Page 13

Vegas was different this time around. We'd played the Golden Knights here a few months ago, but we'd had little time to explore and enjoy the city. Now was different.

I got out of my cab in front of the tall hotel. I'd check in to my room then looked for some guys to hang out with. I wondered if Pat, Duncan, or Robin were here yet. With my bags in hand, I headed inside the massive double glass doors.

There was no reason to worry about who was here yet. I found myself in line behind Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The defenseman and I had talked periodically over the years, both of us close and age. I never went a season without running into him on an opposing team. We'd even played together for a short stint. His brother, Jack, had been second in the draft right behind me. Both Hughes brothers were decent friends that I was glad to see.

Quinn turned, finally noticing me. He grinned, slapping at the fellow Canucks player next to him.

"Hey, Eli, Holy One's here." I rose an eyebrow.

"Holy One? That's new Quinny." The Canucks player waved his hand dismissively.

"Nah. Whole league's been calling you that. I'm just spreading the news." I shook my head, glancing around the room.

"Who else is here? Any of my boys yet?"

"Uh, yeah I think so. Kaner and his girl came a bit ago." I nodded, hoisting my bag up farther.

"Thanks." I'd text him in a bit. Quinn nodded. Before he fully turned away, a thought crossed his face.

"Hey, bunch of us are going out later. Want to come?" I could assume what he meant by 'going out.' I frowned, but accepted the offer. I could still have a good time. Even if I had been twenty-one, I doubted that I would be drinking.

"Yeah, sure." Quinn grinned at me.

"Awesome. Meet down here at nine, a'right?" I nodded in response. The defenseman and his teammate turned away, moving to the desk to check in. I took the time to look around the lobby.

In a set of comfortable chairs to my left, there lounged some familiar figures. I grinned immediately. The second I'd checked in, I headed to them. Quinn was already there, just as good friends with the two brothers as I was. From years of hockey, the Hughes, the Tkachuks and I had become good friends. Despite how far apart we lived, the five of us always found a way to meet up and act like idiots. I had a feeling this wouldn't bring exceptions.

Matthew grinned when he spotted me. He was on his feet in a second, holding out a hand. I took it, smiling right back.

"Little Ty! Holy shit man, feels like forever!"

"I know. Didn't get a chance to talk to you last time we played you." Matthew's face soured.

"Don't think I wanted to. You dragged us around like rag dolls." I raised my eyebrow, debating commenting on the irony of that statement.

"I wasn't the only one, apparently."

"Oh shut the fuck up you little shit." Matthew shoved my shoulder roughly. I laughed loudly. "I didn't see you getting into any fights, Mr. Captain."

I shrugged. "I don't fight."

"Should've. I would've gone after Muzzin." I narrowed my eyes sarcastically.

"I survived without fighting. Maybe next season. Had to set that debut with a good record, ya know?"

"Bah. I got in about six fights my rookie year. Brady did too, I think." His shorter haired brother stopped talking, looking over at us.

"I definitely won more than you, that's for sure." Matthew scoffed, throwing a balled up napkin in Brady's direction. I pulled the conversation away from the season.

"Did your dad come over? I'm missing Old Keith right now."

"Nah. Taryn had some field hockey tournament, so he went to that." I nodded, understanding. I'd forgotten that their younger sister played hockey as well. Albeit a different kind. She was still just as good as her father and brothers. I looked away from the Tkachuks when my phone buzzed in my pocket. One look at the caller i.d. told me it was Pat. I answered, turning away from my friends.

"Hey Kaner."

"Hey kid. You here yet?"

"Yeah. I'm in the lobby with a few guys. They told me you and Amanda are here already?"

"Ok, great. I'll be down in a bit. We have to meet Robin, Jon, and Coach."

"I didn't know Jon and Jeremy would be coming?" I was confused. Pat was quiet for awhile.

"Yep. I didn't know either."

I hung up, then quickly went to my first floor room. After I'd thrown my bags down, I returned to the lobby. Brady and Quinn had disappeared, leaving Matthew and I lounging in the chairs. I didn't have long to wait before my familiar teammate appeared. His slicked back head appeared from around the corner, accompanied by Amanda.

Matt watched as I stood from my chair, greeting the older forward. Pat took my hand, smiling at me. He was a million times more relaxed than I'd seen him throughout the season.

"Hey kid. Good to see you. How's vacation been?" His eyes winked at me in amusement. I blushed, knowing what he was implying.

"It was good. Kirby and I spent some time at the beach." Pat nodded.

"Good, good. Amanda and I went back to Buffalo for a bit, then we spent a week in Hawaii. Pretty awesome." Amanda pulled him away for a word before leaving his side. Pat explained at my confused look. "She's going to meet up with Lindsey and Jen. We can meet back up with them later."

As Pat ordered an Uber, he explained why Jon and Jeremy were here.

"Jon called me yesterday when we got here and said he'd be in. He's still on crutches but he promised he'd be in a suit." I had to laugh at that. Jon was so stubborn, all the time. Of course he'd be here. He was a contender for the Hart Trophy, just like Pat and I were. Both Pat and I were also up for the Ted Lindsay award. And I was all by myself for the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross. I was anxious for the ceremony.

I wasn't the only top rookie to be eligible. Quinn and Dominik had both been nominated, as had Cale Makar from the Avalanche. I had tough competition.

"Jeremy's actually in the running for an award. Jack Adams. I didn't know until yesterday. You know Lenny's up for the same two as last year. I'd say he deserves to win again." I had to agree. Lehner fought more for his spot than any of us had. His contract hadn't even been talked about until the last possible moment. We'd feared that he would be traded. The truth was more relieving. Our top goalie was sticking with us. I couldn't imagine playing a season without him at my back. I'd played with goalies of all different kinds, but there was something different about Robin.

I joined Pat in the Uber, which took us to a restaurant several minutes from the hotel. Inside, it didn't take long for us to find the men who were so familiar. Jeremy was leaning back in his chair, observing the room silently. Jon was talking with Dom. Robin was looking around as well. He grinned when he saw us.

"Ah, there's the shitheads!" His good-natured name calling made me grin.

"Hey Rob." I took the seat next to him, grateful for the generous spacing. The goaltender took up a lot of room, just like he did in the crease. I was more content to my small space.

After I'd greeted my friends, our conversations turned to what we'd done over our short breaks, the awards the following night, and Pat's engagement. While in Hawaii, he'd proposed to Amanda. Pat had turned expectantly to Jon then. We were all wondering the same thing. When would he get around to doing the same thing? It made me think of Halle. Just like that, our topics turned to relationships. I wasn't the only lonely guy now. I had someone to brag about.

Robin had his wife and kids, as did Jeremy. Jon had Lindsey and Pat had Amanda. And now I had Halle. My heart warmed at the thought of her. Jon must've read my face.

"What's got you all smug Tyler? Did you get back with Halle?" My grin widened.

"Yeah, kinda. We hung out at her beach house but I'm not sure if we're dating again or not. I hope so." Robin immediately guffawed.

"Little One has a girl? Since when?" I shrugged, embarrassed slightly by the attention.

"We were together for a bit in February. Then I stopped it to focus on playing. Hard to stay away from someone I'm crazy about, though." Robin nodded knowingly.

"We've all been there. Hell, if I didn't fall for Donya the second I met her, but couldn't do a damn thing about it. Took me months before I won her over. It comes in good time." Rob leaned back in the booth, studying me carefully. My teammates muttered similar words of encouragement about my predicament, but nothing new to actually help me.

An hour later, I was back in my hotel room. It was weird to be by myself after so many months of sharing a room with Kirby. I missed my energetic partner and his sporadic ways. Even when he was at his most annoying, he was still my brother and best friend.

My suit was already hanging the closet, pressed and ready to be worn the following day. The material was matte black, without a speck of color. I'd had the tux picked out for months, all in the hopes I'd end up here in Vegas. The looming award ceremony was making me nervous. There would be plenty of new people, press, and fans in attendance. The thought was daunting. I'd never been good with all the attention. At least I'd have my teammates with me.

Before I headed back down to meet with Quinn, I called Halle. She picked up the FaceTime call immediately. I instantly relaxed at her familiar face.

"Hey!" Her voice was bubbly. "How's Vegas so far? I saw on insta you were with Dominik and the others at a restaurant for lunch." I nodded enthusiastically.

"Yep. Pat, Jon, Dom, Rob and Coach. So many of us all here." I ran a hand through my hair.

"That's awesome though. You all showed up and are representing the team." She paused, disappearing for a moment. When she came back, she was grinning. "When's the ceremony?"

"Tomorrow night. I'm not sure if it'll be streamed or not."

"What are you going to wear?" Her eagerness was obvious. I hid my grin.

"You'll have to wait and see. You'll like it. I think."

"As long as it makes you look hot. Which is everything you wear." The statement was bold and unlike Halle. I had to laugh.

"Why thank you." A notification crossed the top of my screen. It was a text message from Matthew. "Ah, damn. I gotta go Halls."

"Aww." She pouted. I sighed.

"I know, I know. I'm going out soon. Bunch of guys I played with when I was younger."

"Oh, ok. That's cool. Be safe, k? Vegas is dangerous for hot hockey players. Might get mobbed by a bunch of bunnies."

"That might happen without you on my arm. Don't worry, I'll have one Hughes and the Tkachuks to keep me safe."

"What?" I laughed at her confusion.

"Never mind. You'll meet them eventually." I said goodbye and hung up. I shot a response to Matt, telling him I'd be right down.

From my bag, I pulled a black T-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. I added a flipped SnapBack bearing the Chicago Bulls logo. The outfit was more Kirby's style than mine, but I wasn't uncomfortable.

All I took with me was my phone, wallet, and room card. The rest of my things were left splayed on the bed in a hectic fashion. I knew I'd regret leaving the mess when I came back later. There was little chance I'd be back in by midnight, based on previous outings with these same guys.

Just like the morning, both Tkachuk brothers and Quinn were waiting in the lobby at the circle of chairs. This time there were three new additions to the group. One was the blonde Canucks player Elias Pettersson that Quinn had arrived with. The other two were familiar faces that caused me to break into a massive grin.

"Marns!" The Toronto forward turned when he heard my voice. The smaller figure on his right turned as well. Mitch immediately spread his arms wide.

"Tyzer! Damn, kid. I was just asking when you'd make an appearance."

"He wouldn't stop bugging me. As if I knew." The softer voice of Sebastian Aho was tainted with a joking sour note. I grinned.

"I'm here, I'm here. No need to fight over me." Matt scoffed, standing from his spot.

"Chill out, glory boy. Just because you score fifty goals this season and sweep the boards doesn't mean we fight over you." He shoved me roughly as he walked by. I smirked at his poke.

"Funny, I do remember Mitchy here getting in a fight over me. Though Shawzy and Gibs took care of him." Mitch scowled.

"Don't bring up fights, you little dick. I don't want to remember that."

"Remember what? Getting your ass beat?" I'd never get over hearing Seb curse. I chuckled at his accented words. Mitch groaned again.

"Come on you grannies. We've got partying to do." Brady pointed to the door, already walking towards it. We collectively moved as a group, talking about where we were going. From the hotel in the center of the city, possibilities were endless. Everyone was chattering enthusiastically.

I'd already decided I wouldn't be drinking, even if I could get around it. I knew Quinn would somehow get around the age limit here. He was close enough to twenty one anyway. He also had less on the line. I knew I'd be sentenced to this for the rest of my career. If I was caught drinking in public, even if I was of age, I'd be crucified. So I was permanently assuming the role of boring and sober Tyler.

We traversed the streets of Vegas while conversing and taking in the sights. As far as I knew, Brady, Mitch, and I were the only ones involved with a girl. That being said, sightseeing in Vegas for the others consisted of a lot of females. Halle hadn't been wrong.

A group of young guys walking confidently through a city full of partying led to more flirty glances than I could count. I was almost relieved by the time we got to the club Matthew and Quinn had picked out. Matt said something to the bouncer, showing him a badge. Whatever it was, it gained us immediate access inside. I felt apprehensive at the daunting sight of so many dancing bodies. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea.

While Mitch, Matthew, and Quinn wormed their way towards the bar, I headed for a booth. I was slightly surprised when Sebastian and Elias followed me. I'd already lost sight of Brady. Before I took a seat, I scanned the crowd. I found Matthew already talking to a less than ideally dressed girl. I shook my head, smiling down at the table.

"You don't drink?" Elias gestured at the various drinks around the crammed room. He had to raise his voice slightly over the pounding music. Sebastian and I both shook our heads, not sure who he was talking to. Elias nodded, settling back into the cushioned booth. I tried to ignore the heavy make out session occurring next to our table.

We watched the crowd for a few more minutes before Quinn found us again. He was dragging Mitch and both Tkachuks with him.

"Before I get too drunk, we're taking proof of this." He waved his phone, showing us the open camera. Quinn arranged us, then grabbed a bystander to take the picture. I smirked at the phone, one arm slung around Quinn and the other around Matt. As soon as the picture was taken, Quinn was off again. A minute later, I received a text of the picture. Quinn had sent it in a group chat, which included several numbers I didn't have. I assumed one of them was Elias and the other was Sebastian based off the fact I had everyone else's numbers already.

I studied the picture, smiling at the way we all looked like best friends. We looked like we didn't all play on different teams. We looked like we didn't and wouldn't hate each other the second the season started again. It was ironic. From my messages app, I downloaded the picture. Maybe I'd post it later. While I was in my texts, I shot a quick message to Halle.

Soon, I promise.

I could imagine her pout. The sight made me smile sadly. My phone screen went black. I didn't make an attempt to turn it back on. Instead, I watched Matt talk to a taller dark haired girl. The two looked completely engrossed in each other. Matt wasn't even drinking his beer.

The rest of the night was the same. Watching those who were drinking to make sure they didn't do anything stupid. The three of us that sat at the table witnessed too much grinding, bumping, and alcohol consumption. I finally dragged a slightly incoherent Quinn home around two. Elias and Sebastian helped me wrangle the various partiers and drag them back to the hotel. It wasn't the easiest task. Matthew hadn't been found anywhere, but I had a sneaking suspicion the dark haired girl had something to do with it. If he wasn't here, I couldn't do anything about it. Everyone else was accounted for.

Finally, I was able to drop back into my bed at three. I reeked of spilled beer and marijuana smoke, even though I hadn't actually touched any of the substances. Just being in the same room as the rancid stuff for hours had completely permeated my clothes. Even when I'd stripped, my hair still carried the smell. I was too tired to shower the stench off.

Before I let sleep consume my overly tired body, I posted the picture we'd taken early in the night. Quinn had already posted it awhile ago, so I changed up the caption and tagged everyone in it.