“Come on, let’s go and eat. I’m ravenous,” Parker says, threading her arms through ours and practically dragging us toward the entrance.
There is already a line of people trying to get in who haven’t booked, and being able to walk straight past them makes me even more grateful for my friends.
Casey and I have known each other for years since we grew up next door to each other. But we were never overly close, seeing as she’s younger. We were always at different stages of life. Hell, I was her babysitter for a few years. We always got on, though. And now, after leaving town for Las Vegas, and then the high life, all my old school friends have drifted off and done their own things. I don’t talk to any of them now, and because I no longer go on social media, I have no idea what they’re doing.But since being back, I couldn’t be more grateful for Casey and Parker’s friendship. If it weren’t for them, I don’t doubt that I’d still be wallowing in my childhood bedroom. They’ve dragged me back to life—sometimes kicking and screaming—and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
I’m also aware that my new job has something to do with them.
It wasn’t all that long ago that I confessed to wanting to go back to school for sports nutrition and Cole’s name was first mentioned.
I didn’t think anything of it at the time. But then, at Parker’s surprise birthday party, he shocked the hell out of me by making me the offer I never saw coming.
As Casey speaks to the host, it occurs to me that she’s right.
I may have bought this dress a few weeks ago while I was on a shopping trip with Mom, but I didn’t think it would be getting an outing any time soon. Yet, as I drove home tonight, it was the only option in my head.
Cole has done that.
Well, more specifically, his job offer has done that. Even in twenty-four hours, he’s given me a purpose, and I can’t believe how much better I feel because of it.
As I follow Casey and Paker to our table, I swear I stand even taller.
“What are you smiling about?” Parker asks as we take our seats.
“I think Casey is right.”
Casey scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Of course I’m right,” she teases. “But on this specific occasion, what am I right about?”
“That my job is good for me.”
“Question is, though, is it the job or is it Hansdy?” Parker teases.
“Definitely the job,” I confirm.
“I dunno, Handsy is hot. He’s got that brooding goalie thing down pat.” I can’t help but laugh. Sure, I’ve seen Cole’s demeanor on the ice. He’s laser-focused and determined. Hell, even a few times off the ice, he seems untouchable, larger than life. But in his own apartment…well, he’s different. He leaves some of his defenses at the front door. He’s softer, more approachable, and easy to talk to.
“Don’t start getting any ideas,” I warn.
Parker isn’t wrong. Cole is hot. But I have to admit that he’s also scary as hell. He’s huge and nothing but pure muscle. I remember how hard his body is from dancing with him at the gala. I swear he’d be able to break a girl in two with very little effort.
I grab the menu and begin scanning through the options in the hope of ending that line of conversation.
Cole is my boss now, and from what I can gather from our surface-level conversation about the future, he doesn’t have a serious relationship on his radar. His life and focus are hockey, and I fully respect that.
I’m not sure if my move works, or if Casey takes pity on me, because the conversation changes, the focus shifting off me, for a little bit at least.
“Good evening, my name is Joe, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you ladies off with some drinks?”
“Bottle of champagne, please,” Casey requests. “We’re celebrating.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep, this one has a new job, and it’s kind of a big deal,” Parker explains, pointing at me.
“Well, congratulations. I’ll go and get that for you right now.”
“Do we have to tell everyone?” I ask quietly as he walks away.
“Hell yes, we do. Your wins deserve celebrating, Freya, and we’re here as your personal cheerleaders to make sure you do it in style.”
