“Do you feel like you’ve figured out how hockey works, now that you’ve been to plenty of these games?” Logan takes the seat next to me as she makes it back to our row after visiting Maddison down at ice level.
“I think so.” My head is on a swivel, taking in the sights of the United Center. I’ve been coming to Zanders’ home games for weeks, but I always find it fascinating how quickly they transform this building from a basketball court into a hockey rink. I was just here for Ryan’s game last night. “I have the rules down for the most part. And as far as our team goes, your husband scores the goals, and the guy I’m dating sits his ass in the penalty box for being a dick.”
A small chuckle escapes her. “Seems like you’ve got it figured out for the most part.”
“You don’t have to keep sitting with me at every game,” I offer, giving her an out. “I know my seats are kind of far away. I’m just worried about anyone seeing that I’m here.”
“I’m happy to get to sit with you.” Logan nudges her shoulder into mine. “Eli just needs our little pregame ritual, but after that, he’s focused on the game and not where I’m sitting. I’m excited that you’re here. Now I don’t have to hang in the family box with the other WAGS.”
I take a long swig of my beer. “WAGS?”
“Wives and girlfriends,” she explains. “Not all of them are my kind of people. Some are cool, but some of them are clearly dating for money or status or whatever else they’re getting out of it, so I’m excited to have you join. I need someone to hang out with at team functions.”
I give her a half-smile, not elaborating.
“When you can, I mean. Once you guys are out in the open and aren’t keeping it a secret anymore.”
I genuinely don’t know when that will be or what the future of Zanders’ and my relationship will look like, so instead, I’m not going to stress about it while I try to enjoy the moments. And in this moment, I get to watch the sexiest man I know do what he does best.
“I’m stoked you’re here, Stevie,” Logan quietly says. “And I’m so happy that you’re happy and that Zee’s happy. He’s one of the best people I know, and I’m glad that you’re able to see him for who he is. That’s hard sometimes when there’s so much of his media personality on display for the world to see.”
I keep my eyes on the giant defenseman, watching him warm up. Regardless of his size, he’s smooth as he glides along the ice.
“Well, it’s hard to ignore how great he is the more I’m around him. He’s kind of annoying like that. He just had to worm his way in, huh?”
Zanders’ attention finds my admiring gaze as he skates closer to the plexiglass encasing the ice. We aren’t down near the rink, but we’re still close enough that I can see the soft smile slide across his lips as he looks at me.
“I’ve never seen him like this,” Logan softly notes with pride, almost under her breath.
Zanders pulls his jersey away from his chest, shaking the fabric, and referring to the matching one I’m wearing. I mirror his action with the number eleven uniform I have on as his megawatt smile comes into view, holding my stare.
That is until Maddison comes up behind him and smacks his helmet, probably giving Zanders shit for acting as soft as he does around his own wife.
“No Ella today?” I shift my attention back to Logan.
“She’s here, running around somewhere. Eli’s parents are in town, so she’s with them. You’ll meet them tonight. They’re the best.”
“You didn’t have to change your birthday plans just for us, you know.”
Logan brushes me off. “I’m happy to. I love having you as part of the group.”
Pressing my lips together, I fight back my all-too giddy smile. For the first time in my life, I have friends who want my company for me, and not for the shared last name of my sibling.
It feels good.
