Page 87 of All In: The Price We Pay

I don’t quite understand why Valentina would be happy about our meeting, but I’ll let it slide for now.

Blake sits next to me, and Sid takes a seat on the other side, which puts Evan and Munns across from me. Okay.

“That’s right, you know Valentina too,” Blake points out. “Too bad she has to go back to LA soon.”

I nod. “Yeah, the life of a Hollywood star.”

“I don’t know if I could date someone as famous as she is,” Blake muses aloud.

Sid grimaces. “Because you’re an insecure jerk.”

Everyone laughs, and I join in. In a way, he’s right.

“Well.” Blake turns back to me while Evan talks to Munns about their injuries. “Are you into hockey?”

I shake my head vigorously. “No, not really. Hockey and I have a bit of a love-hate relationship. My dad’s a fan, though. But his beloved Coyotes were sold. He’s having a hard time finding his footing with hockey right now.”

“We can fix that for him. He should come along sometime. I can get you guys tickets,” Blake says.

“Ah, that’s super nice of you, but right now he has to restructure the farm, and then we’ll see. I’ve been inviting him to New York for years, but he’s stubborn.”

Blake laughs. “Maybe you can lure him with Valentina when she’s back. Her presence at our games is doing crazy things to our visitor numbers.” He turns to Sid. “I still can’t believe she’s dating you.”

The three of them are talking, including me in the conversation; only Evan avoids my gaze. I force myself not to look at him.

Blake, on the other hand, always makes sure I can follow the conversation. He asks me about my work and shares funny anecdotes about people I know. He’s fantastic. I can see why he’s the captain.

We grab a bite to eat, and shortly afterward, Blake urges them to leave. “You guys have your appointments now. And the rest of us have to get to practice.”

Their expressions darken.

No one needs to say it. The previous day’s defeat is still weighing on them.

“But even though I’m not a big fan, I’m rooting for all of you,” I assure them.

Sid hugs me, and Blake puts his arm halfway around my shoulders. “Thanks. We have to win the Cup. My hips won’t hold out forever.” Conspiratorially, he puts a finger over his lips. “But that’s not an official statement. The press can’t find out about this.”

I gesture as if zipping my lips shut. “No one’s getting anything out of me. But you guys had better get it done before it’s too late. In any case, I have complete confidence in you.”

Blake grins widely at me. “I like you. Next time we have a party, you’re coming along. Sid, Evan, you two are responsible for making sure Parker’s there.”

“Will do,” Sid says, and I’m incredibly grateful to him.

Evan gazes at me gently beneath his aloof gaze.

Even if he can’t believe it, anything is possible.

Chapter 21 – Evan

This whole mess is impossible.

Todd, our team doctor, is going through the report from the physical therapy team.

Munns and I are sitting here like two criminals waiting for their verdict.

“Since you’re locked into the playoffs, I recommend sitting out today’s game.”

“But we could still drop back to second place,” Munns protests.