Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
“Heeyyy,” Daniel says, grasping hands with guys I assume are other players based on size and build, and sticking out from a lot of the other guests. Daniel introduces me, confirming my hunch.
I hate it when the two groups split off, leaving me without him by my side and stuck in a circle of minor gossip and a few judgy comments.
I meet their dates—Lori, Katrina, and Lindy—and make small talk. Wife, date, girlfriend. They’re really into titles. From the constant mentions of who they are with and their role in that player’s life, it seems there’s a hierarchy they identify with and respect. And where you are on that pyramid determines everything, from when you speak to your seats at the arena during games.
Lori finishes her champagne and sets it on the tray of a passing server. She leans in like I’m a close friend, and says, “Don’t worry. You’ll sit with me. Maverick is at the top of the food chain, so you eat first. I got your back.”
Being from a small town doesn’t make me dumb. We don’t like fake people or opportunists. Ten red flags are flapping like a halo circling the flashing sign above her head that she’s achieved ultimate puck bunny status by marrying a player. And she loves to use it to her advantage with others. I have no interest in playing their games. “My back is just fine, but thank you.”
Katrina steps between us like she’s passing through, and whispers, “You’re too pretty to be from a small town.”
I don’t know what that means, so I won’t address it directly. What would I say anyway to a backhanded compliment? Turning away from her, I lift on my toes to see if I can find Daniel. We haven’t been apart long, but he’s managed to leave me in a pit of vipers. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I’m not far enough to miss Lori snark, “She’s not that pretty.”
So much for a good time. I walk around the pool, searching for Daniel. He’s tall enough not to miss, but I still can’t seem to find him.
My spirits lift when I see him across the lawn talking to a man and his wife. I’m guessing the owners by how so many flock around them. She’s the epitome of old money and the consummate host in her silk charmeuse dress that has her standing out in this red, white, and blue crowd. Champagne in one hand with her attention on Daniel while still managing to keep an eye on the party. I head in his direction.
He catches me approaching out of the corner of his eye and smiles. Even in a crowded party, he manages to make me feel like the only one he sees and that matters. Holding his arm out, he brings me in for a soft landing against his side, kissing my temple and giving a quick introduction before they continue their conversation.
The woman takes me by the wrist and leads me to the bar. “Hockey talk,” she starts like we’re sharing secrets. “Sometimes I zone out.”
“I’m still learning so much, so it’s interesting.”
She smiles, patting my wrist. “Give it a few years. My husband never even played, and look at him surrounded by his idols and favorite players.”
“Silby,” a high-pitched squeal startles me from behind. “I didn’t know if you’d make it.”
I shift so they can talk without me being in the middle. They come together, digging right into stories I have no idea about. I get a glass of champagne and wander to the edge of the ocean. I sip but then look around for Daniel. This is too pretty to admire alone.
He’s not where I left him fifteen minutes prior, and I don’t see him with any other group. I walk to the house, needing to use the bathroom. My head is swiveling as I do one last search for my man with no luck. When I enter the house, groups of people are scattered around the living room, and there’s a short line for the bathroom. I wait for a while, still keeping my eyes peeled just in case I spot Daniel.
I leave the bathroom, looking both ways to see how I exit this hallway when a familiar voice drifts to reach my ears. I listen again and then follow the sound around the corner. The tense tones of the two men tell me I’m not supposed to be here. I can’t say anything, or I’ll be interrupting.
Daniel says, “You let that retirement story run and run it did. Rampant. Every sportscaster was talking about it.” I come to a standstill, so my shoes don’t make any noise on the marble floors. “Every paper. Page Six, of all fucking things. I thought we were closer than that, Coach.”
“I’m not in marketing or PR, Sutton. I had no idea until I read it online. Like you.”