Page 27 of Scoring Chance

“What sounds good to you, Aston?” Hartman called out.

It took me a moment to realize he was actually asking for my opinion. I didn’t pay attention to what the rest of the guys were voting for so I took a chance. “Chinese sounds good. We haven’t been to Joy Luck in a while.”

He turned around and the rest bench seemed to agree. “Sounds good. When we get back in, I’ll text Kendall so she can call in an order while we shower.”

His inclusion wasn’t completely out of the norm, but the ease and getting through it without a single heckle from the other guys definitely was. I wasn’t going to over analyze it now though. I would take a win whenever I could get it.

The final whistle sounded, and the horns and lights went off signaling our win. The guys went around bumping fists and a few spread out for interviews while the rest of us headed into the tunnel and back to the locker room.

Coach Rust followed us since Romney had to head to the press conference that always followed.

“Great game, Fury. Everyone pulled their weight. Kozlov and Murray, great job on those assists, and congratulations to Malkin for his hat trick.”

I looked around for Noah but he was probably being interviewed.

“Enjoy the day off. We’re heading out Saturday morning to Phoenix.” He clapped a few times before the rest of us joined in.

The team dispersed some heading to the showers and some to the training room to stretch. Since I hadn’t played, I opted for a short shower before changing back into my suit.

When I was done, I looked around for Hartman. He had just gotten back in and was sitting on the bench in front of his locker.

“Hey do you need me to pick up the food?”

He glanced up from his phone. “No, Kendall and Lucy are grabbing it on the way to Olli’s house.”

“Sounds good.” I turned to head out to the hall.

“See you there,” he called out.

I waved over my shoulder and rounded the corner. The hall was packed with members of the press as well as members of the Fury organization. I noticed a few of the women of the Pride hanging out toward the back by the elevators. A pang of jealousy always hit when I saw them. I wanted someone to be waiting for me.

I paused when I saw Addi and Elena talking. “Hey are you guys heading over to Olli and Emma’s?”

They both glanced up at the same time. “Yeah, we’re just waiting for the guys. Neither of them drove so I’m the ride,” Addi replied with a teasing smile.

I smirked. “So, if you leave, they’re on their own?”

Elena giggled. “They could walk back to either of their cars, but I have a feeling we wouldn’t like the pay back.”

Addi nodded. “Yeah that’s not something I want to experience.”

“Where’s Eli?” I looked around for her little boy but didn’t see him.

“Amelia offered to take him on a walk. He was getting a little fussy.”

I didn’t know who I was more disappointed in missing. I had been an idiot when I told Grant he dodged a bullet not having to take care of Eli. He stole my heart the first time I got to spend time with him. Not only was he a cute kid but I could see how much he loved Grant. It was almost as much as Grant loved him. He might not be his dad biologically, but everyone could tell they were made for each other.

I wanted to see Amelia, too. I figured she would be coming over for dinner, but I hoped to ask her personally.

“Would you mind finding her? I was going to see if you could give her a ride over since we walked and there isn’t room with the car seat,” Elena asked in a casual tone, but I swore I saw a glimmer in her eyes.

What was she up to?

“Sure, I’ll try.” I walked away before either of them could reply. Did Amelia tell her sister about our lunch? I didn’t think she would tell her what we talked about. She already proved she wouldn’t share my secrets at the first chance. I really appreciated that. I knew how much the women loved to gossip, and it was probably tempting to join in with what I’d told her. It made me respect her. After she told me what she’d been through, I had a feeling she trusted me and I wanted her to know I felt the same.

I wandered the halls until I heard the jabbering of my favorite little boy. “Hey, Eli!”

He was standing with his hands up on the wall in front of him, using it to balance as he walked sideways toward where Amelia was squatting a few feet away. His gummy smile lit up his face. I wanted to swoop in and pick him up, but I saw the determination on his face to get to Amelia.