Page 90 of His Jersey

“Jack called it Hockey Town. Nina at the bakery, too.”

She smiles. “My big dream is to open a hockey museum here.”

“Seriously?”

She nods, eyes bright like she wants to tell me every detail, but that’ll be for another coffee date because she points out numerous stores, including a relatively new bookshop called “Once Upon a Romance,” and a salon across the street.

“You didn’t see them in the WAGs box, but you’re going to love Gracie and Juniper. The former is a book nerd in the best of ways and the latter is our big-city hair stylist turned small-town sass queen.” Leah smiles like she’s delivering a compliment to the woman.

“I didn’t notice any puck bunnies at the game the other day.”

“Oh, they’re around, but Coach Badaszek is super strict. Make yourself an asset and support the organization in ameaningful way or get lost. He has a zero drama policy and a one hundred percent family-friendly mandate.”

“Seems like a tough coach, too.”

“The toughest, except when it comes to his daughters. Then he’s a teddy bear. You met Cara at the game. She’s his assistant.”

I’ve met many of them and try to keep track of all the names and who they belong to like there’ll be a quiz later.

Leah points, “Down that way, we have the Fish Bowl where I work. My collection of hockey memorabilia rivals Stan’s.”

“Do you mean the cup trophy thingy?”

“No, I mean Stan O’Neely, who owns it. He’s Heidi’s uncle. You’ll also meet the former puck bunny at some point. She left drama in the dust and is married to one of our players. Moving on?—”

All of this is so shiny and new. I’m legitimately afraid it’s going to disappear with a snap of an evil queen’s fingers.

THE CORN HUSKER

[PRIVATE GROUP]

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[Post: Monday 7:54 am]

Admin

Monday Minute: Between house hunting and playing with their dog, Bark Wahlburger, Jack Bouchelle and Ella Hibbert, aka the Puck Princess, have been quite the toast of the town. After a tasty win against the LA Lions, one of the NHL’s leading teams, Jack the Flash is back. And is he in love?

We’ve requested an interview with Ella, and are in talks with her assistant and her newest bestie. Love ya, girl! We hope she feels at home here in Hockey Town. However, we’re not only about the ice. This is Cobbiton, where we celebrate all things corn!

Additionally, mark your calendars for the second annual popcorn eating contest. Last year, Fanny Delacorte’s chicken won first prize. This year, only humans are allowed to enter.

Most people agree you can’t have too much coffee, which is why we’re pleased to announce the new construction of a Coffee Loft on the edge of town. We hope its popularity draws customers to our downtown area as well.

Lastly, we regret to inform you about the passing of Sandra Marchand at one hundred and one years of age. She was the owner of the condemned bed and breakfast. It’s too soon to know what’ll happen to the old building, but it could sure use some TLC.

[Comments]

BarrySmeltz: Can we stop with the hockey already? I wrote a book calledAttack of the Voalcan Armyand it’s available now!

TaylorTipton: Jack Bouchelle is back in a big way. Did anyone else watch the game highlights on repeat?

LeahSmith: I’ll let you know about the interview as soon as possible.

MelissaGriffinWallace: Vince wants me to tell youBarrySmeltzthat hockey is all that matters and he’ll never stop talking about it. Also,TaylorTipton,Vince is waiting to see how consistent Jack is before getting too excited.

TaylorTipton: Actually, it’s a genius move on Tom Badaszek’s part. If rumors are true, he’s had his eye on Jack Bouchelle for a while and was waiting for the right moment.

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