Page 41 of Across the Boards

“We’re neighbors,” I say, which is technically true. “He was showing me his favorite taco place.”

“Neighbors? How convenient.” She gives me a knowing smile that makes me want to shove the centerpiece down her throat. “Well, he’s certainly an upgrade from Jason. Those shoulders, right?”

My phone buzzes again, saving me from having to respond to Melissa’s assessment of Brody’s shoulders (which are, admittedly, impressive, but that’s beside the point).

“Sorry, I should check this,” I say, not sorry at all.

How’s it going over there? Need a rescue? I could fake an emergency. “Help, my hockey stick is stuck in a tree” or something equally believable.

I almost laugh out loud.

“Everything okay?” Melissa asks, trying to peek at my screen.

“Fine. Just work.” I slip my phone back into my pocket. “I should really finish these centerpieces before Sarah has a meltdown.”

“Oh, of course!” Melissa steps back but doesn’t leave. “It’s so good seeing you, Elliot. You should come to the team brunch sometime. All the wives and girlfriends get together monthly. Very casual.”

The idea of voluntarily attending a “wives and girlfriends” brunch makes my skin crawl. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Great! And I’ll see you at the gala, right? Sarah mentioned you’d be attending.”

“Yes, I’ll be there.” With Brody, though I’m not giving her that ammunition.

“Wonderful!” She gives me a little finger wave. “I should go find the rest of the committee. Flower duty calls!”

As soon as she’s out of earshot, I let out a long breath and pull out my phone.

You didn’t tell me Manuel’s was a hockey player hangout. Now the entire team knows we had tacos together.

It’s not my fault we’re both devastatingly attractive people who get noticed in public. Who saw us?

Melissa Cooper just cornered me. Apparently “the locker room” is talking.

Shit. Sorry. I haven’t said anything to anyone except Tommy.

Well, SOMEONE is talking. She invited me to the “wives and girlfriends” brunch.

Is that good or bad?

I’d rather eat glass.

Noted. No brunches. How about dinner instead? Tonight?

I stare at his message, torn between wanting to see him again and the warning bells Melissa’s appearance has set off. Getting back into the hockey world, even peripherally, means dealing with all the gossip and scrutiny I’ve happily avoided for three years.

But then I remember the way Brody looked at me as he wrapped his arm around mine at Marcel’s. The way he listened—really listened—when I talked about my work. The stupid smile on my face every time his name pops up on my phone.

Can’t tonight. Sarah’s kidnapping me for gala dress shopping.

Tragic. Tomorrow?

Maybe. Let me survive shopping with the dictator first.

Fair enough. Good luck. Wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks. Sarah’s a marathon shopper.

Voice of experience?

I once made the mistake of accompanying her and Tommy to buy a coffee table. FIVE HOURS, Elliot. For a coffee table.

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