Page 43

Nate

It’s all noise, bodies, and heat the second I step inside.

It’s one of those spots with exposed brick walls, Edison bulbs hanging low over the tables, and music loud enough to give the illusion of privacy without making conversation impossible. Half our team’s already claimed a corner booth and a cluster of tables. There are beers and cocktail glasses spread out like a welcome mat of bad decisions.

Connor and Haley are tucked in close, her laugh cutting through the noise. Parker’s got Grace on one side and Stacy on the other, probably swapping dad jokes. Mikey and Dillon are already arguing over who’s the better beer pong player, while James is perched like a gremlin on a stool, scanning for trouble and clearly finding it.

Mandy walks in with Kira, flanked by two friends I vaguely recognize from the housewarming party. One’s tall with model vibes—Priya, maybe?—and the other, Lexi, is already raising her arms like she just won a touchdown.

Kira spots the table, then points dramatically at me. "There he is! Detroit’s finest defenseman with the most questionable taste in sweatpants."

I raise my beer in salute. "Nice to see you too, Hurricane Kira."

Mandy laughs behind her hand, but not before I catch it. She looks good. Like, pause-your-life-and-stare good. Tight jeans. Black fitted sweater. Ponytail that says I didn’t try but still crushed it.

"You’re staring," James says under his breath.

"I’m evaluating."

"Uh-huh. Is that what we’re calling thirst these days?"

Before I can elbow him, Kira and the girls descend.

"Drinks, people," Kira announces. "We need drinks, food, and someone to tell me I’m too much."

"You’re too much," Parker offers without missing a beat.

"Thank you. Someone’s listening," Kira fires back.

Mandy slides into the seat next to me, her knee brushing mine. "This table looks like a disaster zone."

"That’s because it is," I say. "We thrive on it."

"Noted."

James leans over with a grin, lifting his glass toward Mandy. "I gotta say, Mandy, your presence has dramatically increased the average IQ and overall charm level at this table."

Mandy raises an eyebrow. "So, we’re starting with flattery? That’s suspicious."

Kira jumps in. "Quick, someone check if he’s running a fever."

"I’m serious," James says, holding up his hands. "Nate’s been broody since preseason. Now he’s cracking jokes and almost smiling. Coincidence? I think not."

Mandy glances at me. "I’m going to need that in writing for future blackmail purposes."

"I’ll notarize it myself," Kira adds. "This table needs more witnesses."

Lexi’s already making friends with Mikey, who is giving her the full dramatic reenactment of his only fight this season, complete with a barstool as the opponent.

"It’s a rare treat," James whispers to Priya, motioning to Mikey. "He usually only performs during full moons or after tequila."

Priya raises a brow. "What happens with both?"

"We don’t talk about it. Legal reasons."

The waitress comes by and takes our drink orders. Mandy gets something citrusy. I stick with beer. Kira orders a round of shots “for team bonding.” It’s a lineup of poor decisions in liquid form.

"To questionable choices!" Kira declares.