“If this is what I can expect on the rare nights out we get, I’m calling a hard pass, right here, right now,” she huffs out to Felicity.
Literally everyone is out tonight, reaffirming that I was right to make the effort and put on a white button-down and black jeans. It would’ve looked bad if I hadn’t shown, even if I’m already counting down the minutes until I can leave.
Jack sets a beer down in front of me and Sawyer before sliding two more across to Archer and Tommy. “These are on the house. Apparently, an anonymous Blades fan picked up the round.”
“Can’t be much of a fan if they’re plying my team with booze,” Coach puffs out, earning an eye roll from Jensen.
He picks up his own beer and takes a large pull, setting it down on a satisfied exhale. “I personally think the beer tastes better in Brooklyn. Or maybe I just got tired of the same bars in Seattle.”
“Loud music and beers aside …” Felicity wraps an arm around Kate’s shoulders, pulling her into her side. They couldn’t look any more different since Felicity has dark brown hair, but you can tell that they’ve been friends for years. “I’m just happy to have my friend back with me. Killing it in the New York office together while we make plans to take over the world.” She winks at Kate as they share an inside joke.
Kate looks mildly placated by her friend, her frown tipping into a smile. “If the twins hate it, I’m heading back to Seattle.”
“Umm, and what about me?” Jensen interjects. “I just signed a permanent coaching contract with the Blades.”
Picking up her wine, Kate takes a casual sip, eyeing Coach Morgan carefully. She sets the glass back down and casts her eyes around the table. “Listen, there’s no such thing as a watertight contract.”
She fixes her eyes on her husband, and I watch the way he visibly melts.
Damn. He has it bad for her.
“You married a lawyer, JJ.” She addresses her husband, using anickname that makes him beam. “You should know how contracts truly work.”
Silence falls across the table, and I take it as my cue to leave. As much as I appreciate a beer bought by a stranger, the anti-inflammatories I’m taking for my knee do not mix well with alcohol.
Approaching the bar, I raise a hand and request a soda from the bartender, pulling out my phone when I feel a vibration in my pocket.
I flip my cell over, knowing it isn’t from Maria and I won’t need to cancel my drink order.
Billie
So, guess what.
A smile tugs at my lips as the bartender slides a soda into my hand.
Me
You tried on the fluffy socks, and they were actually amazing.
Billie
No, they made my swollen feet way too hot. The lavender bath salts, on the other hand, were an unexpected triumph. Bravo.
Me
Was that actually why you messaged me?
Billie
No. My water just broke.
I fight to keep the sip of soda I just took inside my mouth.
Me
Jesus Christ. Is Freya home?
Billie
