Page 232 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“Wait, you were waiting for me?” She seems surprised. “I’m just the team nurse. I don’t count.”

Ace gasps, looking appalled.

“Take that back, Mickey. You’re an All-Star Team Nurse now,” he stresses. “You’re vital to the team.”

“If you say so.” She laughs and shrugs. I bet you she’ll be smiling the entire night and all weekend.

“So now that you got the position, does that mean you’ll be working with the Vipers and Pincers?” Damien inquires as the four of them begin moving. I just follow because I know we have the group picture to take, but I realize the space I leave between us because it’s tricky to hear what they’re saying.

“Actually, I’m not sure. From the explanation and contracts, it seems like they want me to remain on the Strattonville Vipers, regardless of where you guys reach,” she admits. “Dr. Bridgett already gave me a good word, and the team really likes our current foundation with Grayson in physical therapy. Blackstone also mentioned he likes my work ethic and how I work hard to collaborate with Dimitri. That makes us a solid team while being independent in certain departments, so we can assist the team solo during away games. I’m also scheduled to go with you guys to Alberta for your next game, which is exciting!”

“Yes! You’re coming with us!” Ace cheers. “Is that going to be solo?”

“It is. Dimitri is actually heading with Mr. Champion to Quebec for some major meeting. Looks like this really big security organization wants to hire Dimitri part-time after his internship to slowly build some security software that will be used at all sports stadiums Canada-wide!”

“Wait, seriously?” Damien seems impressed. “I didn’t know Dimitri was good with technology and security.”

“Dimitri is the reason why they were able to prove Mr. Champion’s innocence a few years back when someone deliberately tried to set him up, so he’d lose everything. It’s a whole story, but Dimitri was the one who fixed everything and acquired the files needed to confirm the whole thing was a phony plot.”

“Wow. I honestly wouldn’t have expected that,” Ace confesses. “So, with this offer, does that mean he won’t pursue being a team nurse?”

“I think he still will,” Mishka emphasizes. “He can do both. He says for the security, the initial setup is time-consuming, but after the season is done, you guys will be on a few months’ break, right?”

“Yeah, about four to six months before pre-season prep,” Maddox comments. “We’ll still keep up with our weight training and fitness regime, but we’ll have a few months off the ice.”

“So, vacation?” Mishka offers, and Maddox gives her a side smirk before his hand slips around her waist from behind.

“Anything for you, Baby Girl.”

I just watch them as they continue to walk, and for a moment, I don’t see where I fit in.

Damien on Mishka’s left.

Maddox on Mishka’s right.

Ace simply blends in because he moves around them from time to time as he talks before finding the perfect spot behind Mishka, where he can still be present.

Then there’s me…

“There you guys are!” Dakota, the Social Media Manager, calls out to our group.

The majority of the team and staff are already in group formation, which means we almost missed the group pictures.

“We were going to go on a search and rescue mission to find you guys,” Amelia announces. She’s beaming with pride, and I can’t blame her.

So far, the star players of the team have gotten bigger offers and sponsorships, which benefit the entire organization.

Makes this investment into Strattonville Stadium worth it.

“Get together for the group photo,” Dakota encourages before she points to the female photographer. “Everyone, let me introduce you to Iris. She’s my new intern and will be helping build your social media platforms. She comes all the way from Moscow and is super talented. You can search her hashtag, #HockeyTok101or follow her social media platform, puckbunnymoscow, to see her current work.”

“Puck Bunny Moscow?” Knox calls out, and a few guys laugh.

“Hey!” Iris declares and moves the camera away to show her fierce smile. She doesn’t seem embarrassed in the slightest as she pushes her hips to one side. “Don’t go hating the Puck Bunny Community of Moscow. Unlike American Puck Bunnies, we actually got class.” She flicks her pink and black locks, which match her dark magenta lips.

“Now, where’s the girl who riles you boys up so you actually follow instructions?”

That has everyone laughing before the group points fingers at our one and only girl.

---