Page 82 of The Fake Date Agreement

“It’s Caleb Boucher,” a kid yells before Caleb can respond.

I’m surprised they would even know who he is until I remember Lamont isn’t a massive city, and the Wolverines are about to win their first championship in decades. These kids must have watched a game over the last few years if they like to play street hockey.

“That’s not Caleb Boucher,” another kid snorts and glances over. “Fuck me, it’s?—”

“Language!” the blond man calls out, but he’s staring at Caleb with something resembling awe. “Hey.”

Caleb nods. “Hey.”

The kids skate toward us. “What are you doing here?” a kid with short red hair asks.

Their eyes bounce from him to me. “Is that your girlfriend?”

One kid nudges another. “Dude, what kind of question is that?”

I get embarrassed because maybe even they can see through our fake relationship.

“Of course she is.” A dark-haired kid rolls his eyes and elbows his friend. “Idiot.”

“She’s pretty.”

I can’t help but smile at the compliment. Maybe it’s what gives me the confidence to say, “Caleb used to play street hockey.”

Their eyes bulge.

“You did?” one kid asks Caleb.

He nods. “A while ago. During summer.”

“We have a game next week. That’s what we’re practicing for,” one kid says.

“If you wanted to play…” I prompt Caleb, who shows no sign he’s ready to leave.

“I don’t have my skates,” Caleb says.

But I swear he’s interested.

If he won’t join the kids, then maybe I could help with that.

I arch my eyebrow and raise my voice. “Afraid the kids will whoop your ass?”

The kidsooh.

Caleb scowls at me. “No kids are going to whoop my ass.”

“Then what are you afraid of?” I motion to the hockey rink. “Let’s see what you’re made of, Boucher.”

He gives me a look that promises payback, releasing a sigh as he walks around to the entrance.

The kids gather around him, shouting questions about plays, goals, and other hockey terms that fly right over my head.

I cross my arms and watch him.

He’s stiff at first, keeping his distance as he asks whether their play technique is defensive or offensive.

The kids look confused until he backs up and asks them to show him one of their plays.

What starts off as a question turns into a full-blown lesson with the kids’ coach stepping back as Caleb calls out directions.

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