Page 12 of Game Misconduct

“And that’s because the women got involved,” Lance pointed out.

“Yeah,” Jason admitted. “They do tend to insert themselves in our personal lives.”

Dani and Jess shared a grin. I glanced at Viv, but she was focused on picking onions off her pizza. Was she included in that group?

“So, get yourself a girlfriend, and the team will accept you as one of their own.” Jake smiled at Dani.

“That’s true. The Pride is more powerful than any of you could ever wish to be,” Dani remarked.

“I have one!” Lance pointed at Jess who leaned back to avoid getting hit in the face.

“And I’m good friends with them. Thanks for that.” She winked and took a big bite of her pizza.

“But I’m still treated like a peripheral player,” Lance complained.

“Maybe that’s a problem that can only be fixed on the ice,” Jake pointed out.

Lance glared. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jake shrugged.

I watched them like it was a tennis match, hitting words back and forth. This was a part of the team dynamic that would take time to understand. I didn’t want to be too nosy when this sounded like a personal problem with Lance.

“Murray and Schultz and Hartman care about what you do during a game. You’ll earn their respect there, not at some dinner party,” Jason said.

“That’s true,” Mitch said with a nod.

“What are you talking about?” Lance asked him. “You’ve never been to one of their parties.”

He rubbed his beard. “Doesn’t mean I’ve never been invited.”

Lance leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

“I get an email or text about them occasionally, but I just don’t like socializing with the team on my time off,” Mitch explained while Lance looked like his head was going to explode.

“Why not?”

“I’m with you all nearly every day. We practice, train, travel, and have games that take up most of my life. Why would I want to be around you even more? I go to team events and birthdays, but anything nonessential, I sit out.”

Jason agreed. “That’s how I felt before Taylor.”

Lance huffed and leaned back.

“Don’t pout. We’ll help you make friends.” Jess patted his shoulder.

“You can use our apartment as much as you need,” Viv said with a touch of humor in her voice. “We don’t want you left out of the sandbox with the cool kids.”

Lance glared at her, and Mikey poked him in the ribs with his elbow.

“Thanks,” he finally choked out.

“Oh. We’ve got to go,” Dani said to Jess. She checked her phone and jumped up.

“Thanks again, you guys!” Jess waved as they rushed out of the room.

This whole conversation was bizarre, but I learned more about the inner workings of the team in one meal than I would have in months of practice. I just wasn’t sure where I wanted to fit in.

Five