Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Stevie ends up wheeling out a huge cake for her dad with two candles denoting his age of fifty-seven. The entire bar sings a rousing version of “Happy Birthday” and then slices are passed around.
“I’m heading out,” Drake says as he drains the last of his beer.
“It’s still early,” Stone grumbles. “And I got a free night without the old ball and chain. You can’t bail now.”
“It’s cute that you call Harlow that,” Drake drawls, patting the top of Stone’s head. “Especially since you’ve bitched and moaned all night she was out with her friends.”
“Whatever,” Stone says dismissively, but we all know he’s full of shit. The guy can barely go fifteen minutes without mentioning his fiancée in some sappy way. “But come on… one more beer.”
“Can’t,” Drake says, patting his pocket for his keys, which he pulls out to twirl on his finger. “Colby and Tanner have a hockey game tomorrow morning.”
“No kidding,” I say, draining my second bottle of water. “What about Jake?”
“His league has their games on Tuesday nights.”
“How old are your boys again?” North asks.
“Colby and Tanner are five and Jake is seven.”
“And they play in different leagues?” I ask.
Drake puffs up with pride. “Ordinarily they’d be on the same team at that age, but Jake is really talented and moved up to the next level.”
“Let me guess,” Atlas asks dryly. “He’s a goalie.”
“But of course,” Drake says with a laugh. “If any of you guys want to come out and watch, it’s at the IcePlex… eight a.m. sharp.”
“I’m going to be far too hungover,” Rafferty proclaims and slaps me on the back. “With a DD, I’m indulging.”
We all laugh because Rafferty would indulge even if I wasn’t DD. Not to say he’d drink and drive, as he’s far too smart for that, but the man does like to party and will Uber it home in a heartbeat.
“I might come,” I say, checking my watch. It’s getting late and there’s no sign of slowing down, but tomorrow’s an easy day with the team meeting in the afternoon.
“Cool,” Drake says, offering his fist. “You guys stay safe. I’m out of here.”
We watch him maneuver through the crowd, stopping to hug Stevie and shake Bear’s hand. Rafferty and North rack another game while Atlas flirts with two girls on the pool table next to us.
Stone rests his forearms on the high top. “You played stellar tonight. You’ve been a great addition to our first line.”
“Thanks, man. It’s still surreal to be playing with giants like you, Drake and Penn.”
Stone scoffs. “Don’t lump me into the category with Drake and Penn. They’re elite.”
“Whatever, dude. Your numbers stack you up in the top of the league. But yeah… our line is vibing this year. Seems natural.”
“Yeah, sometimes it’s just that way. You click and can almost read each other’s minds.”
I glance around the bar, then back to Stone. “I wish Penn would hang out with us some. Is it just me or is it weird that he hasn’t attended a single social event? I mean… when I was with Houston, we all hung out together. I thought it was part of being a team.”
Stone lifts a shoulder. “I think it’s helpful if you can have that type of relationship with a line mate but not sure it’s absolutely necessary. And besides… you can’t argue against the fact that Penn’s playing his best hockey so far and it’s elevated all of us.”
“I know,” I grouse, twisting my bottle cap on and off. “I guess… maybe I feel bad for him. Like he’s missing out on something. I mean… this is great, hanging out and shooting the shit, right?”
“Fucking fantastic,” Stone agrees, picking up his bottle for a sip. “But not everyone’s built the same. Whatever world Penn lives in, this is working for him right now.”
“Should I stop inviting him?” I ask, because the last thing I want to do is piss him off to the extent our chemistry on the ice takes a ding.
“Hell no,” Stone says with a laugh. “Stay on his ass. You’re not the only one trying. I’ve invited him to come over to have dinner with me and Harlow and he declined, but I’ll ask again.” His expression sobers as he leans forward and lowers his voice. “But here’s the thing… I think I can speak to what it’s like to have your own demons. Sometimes you have to leave them alone just to get by, and other times you have to push. We don’t know what makes Penn the way he is but this is still a new team. We’ve only been together a year and a half, and you, Penn, Rafferty, North and Atlas have only been here a few months. Everyone is acclimating and settling into their new lives. My advice is to let this ride for a bit and hopefully he’ll feel more comfortable letting his guard down.”