Page 20 of Now That We Don't Talk

It’s nice to know I always have my parents in my corner.

“I had friends who played minor league baseball, and women would flock to them,” another woman says. “Most of the women weren’t interested in them for the right reasons. It happens onThe Bachelorall the time. Many of them only go on the show for their five minutes of fame.”

I zone out as they talk aboutThe Bachelor, but then my attention shifts when I see Vivian clearing some dishes off a nearby table.

She looks up and catches me watching her, so I quickly look away just as Laura asks if me and my teammates have groupies.

“Um, sort of, but they aren’t called groupies. There’s another term used to describe the women who pursue hockey players.”

“Oh, what is it?” Laura exclaims as if I just revealed the juiciest gossip.

“Puck bunnies,” I say.

“What? Really?” Laura shrieks.

“Yes. It’s a term used to describe fans who aren’t really interested in the sport of hockey. They’re usually more interested in the attention and all the perks that come with the dating a player.”

Wow. Never in a million years did I expect to be discussing this topic with my mother and her friends. My teammates would thoroughly enjoy it.

“Thankfully my son is smart enough not to fall for that kind of behavior,” my mom says knowingly.

I force a grin. I am now—I can’t say that’s always been the case.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll find someone as wonderful as Addi,” Laura exclaims. “She’s perfect for Kyle, and we already consider her a part of the family. What do you think of them together?”

“I agree. I can’t remember a time Kyle was this happy.”

The subject of Kyle and Addi is a welcome way to shift the attention off me, my personal life, and puck bunnies.

As soon as I get a chance, I excuse myself to get a drink,and when I walk into the kitchen I find Vivian wiping the counters.

“Oh, hey,” I say.

“Hey.”

“Avoiding the guests?” I ask.

“No, I thought I’d help Laura by cleaning up a bit. Are you avoiding the guests?”

“Nope. Just taking a break,” I say.

“A break from all your adoring fans?”

“Exactly,” I reply.

“Have you signed any autographs yet?”

“Not yet. Speaking of which, why is my autograph so important to you? Do you want one?”

“Do I want your autograph?” she spits out. “Uh, I’m good.”

“Fine. It’s your loss.”

"My loss?" she snickers. "Wow, you really haven't changed a bit."

"That's funny, I was thinking the same thing about you."

"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment," she retorts.

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