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“Please tell me this place serves more than kale chips,” I grumble, stepping inside with James right behind me.

"Don’t knock kale chips. They're rich in fiber and disappointment," James fires back, tugging at his collar. "And besides, you’re the one who scarfed two burritos before the game. What more do you need?"

"I need a steak."

"Yeah, me too." James says as we walk into the restaurant.

No more cameras. No more gear. Just the team and their people, packed around long tables that radiates warmth even from across the room. My shirt’s wrinkled, my legs are still humming from the game, but none of that matters. We won. We are in the Stanley Cup Finals and Mandy is here.

My eyes sweep across the dining room, and then I see her.

She's perched between Grace and Haley at a long table, talking to Coach Stephens and Lizzie like she belongs there. Her eyes light up when they find mine, and I cross the floor without looking away.

I lean down, kiss her head and whisper. "You really were the good luck charm."

Her cheeks flush, and I swear the rest of the room fades.

Grace moves down a chair and I slip into the empty seat beside Mandy, nodding greetings to the guys already there. Connor, Parker, James, Alex, Nina, and even Coach and Lizzie are with us. It's a full table of our people.

Dinner kicks off in true Acers style, rowdy, hilarious, and heartfelt. Grace is teasing Parker about his second-period revenge hit.

"He launched that guy into next week," she says proudly, raising her glass.

Parker shrugs. "Guy had it coming. You check me into the boards like that, you're getting planted."

Connor grins. "You looked like a human freight train. I think you left a crater."

James leans forward. "Connor, did you see your meme yet? It's all over Insta. You mid-fist-pump with your mouth open like you're about to inhale the whole arena."

Haley pulls out her phone. "Here it is!"

Laughter explodes around the table.

Mandy covers her mouth, laughing. "Okay, but it kind of looks like he’s trying to eat the puck."

"That was my warrior face," Connor says defensively. "It was intense. You try scoring under pressure while looking hot."

"Impossible for you," Parker deadpans.

We’re all howling when the server comes over to take drink orders. Mandy slides her hand into mine under the table.

Across from us, Allison and Ben are quietly sipping their drinks. I offer a warm smile as I lean across a bit. "Hey, Allison. It's been a while. You look great."

She returns it, maybe a little hesitant, but kind. "You too, Nate. This is my husband, Ben. Ben, this is Nate. We grew up in the same town."

Ben offers a handshake. "Good to meet you, man. Congrats on the win."

"Thanks," I say, shaking his hand firmly. "Appreciate you being here tonight."

It’s the first time I’ve seen Allison since high school. I let Mandy take the lead from there, the conversation light and easy as we ease into this new dynamic.

After the initial greetings and awkward pleasantries, conversation flows around them.

"He’s grown up a lot. He's different," Allison says quietly.

Mandy doesn’t flinch. "I have as well. And I’m not just your little sister anymore."

Allison nods, the corner of her mouth lifting. "I know. You’re better."