Page 28 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

"No, no. I think he was just upset because I ended the date the other night, and he got a bit of attitude with me on the ice." I pause. I didn’t call to talk about this, but I don't just want to segue into asking for his sister's number without some sort of reason. "Well, cool, man. I appreciate you looking out for her.I know you've got sisters, as well, so it means something. Even though she's been a pain in the ass about that whole drink situation."

"Yeah, it's okay. I get it. And I think she and I have finally cleared that up. Actually, that's why I was calling."

"Oh?"

"Can I get her number? I promised I would pay for the dry cleaning of the outfit she was wearing that night." I lie. I don’t know if he’s going to fall for it, seeing as he and his family are richer than Hades, but I’m hoping he doesn’t question me too closely.

"Oh my gosh. She's not making you pay for the dry cleaning." He bursts out laughing. "Of course, she is, though, because that's my sister. Yeah, hold on."

He reads off a number, and I write it down quickly.

"Cool, thanks."

"No worries, man. You got any plans this weekend? I was thinking Miles and I might grab a drink at the Bottle Club. They've got some new gins, and I think he's been missing getting some man time. I know that Sabrina's going to be hanging out with Erica and some of her friends from college, so if you want to hang out?—"

"Oh, that sounds cool. Yeah, why not?"

"We'll be pre-gaming at my place, so you might see Erica and Sabrina and the friends, but you can ignore them. Hopefully, she won't be mean to you again."

"Hey, it's cool. Like I said, I think Erica and I have sorted it out."

"Well, that’s good. Yo, man, do you mind if I give you a call back? I have a call to Tokyo in about five minutes, and I need to bring up the files."

"No worries. I'll see you later. Just text me the details."

"Sounds good. And good luck with the game tomorrow. I know it's a big one."

"Thanks. Appreciate it."

I hang up, stare at the phone, and smile. I punch in Erica's number before I can change my mind.

"Hello?" She sounds slightly confused as she answers. "Who is this?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Oh, no. Not my worst nightmare," she says, and I burst out laughing.

"Hey, this isn’t Elliott."

"I know it’s you, Tyler Kane. Don’t think I didn’t recognize your voice. How did you get my number?"

"Hey, I thought we were friends. What’s with the hostility?"

She giggles, and my heart warms at the sound.

"I mean, I thought you’d be happy to hear from me," I say.

"I can’t say that I’m overly happy, but I guess I’m not unhappy. What’s up? How did you get my number?"

"I got your number from Wes. Don’t worry, I wasn’t stalking you. I didn’t use the FBI or CIA to track you down."

"Very funny. So what’s up?"

"I was calling to see how your dating was going. Do I need to start thinking about what I want to win?"

She lets out a low groan. "Tyler Kane, are you trying to be—" She pauses. "Nothing."

"What was that about? Am I trying to be what?"