“Oh?” Brinley looks down at her drink and then back at me. She pushes it into my hands. “Seems like you need this more than I do.”
“I’m fine.” I shake my head, but her head falls forward, and her eyebrows raise.
She knows I’m not.
She always knows.
“Tatum Lewis, if you don’t take this drink right now, I’m going to walk over to Fletcher and let him know that we’re here.”
“I don’t get how that would help the situation.” I chuckle and take the drink from her. I down it in one.
“I think it’s time we head to the bar,” Maia recommends.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
twenty-two
Fletcher
You know, I hate to admit it, but I’ve never been the biggest hockey fan.” Casey leans forward, allowing me to hear her more clearly. “But after tonight’s game, you might’ve convinced me.”
“It’s pretty wild, huh?” I flash her a smile and then take a drink of my beer.
“I felt like I never knew what was going to happen next. Everything just moves so fast, you know? I grew up in a football household where it’s a lot of stop and go, but hockey is—”
“Basically, all go?”
“Yeah.” Her eyes light up. “Like, it’s crazy to me that players change out while the game is going on. I feel like that’s so risky. It was hard to keep track of everyone.”
“That’s fair.” I laugh. “It’s a fun game to play. I enjoy watching hockey too, but the high I get being on the ice is unbeatable.”
“I don’t think I could ever play hockey,” she replies. “First of all, I have absolutely no coordination. That puck is so small, I feel like I’d always be losing it. And I can’t skate. I’ve tried, but I look like a baby giraffe learning how to walk for the first time.”
“Maybe you just haven’t had a good teacher.”
“Oh yeah?” She grins, scooting in even closer. “You offering to teach me?”
“I don’t know. It could be arranged.”
She leans the rest of the way in and presses her lips against mine.
“It’s a date,” she whispers.
“Hey, Fletch.” Jeremy drops a hand onto my shoulder. “I’m going to get us another round. Do you want anything?”
“I think what he wants is to go get that round!” Brooks yells over his shoulder. “I’ve paid, Cam’s paid, your turn, Fletchy boy.”
“You better go get us another round.” Casey winks. “Before your friends lose their minds.”
“No, I got it, man.” Jeremy pats my back. “Don’t want to pull you away from your date.”
“Even though we’re supposed to be celebrating!” Brooks adds.
“Coming from the guy who ditches us the second his girlfriend calls.” I roll my eyes.
“Oh, so you got a girlfriend now?” Brooks jumps off his bar stool.
“Go.” Casey mouths.
