Page 76 of In My Hockey Era

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Me:Okay?

Bennett:And you got one too.

I hesitate.

Me:Maybe.

The three little dots appear, then disappear.

Bennett:Come with me?Be my date.

My stomach flips.

I sit up straighter, rereading the message, like it’ll change if I blink too hard.

Me:You’re asking me to be your date?

Bennett:No, I’m demanding it.

I snort, shaking my head.

Me:You’re impossible.

Bennett:And yet, you like me.

Damn him.

I suck in a breath, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.But I don’t even need to think about it.

Me:Yeah, okay.I’ll go with you.

It takes him less than five seconds to respond.

Bennett:Damn right you will.

I roll my eyes, biting back a smile.

And suddenly, this trip home doesn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Bennett:Also, serious question—you doing okay?

Me:Yeah.I decided to go home for the weekend and stay with my dad.We grilled today and are being lazy now.

Bennett:Good, sounds like exactly what you needed.

I stretch out on the couch.

Me:Yeah.I guess it was.

I glance at the time.It’s almost seven.

Me:Don’t you have a game tonight?!

Bennett:It’s about to start.

Me:Go kick Jersey’s ass.

Bennett:Done and done.

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