Page 40 of Fear of Falling

“So glad there’s other girls here tonight. Usually, it's just me sitting here alone, or I’m stuck next to some weird guy that feels the need to flirt. Or try to.” Mila rolled her eyes. “Like I’m sitting here wanting to be flirted with. But anyways,” My lips twitched at the way she rambled and switched subjects so fast. “It’s nice to finally meet after hearing so much about you.”

I raised my eyebrows.

Has she heard about me? I’ve never met her before. I’d remember if I had.

“Wow, that came out really bad. I’m Bryton’s girlfriend, he’s friends with Wyatt,” Mila quickly explained. “Bryton came home the other day talking about a woman coming to the rink to seeWyatt. So when I saw Wyatt the other day at practice I may have cornered him to know more.” Mila sent me a sheepish look. “It’s not every day a new girl comes into the group.”

“You’re totally fine. I probably would have done the same thing,” I reassured her.

“She’s not lying,” Tasha added. “Josie would totally have stalked you on social media.” I nudged her with my elbow.

“I’m so happy you guys came tonight. Although I probably should give you a heads up that I’m an avid hockey fan.” The way she said it was like she was hesitant to bring it up.

“You’re gonna fit right in with Josie. This one,” Tasha pointed at me. “Likes to yell at the screen. It’s insane.”

“I knew I would like you.” I found myself mirroring the grin Mila gave me. “Bryton loves to tease me about how intense I get during games.”

“Wonder what Wyatt will think when he sees this side of you,” Tasha teased.

“Don’t worry. Bryton finds it hot, maybe Wyatt does too.”

“Have you and Bryton been together long?” Tasha asked.

“About six months.” A dreamy look appeared on Mila’s face at the mention of her boyfriend. “It’s still fairly new but he’s amazing.”

“What position does he play?”

“Left Winger.” Mila and I said at the same time.

“I’m going to pretend I know what that is,” Tasha laughed. “Honestly, I’m here to eat something greasy and drink beer while I check out Josie’s new man.”

“He’s not my new man. We’re just talking.”

“Uh huh.” The look both Tasha and Mila gave me said they didn’t believe it.

“It’s not every day Wyatt gives a girl tickets to watch him play.”

“So this isn’t a regular thing?” Tasha took the words right out of my mouth.

“Not that I know of. Bryton was surprised when he found out.” Mila shrugged.

At Mila’s words Tasha elbowed me with a cheeky grin.

“See?”

While Tasha and Mila chatted around me, I tried not to think too much about what Mila said. I knew better than to hope that I was the only girl Wyatt had brought to a game to impress them, but that didn’t stop the giddy feeling growing in my chest.

“When does the game start anyways?” Tasha asked a moment later. “Isn’t it supposed to start at six?”

Just as the words left her mouth the lights in the arena dimmed and a loud voice came over the speaker.

Mila looked over at me with a wide grin.

The game’s about to start.

17

JOSIE

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