Page 93 of Patrick

CHAPTER 26

TRICK

As I walk to the MUB, I get a text from Pammy.

Pammy: Darcy told Vincent about you and Sofia, and he might be on his way here tonight.

Fuck. I stop and hit call. She picks up after half one ring.

“What makes you think Vincent is on his way here? Doesn’t he have a game or something?”

“Hi Trick, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Darcy claims she advised him to come up and catch you red-handed.”

“She’s bluffing. I bet Vince is playing hockey.” I’m ninety percent certain. “Let me check B.C.’s hockey schedule.” I open a tab with the B.C. hockey schedule and scroll down to today’s date. “Bingo. They have a game in Vermont. He won’t be driving to UNH tonight.”

“That’s great news. I didn’t even think of a hockey game stopping him, but I guess that makes sense.”

“Of course it does. Hockey’s the top priority for any of us putting all the time and sweat into the game.”

“I know how hard you work. It’s impressive.”

I smile. “Thanks, Pammy. What’s going on there? Will I have time to see Fifi before the fashion show starts?” I finger the small gift I have for her in my parka pocket.

“Too late for that. Professor M. is out there now doing her intro for the show and the glam projects, getting the crowd going.”

“Shit. I have a gift I wanted to give her before the show. For good luck.”

“Oooh, you’re so, so sweet⁠—”

“Shhh. Keep it down. I have a reputation as a tough guy.”

She laughs. “No you don’t. You have a reputation as a fun guy, a charmer.”

“I mean on the ice.”

“Right. Whatever. I have to go. I’ll let the others know the whole Vincent threat is a false alarm.”

“Great. See you soon.”

Glancing over the room, I realize I missed the fashion show because the DJ is setting up on the stage now. I find the corner of the room where Pammy is hanging conveniently with Fifi, Ricci, and Nina, and a group of my teammates. In fact, I think that’s Henry making Nina smile right now.

I join the crowd, inserting myself between Nina and Henry.

“What’s up, Henry? You know my girl here?”

He looks confused for a beat, but Nina rolls her eyes and gives my arm a shove. I laugh.

“You know all the girls, don’t you?” Henry smirks.

“Stick with me, kid. I’ll teach you a few things—about hockey, of course.”

He laughs, and I catch Fifi’s eye. She’s partly obscured by the others, and I nod at Ricci, Pammy, Bog, Van, and Sully.

Then she steps away from them, and I get a good look at her—and her dress. Holy. Fucking. Shit.

No amount of self control can stop me from staring with my eyes popping until I’m worried I’ll lose them when they fall to the floor

Her dress is a hockey jersey—or a shiny glittery and very sexy version of one—with my number on it. The silvery blue material hugs her curves, and the way the neckline dips and falls off one shoulder makes my mouth water. My eyes travel down to the short hemline with the side slits and sparkling trim, and I think I’ve lost my ability to speak.