Page 34 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

“Why would I want to see true love prevail for a man you’re on a date with? Some random?”

“I don’t know. Because I want to think that you’re a good guy at the heart of it.”

“And how much money?”

“Maybe a thousand dollars.”

“Athousanddollars?” he yells.

“What? I mean—isn’t it enough that she sits up and thinks,wow, this guy is really trying to impact my life in a positive way?"

"I mean, wouldn't that just mean she's a gold digger?"

"No. I mean, if you don't want to do it, it's fine. It's not like he's the one who had the idea. Just?—"

He lets out a deep sigh. "I'll be there in twenty minutes. Just let me know where you are."

"Oh my gosh. You're going to help?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Wow. Thank you, Tyler."

"It's fine. If you really think this is something that will positively impact their lives, then I'm more than happy to help. But you do know one thing."

"What?" I say.

"It means—it sounds like you're really and truly losing this bet."

"Why would you say that?"

"Maybe because you’re about to send the man you're on a date with into the arms of another woman."

I burst out laughing then. "So he's not the one for me. But you know what, Tyler?"

"No, Erica, what?"

"He does make me believe that the perfect man is out there for me. Because he's on a date with me, and I'm kind of fabulous, and he's talking about her and how he wants to change her life. I can see the love radiating in his eyes. So maybe one day there's going to be a guy out there for me who thinks about me no matter who he's with."

"Yeah, maybe. I mean, hopefully you meet him before time runs out."

"Don't worry, Tyler. I will. And then you'll be eating crow."

"I mean, I'd rather eat something else."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean something that ends in -ssy and doesn't go meow."

"Oh my gosh. You're disgusting."

"Well, I'm just being honest." He laughs. "Text me the details of where you are, and I'll be there soon, okay?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now go in and make that guy's night—even if it's not being with you."

"Yeah. Thanks."