Page 329 of Playing the Pucking Game

“You look like you really need to drink this,” I say, holding out another glass of champagne to Freya.

She takes it with trembling fingers, and despite mumbling, “I really shouldn’t drink another,” she instantly lifts it to her lips and takes a big sip. “I shouldn’t be here. Why did I think this was a good idea?”

“Because it is a good idea,” Casey calls from the vanity where she’s reapplying her lipstick.

Tonight is the night of the Vipers’ Valentine’s gala, an event that Reese and her team run annually to raise money for our local children’s hospitals. With games and travelling, it doesn’t always land on the right day, but this year, Cupid has been on her side.

It’s my first formal event both as a part of the Vipers’ family and as Lincoln Storm’s girlfriend, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

Linc and I may have had the spotlight on us for a week or so now, but it’s not becoming any more normal. Not yet, at least.

Freya stares back at me with wide, terrified eyes despite Casey’s encouragement.

She made the mistake of mentioning that she no longer has any fun in her life or a reason to dress up. Casey took that as a mission, and well, she made it happen.

Tonight, Freya’s is Handsy’s unofficial date.

Freya tried to argue, but Casey was having none of it. And thankfully, forever-single Handsy was happy to spend the night with a beautiful woman on his arm.

“In my head, it was a good idea. Now I’m here, I’m not so sure.” Freya looks down at herself. “Is this dress too much? It’s too much, isn’t it?”

She turns to look at herself in the mirror and frowns. How that’s possible, I don’t know. She looks stunning.

Her glittering silver gown is beyond beautiful, and her hair has been elegantly twisted up, pulling it back from her face, and her makeup is flawless.

The three of us have spent the afternoon relaxing and getting dolled up while the guys took Sutton to the arena to practice. I’m kinda disappointed I missed it, and I know Casey is, too. There is something very magical about watching a bunch of massive hockey players chase a little girl around the ice. She’s got them all twisted around her little finger. Just the way it should be.

“No, Freya,” Casey says firmly as she walks over and stands beside our much taller friend. “It is the opposite of too much. It’s incredible, and you look like a knockout in it. Handsy is definitely not going to regret agreeing to take you.”

At the mention of her date, Freya goes a little green again.

“It’s going to be an amazing night. We’re going to drink, have good food, laugh, and dance the night away. The exact kind of night out you need,” Casey encourages. But despite Freya’sdesire to get out and live, I’m starting to wonder if she’s pushing herself too hard.

Getting over breakups isn’t easy. Each day is different from the last and it’s impossible to know what the next one will be like.

“You’ve got this, Freya. And if at any point it gets too much, just bail to your room. No one will judge you for pulling your pjs on, ordering room service ice cream, and watching a rom-com.”

“I know,” she muses. “I just…I really want to be like the old me, you know? The version of myself that didn’t overthink everything.”

I wrap my arm around her shoulder and squeeze her.

“We know. And we also know that you’ll get there. I know it sucks, but it just takes time.”

“Now, drink up, because the longer we stay in here, the worse it’s going to be. We’ve got three gorgeous men waiting for us downstairs. Shall we?” Casey asks after swallowing the rest of her champagne.

Freya finishes her drink and looks at herself in the mirror again. Unease comes off her in waves. I just hope that when she gets down there and is surrounded by the guys, she’ll forget all about her nerves and enjoy herself.

“Ready to go see your man?” Casey asks as we move toward the door.

“Maybe,” I tease, wiggling my brows.

The truth is, I can’t freaking wait. Lincoln Storm in a dinner suit. Yum. Yes please.

We leave Casey’s room and head for the elevator.

“Is your dad coming tonight?” Freya asks as we descend through the building.

“Nope, he’s got a date,” Casey announces.