Fuck it.
I hit call before I can overthink it.
The phone rings once. Twice. Three times. Maybe he's not going to answer.
“Hello?”
Caden's voice cracks slightly, caught between boyhood and whatever he's becoming. Fifteen. God, he's fifteen already.
“Hey, Caden. It's Liam.”
“I know. Your name came up on my phone.”
I wince. Right. Of course it did. I'm already screwing this up.
“So, I'm in Minneapolis,” I say, forcing myself to sound casual. “The Renegades are playing the Wild tonight.”
“I know. I've been following the games.”
That surprises me. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. You've been playing really well.” There's excitement creeping into his voice now. “That goal you scored against Calgary was insane.”
Pride swells in my chest, unexpected and sharp. “You saw that?”
“Travis and I watched it like ten times. He keeps trying to recreate it in our driveway.”
The image of my twelve-year-old brother attempting my signature move makes me smile. “Tell him to work on his wrist shot first. That's where the power comes from.”
“I will.” Caden pauses.
“I was thinking, if you guys want, I could get tickets to tonight's game. It'll be intense. Good hockey.” I'm talking too fast now, nervous in a way I haven't been since I was a rookie. “And then maybe we could grab dinner after? If you want. No pressure.”
The silence stretches so long I think the call dropped.
Then, “Seriously?”
“Yeah, seriously.”
“Holy shit. I mean, yes. Travis is going to lose his mind.”
The enthusiasm in his voice does something to my chest, makes it tight and warm and uncomfortable in a good way.
“I'll get two tickets under your name.”
“This is so cool. Thank you, Liam. Seriously, thank you.”
“No problem.” I clear my throat. “I'll see you guys tonight then. Game starts at seven, but get there early. You'll want to watch warmups.”
“We will. I promise. Oh my God, I have to go tell Travis. Thanks again!”
He hangs up before I can respond, and I'm left staring at my phone with this stupid grin on my face.
I did it. I reached out, and it didn't completely suck.
Avery is going to be so proud of me.
I'm about to text her when a notification pops. My mentions are blowing up, which isn't unusual, but the tone feels different.
