Page 14 of Defensive Zone

Gabi shrugged. “Not really. I know. Grew up in Montreal and not a hockey fan. They should’ve kicked me right out.”

“I’m sure there’s other stuff to do in Canada besides watch or play hockey,” she said.

“Tons to do, but yes, we typically like hockey, especially our hometown team.” She wasn’t born and bred in Montreal, but after moving there almost twenty years ago, it was more her home than Chicago or anywhere else in the States would ever be.

“Well, we’re glad you’re here. The Strikers jersey is a good look,” Rylie said.

“Max wouldn’t hear of me wearing another name or even a blank jersey,” Gabi said, taking a sip of her water.

“He’s tenacious. It does him well on the ice and in the locker room,” Rylie said, clearly charmed by Gabi’s nemesis. How did he manage to do that all the time?

But again, nemesis was too strong of a word. Not that she was warming up to him, of course.

“Anyway, I wanted to introduce myself to you and Ava. I’m sorry about what she’s going through, but if you guys need anything, please let us know. We are a family here.”

“Um. Thank you,” Gabi said, taken by surprise.

“Baz and Desmond used to play together in Carolina years ago and they’re still very tight. I’m hoping we’ll be seeing a lot of you guys and those adorable kids, two of whom are passed out, so I don’t want to risk waking them to say hi to Ava.”

Gabi laughed. “We’re in the middle of a hockey game. If they can sleep through that, I’m not sure what could possibly wake them.”

Rylie grinned. “Very true.”

Rylie and Gabi walked back over to Ava and the kids and Rylie introduced herself, giving her the same warm message that she’d given Gabi. As much as Max might drive her crazy, Ava and the kids needed this right now, this instant and large family. The automatic support was clear, and as much as Gabi hated to admit it, Ava wouldn’t have gotten that at home with just her parents trying to help.

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