“Wh—” She looks around my apartment. “Am I being punked or something? What do you mean,whose hockey game? Fletcher’s hockey game. Theguys'hockey game. You know the guys who we’ve been watching on TV.”
“That’s like a six-hour drive.”
“With me driving, it’ll be five, max.”
“Why are we going to the game?”
I set my guitar down against the couch and turn toward Brinley.
“So, Ember can spend the New Year with Declan. It’s their first New Year's together; they have to have a New Year's kiss tonight.”
“And I’m going, why?”
“Is something going on between you and Fletcher? I thought you’d be down for this.”
“I am.” I lie. “I just have a lot of stuff to do. You know, new songs and all that.”
I rub my hands against my pants and then stand up.
“I just didn’t expect to be away for two days.”
“Eh, more like twenty-four hours.”
“You’re right. I should go get changed. We’ll probably have to leave soon.”
“No need. I have a bunch of Michigan State gear in the car.”
My mouth falls open slightly, and I tilt my head at Brinley.
“W-why do you have a trunk full of Michigan State gear? And wait, why are we representing the other team?”
“Cam can’t see Maia, and he won’t be paying attention to Michigan fans.”
“Wait, Maia’s coming too?”
“Of course. We’re all going.”
“Does Maia know that?” I cross my arms.
“The only person who knows so far is you.” She pulls her iced coffee out of the tray and takes a sip.
“And if they say no?”
“They can’t.” She shrugs. “I’ve already bought the tickets.”
Ihad to be the one to reach out to Fletcher first. Granted, it wasn’t my decision to do that. I had to reach out because Brinley asked me to text him to see if the guys were done getting dressed, so we could get Declan to come out and meet us. And since I didn’t want the girls to think something was going on, I messaged him.
Honestly, I don’t even think Fletcher realizes anything’s going on between us. His responses were pretty normal and felt like any other conversation we’ve ever had.
Luckily, because Maia was with us, we couldn’t stick around to see the guys after the game. If we did, Brinley would pick up on the tension, at least from me, immediately.
“Why are we here?” Maia leans forward, I’m assuming so Brinley can hear her question.
“Cute hockey players, obviously!” she yells, glancing over her shoulder at Maia. “Everyone in our section was talking about this place during the game. I guess all the MSU guys come here after a game, win or lose.”
“And your plan is to hook up with an MSU player?” I raise an eyebrow.
“I don’t know.” She studies the bar. “Seems like a pretty fun way to ring in the New Year and my birthday.” Her traveling gaze stops. “And I think I’ve found my guy.”
