Page 2 of Game Misconduct

“Nothing.” Lance straightened. “We will take care of set up, food, and clean up.”

“All you have to do is sit back and enjoy,” Mikey agreed with a vigorous nod.

I was invited? It hadn’t been implied, and I didn’t want to assume I’d be included in a team event, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. They were great about making sure I felt welcome to join their plans. Jess even invited me along on dates, not that I ever accepted. It was nice that they offered though.

Just because I hang out with all the guys from one of the city’s professional sports teams didn’t mean I was lonely and bored all the time. My best friend, Kerry, was also my coworker. We applied for positions at the same time and were both hired as assistants to the two owners of a technology company. Neither of us grew up dreaming of these jobs, but they were great stepping stones while we figured out our real passions.

My parents weren’t exactly thrilled that their only daughter went to school to become an assistant, but they said as long as I was happy, then they would be too. I did have a feeling my dad would show up in a year or two to remind me of my degree in computer science and how I could be making so much more if I worked as a developer. The problem was that I worked at a tech company that I could easily slide into a position that used by degree, but I didn’t love coding or programming. I liked interacting with people too much to stare at a screen for eight solid hours each day.

“What say ye?” Lance asked with pleading eyes.

“What night are you thinking?” I dropped the fancy act.

“Friday?” Lance asked cautiously, as if he expected me to say no.

“Sounds good.” I picked up the bowl and finished eating while they high-fived and moved back to the living room to discuss plans.

“Thanks for that,” Jess said. “This is really important to them, and Lance’s apartment is truly tiny. I think Mikey might be embarrassed to invite people over to his place. He has one sofa, a TV, and a coffee table. There’s no dining room table or anywhere to eat besides the couch.”

I chuckled. “Sounds like the ideal bachelor pad.”

She laughed with me. “It really is. Neither of them has bothered decorating. All Lance has is a few framed jerseys, but they’ve been leaning against the walls for as long as I’ve known him. He said once that he was going to hang them but he needs a hammer and nails, so I’m not holding my breath.”

“I could understand that if he hadn’t lived here for very long or thought he might get traded, but he’s been here for a while, right?”

“A few years,” she confirmed.

Living in a blank space with nothing personal or homey would be depressing for me. I loved coming home at the end of the day to a place that felt comfortable and familiar.

She rolled her shoulders before tilting her head from side to side with a cringe.

“Still sore?” I asked as I crossed the space to throw away the trash.

“Yeah, Dani said I might be for a day or so, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad.”

When I got home the night before Jess was sprawled on the couch after getting a massage from someone her boss recommended. She said it hurt to move and even needed my help getting up to go to bed.

“I’ve been tender where there was a knot or where they applied more pressure, but never like this.” I eyed her. “I wonder if you should go back.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh no. I’m never going back.”

I hid my smile. I didn’t want to laugh at her pain, but her newfound fear was a bit entertaining.

“Maybe try a new place next time, or ask for gentle pressure.”

She nodded. “Lesson learned.”

“I can help.” Lance wagged his brows as he passed them to get to the fridge. He pulled out the water filter pitcher Jess insisted on and filled a glass.

“No, you should talk to Amelia or Madi. They probably know someone that can help,” Mikey suggested.

I recognized the names as wives of their teammates, but I hadn’t met either of them.

“That’s a good idea,” Jess agreed and pulled out her phone.

“We’re thinking of inviting all the newer guys as well as any of the single ones,” Lance said with a grin in my direction.

I narrowed my eyes. “Okay.”