“I mean, what is it going to take to impress these guys? Two hat tricks? Seven assists? Maybe pulling the Stanley Cup out of my ass to hoist?”
“Okay, that’s a little much,” Bode says, coming up on my other side. “Why don’t we grab some beers and decompress when we get back to the hotel?”
“I don’t know. I was kind of hoping to call Quinn.”
Bode laughs, showing me his phone. “They’re all still out.”
Quinn, Stevie, Chloe, and Harper are all at Chloe’s, watching the game. I love that they invited her to hang out with them. Being in the spotlight, it’s hard for her to make friends. They welcomed her with open arms.
“Damn. I guess we do have time for a drink.”
“We’re going upstairs,” Noah says.
“Yeah, we’re tired.” Graham waves goodbye to us as they head to the elevator.
I snort. “Tired, my ass.”
“Well, we can grab a drink and then head up,” Bode says. “I’m sure the girls will be home by then.”
“I’m glad they included Quinn,” I say.
Marcus heads to the bar to order a pitcher of beer as we grab a table.
“Stevie really liked her. I mean, she won over Caleb, and that wins me over.”
“Doesn’t take much for you.” I laugh.
“Hey, if my kid likes you, that’s how I judge a person now.”
“Well, I’m glad you both do.”
“Things seem to be going well,” Dax comments.
“Really well,” I confirm.
“You know, we might give you grief,” Bode starts, “but we do it because we love you, man.”
“I know.” I smile at him as Marcus arrives back at the table and hands a glass to everyone.
“And even though I’m still kind of mad you lied to us?—”
“He didn’t lie,” Dax interrupts. “Technically he just didn’t tell us.”
“I’m happy you’re happy,” Bode finishes, ignoring Dax.
“Thanks, man. I am happy.”
“We can tell,” Marcus says. “Even though you begrudgingly had us over, it was nice for all of us to be together.”
“Hey.” I point a finger at him. “It was not begrudgingly. There was no grudging.”
“Who knew all it would take for you to like us is for you to date a pop star?” Bode laughs.
“I liked you before.” I roll my eyes. “Now? Not so much.”
“I see how it is.” Bode flips me off. “We’re chopped liver now that you have Quinn.”
“And Zucchini. Don’t forget about Zucchini.” I give him a cheesy smile.
