Page 57 of After Hours Lectures

“That’s young?” Tyler raised a brow.

“Well, I mean, he’s only been playing for about six seasons. Not including any playoff games each team plays about eighty-two games per season, so that’s fifty-plus goals a year. Not too shabby.”

“Ah. I gotta admit I don’t know anything about hockey.”

“But you were at the Bruins game.”

“Only because Fallon had an extra ticket. Sports aren’t really my thing.”

“Not even baseball?”

He chuckled. “Nope. I mean, I understand the game because of my dads and brothers, but I was more into music and academics growing up.”

“And now you’re dating a sports journalist?” I teased.

“Yeah, it seems like I can’t escape it no matter what I do.”

A few moments later, the teams came out onto the ice. It didn’t take long for Coop to spot me and he skated over to where we stood behind the glass.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” he stated.

“Last minute schedule change. Heard you might score your 300thgoal?”

“Dude. Don’t say that. You’re going to jinx me.”

We both laughed, and I said, “Nah, man. I flew all the way here. You’re going to do it.”

“Hope so, or at least I hope I do it before the season ends since we’re not making the playoffs.”

“I feel it. You will get it tonight.”

“Thanks, man. Catch up after the season is over?”

“Sure thing.” Coop skated off, and I glanced beside me at Tyler. “Sorry, I didn’t introduce you.”

“No worries,” he replied.

“But …” A thought came to me. “I could ask him to play in the softball game if you still need players. He’s local and might be staying in the area after the season.”

His eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Yeah, maybe even some of his buddies would want to join.”

“I won’t pass up any celebrities.”

“Okay. I’ll see if he will.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” I beamed.

I was learning I’d do anything for Tyler Statler.

Even fly across the country to be with him.

17

Tyler