my chest.

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