Raimo lets out a guffaw. “Hey, hockey is the everyday man’s game.”
“And woman,” Javier adds.
“Everyday people. Better?” Raimo asks.
I laugh at their antics and slide my hands into my pockets. I haven’t been trying to avoid them. More like been too consumed with Val to remember my friends.My bad.
“You free the rest of the day?” Javier asks.
“Yeah. Where are you guys going?”
“Sightseeing,” Tae says. “Apparently PR wants us to look like we’re having the time of our lives so they can create some social media videos.”
“And you want me to hang out?” The one who’s hard of seeing? I don’t want to be a hindrance, but I do miss hanging with them.
“Of course we do.” Javier hooks an arm over my shoulder. “We want to hear all about how you and Val are doing.”
“Oh, look at that grin,” Raimo says.
I try to make my face neutral, but my lips twitch at the corner, not wanting to fight the feelings Val brings out in me.
“You definitely gotta tell us the story behind that smile,” Javier says.
“Give me a moment.” I look down at myself. “I don’t want to go all around the city in a suit.”
Tae snorts. “So pretentious.”
“Whatever, pretty boy.I’ll be right back.”
“You need help?” Javier asks.
I want to say no, but I also don’t know the hotel that well. “Not with changing, but if you want to walk with me and make sure I don’t make a fool of myself...”
“Let’s go.” Javier clasps a hand on my shoulder.
Thank goodness for teammates. I make it to my room without running into anythingoranyone. After changing into some Warriors athletic gear, I close the door.
“Oh good, you match everyone else,” Javier says.
I chuckle. “You did say PR wanted video footage. Might as well wear the gear.”
“My thoughts too.”
We head toward the elevators.
“So ... you and Val?”
I snort. “You want the story before everyone else?”
“I guess it would be fair to wait, but I really wanna know.”
The elevator dings, and we get in. After noting we’re the only ones, I speak. “We’re going out tomorrow.”
“Is she here yet?”
“She’s on her way up with her sister right now.”
Javier bumps into my shoulder. “Man, I’m happy for you. Val’s great.”
