Page 11 of The Game
I figured I’d be the new girl, and since the team is small, I don’t see anyone else taking over the title anytime soon.
“It’s been great. Learning from the best and all that,” I say, and everyone laughs.
It’s truly been amazing.
The team has welcomed me with open arms, and even though it’s only been a week, I feel like I’m becoming part of their group.
I’ve never really understood the idea of people talking about their jobs and colleagues feeling like extended family, but with this team, I can totally see it.
We’re in the middle of a debate about whether the team will make it into the play-offs or not, when several players enter the bar.
I spot Noah and a few other players I’ve met this week, and Wayne calls them over.
The hardest part is learning all the new names in such a short time.
Luckily, I was familiar with most of the players from my research and interest in the team before arriving here. But with all the staff and people I’ve met during the week, it can be a little tricky.
The guys gather around, finding a place to sit, and I introduce myself to those I haven’t met yet.
There is the goalie, Liam Clarke, with his short haircut, framing a face marked by a neatly maintained beard and moustache that gives him a rugged, self-assured appearance.
When they first arrived, I noticed the way he did a double take on Samantha.
Interesting.
Besides Liam, we have Aaron Malik, another defenseman, with his dark skin and sharp features. A close-cropped haircut frames his face, while a well-groomed beard adds depth and maturity.
These hockey players definitely look like every girl’s dream, and when they make their way through the bar, all the female and some male gazes follow them.
When all the introductions are finished, the group naturally splits into several conversations around the table.
“Sarah, on a scale from one to ten, how much trouble have these idiots been giving you?” Aaron asks me, making me chuckle.
I haven’t had my meeting with him yet, but I know he’s one of the most influential players, along with Noah and the notorious captain, Alexander McGregor, whom I still haven’t met.
“Apart from Noah and his flirtatious personality, they’ve all been very good,” I tell him, and Aaron givesNoah a look, who raises his hands, then gestures over to me.
“Man, just look at her. You would 100 percent make a pass at her if you didn’t know who she was. Which was precisely what I did.” Aaron shakes his head at his teammate, giving him a light tap on the back of the head, which Noah makes a big show of.
“Careful there, this head is worth millions.”
We laugh, and once again, I’m reminded of the fun and carefree atmosphere in the team.
I couldn’t imagine a better place to be.
We spend the evening talking, and it’s nice to see the guys in a more relaxed setting.
At the arena, everything is all work and focus.
Here, we can unwind a bit more, which is nice.
~
The upcoming week is busy, and on Thursday, I’m lying in bed, researching for my meeting with Alexander McGregor.
I’ve almost met with every player; those who’ve been traveling or out of state are lined up and ready to go when they return.
McGregor, however, has been a challenge.
