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"You too. You’re not just that guy with the cocky grin and the slapshot anymore."

"What am I now?"

She taps her chin like she’s thinking hard. "The guy who has backup cereal. And listens. And gives a damn."

"Revolutionary," I deadpan.

She leans her elbows on the counter, chin in her hands. "You know what’s wild? You’re nothing like I expected."

"Let me guess," I say. "You thought I’d be a cocky, puck-chasing stereotype."

"I mean... based on what I’d heard, I figured you’d be a cocky player type with a new girl every week," she says, grinning. "But you’re thoughtful. Kind. You made it easy for me to be here. Even tonight, you were so quiet."

"Because you were working. And it mattered to you. That’s enough reason."

She blinks, like she’s not used to people paying attention to the little things.

Then her phone buzzes. FaceTime. She glances down and groans. "Speak of the devil."

"Who is it?"

"Allison."

She answers with a smirk. "Hey, you called at a good time."

Allison’s voice comes through instantly. "Are you still buried in those law books? You better not be stress-snacking your way through another can of frosting."

Mandy rolls her eyes. "That was one time. And it was finals week."

"Once is enough to earn a reputation," Allison teases. "Anyway, how’s the new place? Kira driving you nuts yet?"

"She’s fine," Mandy says, smiling. "But I’ve been studying at a neighbor’s apartment instead. Quieter. Less glitter."

Allison raises a brow. "A neighbor?"

Mandy flips the camera. "Look who’s my neighbor."

Allison’s face appears on-screen, mid-wine sip. "Holy crap! That’s not, Nate?"

I wave awkwardly. "Hey."

"Well, well," she drawls. "Didn’t expect to see you again without a puck involved."

I chuckle. "Yeah, it’s been a while. How’ve you been?"

"Busy. Married life, two kids, a mortgage that eats my soul every month. You know, adulthood."

"Sounds like a power play," I say, grinning.

"Every day’s sudden death overtime," she replies, smirking. "But we’re good. You still skating like your life depends on it?"

"Pretty much. New team, new city. Trying to find my rhythm."

"Detroit is a cool city. Hope it’s treating you well."

"Yeah, it’s starting to feel like home."

Allison raises an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. "And Mandy’s your neighbor now, huh? That’s... interesting."