I stare at him, confused about what he’s asking.I don’t think they allow the public down near the locker rooms, Joey.
Sidney said it would be fine.He texted me that he gave security our names.
Wait.What?That short sentence held a lot of information that I wasn’t clued in to.Sidney has your cell number?Since when?
He shrugs, like it’s no big deal.Since you were sick.We exchanged numbers just in case something else happened.He texted me yesterday about the game tickets.
My mouth opens into an O.You little sneak.You didn’t see the tickets on the counter.You already knew they were coming!
Duh, Mom.Sidney bet that you’d find an excuse not to come tonight.But if I wanted to…In a move that’s both impressive and will haunt me till my dying day, Joey pumps his eyebrows at me in a smug fashion.
I can’t believe you two.That’s such a low move.Ganging up on your mother.
He shrugs again, neither confirming nor denying.I am going to have a word with Sidney about his underhanded tactics.He is clearly influencing my son to the dark, sarcastic, sneaky side.
I have no choice after that but to nod and follow Joey down another level to the tunnel that the players come through before and after the games.There’s a small part of me that wants security to turn us away when Joey gives our names.I want to see Sidney, but I’m also nervous all of a sudden.
It’s one thing to hang out with Sidney when it’s a casual situation.Tonight, we’re at his place of work, surrounded by media and hundreds of fans who wear his jersey.Our friendship, or whatever this is becoming, just got a whole lot more complicated.
And that makes me doubt myself and what he wants from me.
Oh my God,Joey whisper-hisses beside me.It’s Mason Warren.
Players file past, some I recognize and some I don’t.The man who stops in front of Joey, smiling at my son’s awed face, is Max Dawes.
You’re ogling Warren over me?Come on, man, you gotta have better taste than that, kid.
N-no, sir.I mean, you’re both incredible.I’m a huge fan.Sidney talks about you guys all the time.
Mason Warren stops beside Max, looking confused at Joey’s words.
You know Crane?
Yeah.Him and my mom are da—
Joey!
Sidney comes bounding down the tunnel, arms spread wide as he approaches our little group, stopping all conversation.Thank God.My heart was in my throat at Joey’s comment, and I wasn’t sure how I would be able to backtrack if I needed to.
Hey, Sidney!Great game!Your save against Henderson’s breakaway.So good.I watch enthralled as Max and Sidney give each other a weird handshake before Sidney’s attention comes to me.
Did you have a good time, Eddie?The shy smile he’s giving me, lets me know he’s aware that I’ve been made aware of his sneaky tactics to get us here.
Yea, we had a great time.The seats were incredible.Thank you.
Ohhh,Max singsongs.Sothisis the mystery woman.
Oh my God,Mason groans beside him, covering his face.Dawes, not everything that crosses your mind has to come out of your mouth.He turns to me.Please ignore him.He’s had too many concussions, and his manners are often forgotten.
What?No, it’s fine.Max smirks.Sidney has been dying to share more details about—He pauses for a second, and I can see the wheels turning behind his eyes.—Eddie and Joey.Weren’t you, Sid?he finishes with a bright and smug grin.
Joey perks up.Sidney’s been talking about us?
Sidney makes a rude gesture at Max while Joey looks at Mason.I get from the exchange that not everything Max is saying is true.
I’m not sure what I want more.For him to actually be talking about us or for him to be keeping our relationship a secret.
I sure have, man,Sidney finally pipes up, catching Joey’s attention again.But Max and Mason have to go now.Say bye, Max and Mason,Sidney instructs like they’re five.
