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“Come on,” Grant said. “I’ll take you where you can wait for him while he does press and gets cleaned up.”

They headed back the way they’d come, through the lounge where some of the people didn’t even seem aware the game was over as they talked and ate. Aaron felt like questioning eyes were on him again as he passed through with Grant.

Chapter Twenty-Two

THE activity around Aaron was dizzying. He’d been in a waiting area, deep inside Madison Square Garden, since Grant escorted him there after the game ended about twenty minutes ago. He’d dropped into a chair along the wall so he’d be out of the way in the packed room and hadn’t moved in almost half an hour. The walls were lined with hockey and basketball action photos. There were stylishly upholstered couches and chairs along the perimeter, as well as a table set up with food and a bar with drinks. Lots of space was left open for people to mingle.

Even when he’d gone to Tyson’s games, where he was always just a friend, there’d never been anything like this. Anaheim Stadium had deluxe seating, but Tyson had never put him there. Plus, Aaron had never had waited for Tyson in a room like this. He usually had to meet him somewhere away from the ballfield for anything they did after a game.

Just like during the game, Aaron was sure everyone was looking at him and wondering why he was there. Thankfully security didn’t show up again. And no one said anything, but they didn’t have to because Aaron’s mind made up plenty of stories on its own. To add to his discomfort, there were celebrities present.

What the hell was he doing here?

On a large TV across the room, the press conference played and Aaron’s heart soared at seeing Caleb next to the coach. He was in his black undershirt, and the suspenders that held up his pants were over his shoulders. His hair was a sweaty, rumpled mess. And he was totally adorable.

Caleb had played great, with two goals—including the one that clinched the game—and two assists. He’d had a hand in every goal the Rangers scored. It was like he hadn’t been away for two months. Aaron had watched him have fun—there was no other description for it—for more than two hours. Even on the bench, he seemed animated and happy with his teammates.

The sound on the TV was down, and Aaron suddenly wished he could hear because Caleb was taking questions from the press. While they were probably only about his return and the team’s chances at going all the way to the championship, he wanted to hear Caleb’s voice. The sooner he finished, the sooner they’d be on their way from here.

Grant made his way through the crowd and squatted down next to the chair Aaron sat in. “Sorry this is taking a while. First game back and first playoff game make it a perfect storm of everyone wanting a moment with him.”

“It’s fine. He’s got a job to do.”

Grant smiled and nodded. “You doing okay here?”

Aaron shrugged. “It’s kinda weird, but yeah.” He leaned in so he could whisper. “Is that Taylor Kitsch over there? It looks like him, but—”

“Yeah. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him here. I think I saw Matthew Perry earlier too.”

“Oh my God, that was him. I wasn’t sure. That’s crazy.”

“You get used to it.” Grant leaned in a little bit more, so Aaron did as well. “The first game Caleb had me here with him, Justin Timberlake was in here. I’d come in to get Caleb’s guests because they had a locker room visit, and there’s Justin, looking all cool and incredibly handsome. I about died.” They chuckled as Grant stole a look at the TV. “They’re wrapping up, so I need to go to make sure he doesn’t get hijacked by overzealous reporters.”

Aaron watched the action on the screen. “How can you tell it’s almost done?”

“The coach is clutching his papers. That’s a sign he’s had enough and is about to call it a night.”

“That’s kinda funny.”

“It’s an interesting quirk for sure.” Grant stood. “I’ll get Caleb to finish up as fast as possible. And feel free to have some food or something. You don’t have to stay rooted to the chair.” Grant clapped him on the shoulder, and Aaron smiled up at him.

Grant was stopped at the door to the waiting room by someone in a well-tailored suit. They talked briefly, and it looked like Grant had gestured in Aaron’s direction, but that had to be wrong. He didn’t know anyone here except Caleb and Grant.

To stop fixating on what was going on around him, Aaron decided to take Grant’s suggestion and get some food. He extricated himself from the chair and went to the table, where it looked like a sports bar had exploded. Wings, sliders, and lots more covered the surface. He grabbed a plate, a couple of sliders, and a Coke.

Turning away from the bar, he almost ran right into the guy Grant had been talking to. Great, now he would be the guy who couldn’t manage to get food without making a scene.

“Oh, excuse me.”

“No problem. We avoided disaster. I just wanted to introduce myself. Phil Strauss.” He extended a hand, and Aaron had to get his small plate perched on top of his plastic glass so he had a hand free. “I’m Caleb’s agent. I figured I should meet the man who’s caught Caleb’s eye.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Aaron had a bad feeling about this, but he couldn’t put his finger on why. The guy had to be okay since Caleb seemed to surround himself with good people. Although he remembered when Caleb hung up on his agent too….

“Walk with me for a moment?”

“Uh. Sure.” Was this when he’d be murdered in some dark corner of The Garden? It suddenly felt very horror-film.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have you back before Caleb’s changed.”