Page 72 of The ABCs of You & Me

“You’re not late. Heather gave everyone an earlier time so we could get seats. You wouldn’t believe how many people are here to watch a beer league game.”

Just before we reach the front door, I reach for his hand and slide my fingers through his easily.

We fit.

The concourse is busy with people mingling and lining up for food. A few older kids are running around playing tag while their parents talk. Foster effortlessly guides us through the sea of people.

The rink itself is buzzing with activity as players warm up on their respective nets. Two goalies stretch on either side of center ice, clearly deep in conversation, while pucks hit the boards in all corners of the rink.

“If this is beer league, it’s not Coors or Budweiser,” I murmur, gripping Foster’s hand a little tighter.

The place is jammed with people, many wearing the colors of the team they’re cheering for.

“Definitely something European,” Foster agrees, smiling back at me. The smile disappears quickly as I see a man running after a small child, and I yank our hands back. His forward motion is disrupted, and he practically falls into me. Thankfully his reflexes are quicker than mine and he keeps us upright, albeit pressed together.

“Sorry!” the father calls as he rushes by yelling for Martin to slow down. Martin cackles maniacally as he continues on, dodging people left and right, outmaneuvering his dad with ease.

“Kid’s got a future as a receiver,” Foster says in wonder.

I can feel his chuckle through his chest, and it stops my breathing as I tense. He steps back instantly, breaking all contact. I hate it immediately and grab his hand before he has a chance to put any more distance between us.

“Gotta sell it.”

He swallows and searches my eyes before nodding and turning away, continuing on to where his friends are sitting.

“Sophie!” several voices call when they see me.

“They’ve been counting down the minutes until your arrival.” Foster grins at me.

“Hi!” I wave lamely with my free hand, the other still firmly entwined with Fosters.

“Still going strong, eh?” Dan says, only to be elbowed by Maria.

“Leave them alone,” she hisses at him. “It’s nice to see you again, Sophie.”

“You too.” I lean around Foster to smile at Nick. “The whole gang’s here.”

“There may have been some bribery involved,” Nick says.

Foster’s forehead crinkles. “What kind of bribery? I was told to be here.”

“That’s because you’ll do anything people tell you if you think it will make someone else happy.” Nick laughs.

No touching unless I say so.Flames crackle across my skin.

“Mike, this is Foster’s girlfriend, Sophie. Sophie, this is Heather’s husband, Mike.” Maria says, and we nod at each other in greeting.

Foster leans back, our hands still clasped together, with the back of mine resting on his thigh. This is going to be so distracting.

Heather and Alex’s team wins easily, and I’m suddenly agreeing to go to the next game too. I got way more into it than I thought I would. Only three fights broke out in the stands, which wasn’t a lot according to Dan, and Foster held my hand for the entire thing. His thumb occasionally brushed the side of my palm as if reminding me he was still there and still aware.

“Oh my god, Alex, you’re disgusting.” Nick jumps back as his partner attempts to haul him into their arms.

“Drinks at Carl’s!” someone shouts, and everyone hoots and hollers.

“You two in?” Heather asks, sliding her arm through her husband’s.

Foster looks at me, and I give my head a tiny shake. I really like his friends, but I feel ready to burst with the need to talk to him. And now that I’ve decided that I need to, I don’t want to wait another second.

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