“And she’s allergic to nuts, got it?” Niko added in a stern voice, making me freeze on the spot.
The young waiter nodded diligently before speeding away.
“How did you know that?” I demanded. My brain worked overtime, trying to figure out if I put myself in a bad position. Then again, if he tried anything weird, it’d be splashed all over the news—something neither of us wanted.
He held up his hands with a laugh. “I’m not a creep, I promise.”
I arched an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain.
“JP’s blowing up my fucking phone,” he complained. “Here.” He pushed his open phone in front of me to see.
He was right. There were about ten texts in a row all from JP:
I know you’ve racked up speeding tickets.
You better not speed with Ali in the car.
You have to tell the waiter she’s allergic to nuts.
I’m serious.
Ali doesn't tell people.
If she has a reaction, I’m holding you responsible.
This is serious. I’m not playing around.
Answer me, asshole
She trips a lot.
If you let her fall, you’ll be fucking sorry.
I gasped. “I do not trip a lot!” I pushed his phone back.
Niko’s face lit up with a laugh. “It’s okay if you do, Iwillcatch you.”
“And I’ve lived with this allergy my whole life, I think I can handle a night out.” I shook my head. “How did he even find out I’m with you?”
He shrugged. “Zukes or Nilsson must’ve let something slip. I don’t know why he’s so worried, I’m a good guy.” He grinned, making a dimple pop out.
His confidence made me laugh. “I can tell.”
“Thank you,” he blurted out.
“But I can also tell you’re a bit of a troublemaker.” I arched an amused eyebrow.
“Wow.” His hand went to his chest. “Shots fired.”
As we talked about growing up, I couldn’t help but feel like I was talking to an old friend. The rink world was a small one, so I knew a lot of the people and places he was talking about, which made telling stories more fun.
“Is your family still in Michigan?” he asked.
I nodded. “My parents are still in Canton, but my sister is currently training in Montreal.”
“I feel that. Most of my fam’s back in Ann Arbor, but one sister is playing hockey out in Seattle.”
“Hmm.” I studied him. “You’re a little brother, aren’t you?”
