Page 28 of Playoff
The back tables were reserved for the hockey team on game days, and regular patrons weren’t allowed to sit there. The servers knew me, so I settled in, ordered my burger and a glass of wine, and took out my phone for company.
There was a cheer from the tables closer to the TVs, so I glanced up and saw that the Blaze had scored. The team held on for a win, so the evening should be easier for Justin. Even if the guy who scored the winning goal had letters spelling Denbrowski stretched across the back of his jersey. Everyone would be in a good mood, and we could probably leave before it got too late.
I left my coat and gloves at the table when I headed back to the restroom during the post-game whoop-de-do. People respected the players’ tables, and the waitstaff always kept an eye on them so I wasn’t afraid I’d lose my jacket. When I came back, the team was making its way into the bar to applause from fans thanking them for the win. Justin was with the first wave of men arriving, which meant he hadn't had to face the press—he hated that. He sat down beside me and picked up a cold, partially burnt fry.
“How was it?” I asked. He shrugged.
A server came around, taking the players’ orders. Justin asked for his favorite beer and took off his jacket. He relaxed in his seat and asked, "How was the service?"
“Nice, for a memorial. Tasteful, quiet. It was a little sad how few people were in attendance. I’m glad I went.”
“Was her son there?”
I nodded. “Looking bored.”
“And your book club?”
“Only four people. Everyone else was sick or cold.”
He frowned. “Not a good time?”
I nudged him with my shoulder. “Talking about books is always a good time.”
“Right.” He tapped his fingers on the table. “What should I make for dinner tomorrow?” His anxiety channeled into food.
Trying to lighten things up, I pretended to be affronted. “You’re assuming I don’t have a date lined up?” He cocked his head. “Fine. I don’t. But I could take care of myself. You should see if someone here would like to go out.”
He shook his head. I sighed. Neither of us were scoring in the dating department. At least I tried. Justin? Wouldn’t, as much as I might push. Thoughts of my hookup from the other night filled my mind. Now, if I bumped into him again…
More hockey players entered the bar. Ducky made his way over on crutches, Katie close by his side. Braydon and Jayna were behind them, then Cooper and Callie. I knew all the faces coming in. Royston was missing, and he’d scored a goal so he’d probably show up after his media time.
“New guy had to face the press?” Justin grunted. My PAC friends were headed this way, so I lowered my voice. “How was it? You and Denny work things out?"
He shrugged. "It's going to take time. But he wasn't an asshole, so there's that."
Katie took the chair beside me after making sure Ducky was settled. Cooper and Callie were at the other end, where Justin normally sat, but tonight he stayed beside me. That told me more than any words that he was uncomfortable.
Justin’s beer arrived, and my attention was caught by the next wave of players entering. There was more applause, since the later players were often the ones who'd scored, or in the case of the goalies, got a shutout. These were the ones the media wanted to interview.
Petrov was one of the group, the team’s Russian goalie, followed by Deek and Oppy, the top line forwards. Petey never seemed to have much expression, but Deek and Oppy were grinning. Deek normally went home to his family but this was a special night, welcoming the new guy. I looked for Denny—the long hair, the full beard. He should be the guy behind them…
I blinked, confused. The man wasn’t Denny—it was the stranger from two nights ago. My hookup. For a moment, a smile teased my mouth. Thought he wasn’t a fan of the Blaze. My skin prickled as I noted the scruff, heavier now. Mmm. Maybe we could…
But wait, what the hell was my hookup doing here? He was supposed to be traveling on to wherever. He'd said he wasn't a Blaze fan. Why was he with the team tonight?
The guys treated him like one of them, and something dark churned in the back of my brain while I desperately tried to think up an acceptable alternate explanation. Sportswriter? Agent? Zamboni driver? Each idea less plausible than the previous one.
I bit my lip, comparing the nose and eyes against the headshots I’d seen of the Blaze’s newest member. It couldn’t be. This guy had been in the city when the trade was announced, and Denny had to fly in from California. There wasn’t enough time for him to?—
Katie kept her voice low. “Just to warn you, that’s Denny."
My stomach turned and I wanted to hurl. No, run away, then hurl. This was bad. So bad. Justin’s teammate. Our family’s nemesis. And the guy I’d been naked with.
I reached down to grab my bag. A quick trip to the bathroom and I could escape out the same door as two nights ago. I couldn’t avoid the man forever, but I would be prepared next time. I’d be able to pretend I’d never seen him before. He’d follow my lead, surely? Or I could say…something about meeting him and not recognizing him. He wouldn’t talk about what we’d done, would he? Justin would totally flip out.
I’d just opened my mouth to excuse myself, watching Denny from the corner of my eye, when his gaze landed on me. For a moment, I swore he looked pleased. Then he saw Justin beside me, sitting close.
Justin leaned over, whispering in my ear, “That’s him.”
