Page 38 of Game Misconduct

“Thanks, man,” Parker said quietly as he lifted the menu.

AJ nodded once and slid his closer. “I know you’re new here, but you’re a pretty big deal already.”

He was? I didn’t follow sports news, or really local news for that matter, so I was fairly naive to how famous any of the guys from the team were. Did most people recognize him?

“I don’t know about that.” Parker ducked lower.

A week ago, I would have thought this was false modesty, but I knew him better now. He really didn’t think he was a big deal. He was too shy to ever admit that. I was pretty sure if he could play hockey without any of the cameras, fans, or notoriety, he would. He was one of the few guys on the team that was a true introvert.

“So what’s good here?” I asked, hoping to change the topic before Parker slid under the table and made a run for it. Kerry had asked if we had a preference for tonight, but I told her since Parker was new here and had been trying my usual picks to choose one of her favorites.

I’d been to this steakhouse once before, but it was a bit heavy for my taste. I didn’t like leaving a meal feeling bloated and full to capacity.

“The steaks are all great, obviously, but I love their shrimp. It’s served with the most delicious sauce,” Kerry replied.

I scanned the options and found the grilled shrimp. “Sounds good.”

“The ribeye is my favorite,” AJ added.

“Oh, man. My mouth’s watering,” Parker said.

Our waiter came and didn’t give our group a second glance. It was a strange feeling, studying everyone around us for reactions. Did Parker do this too, or was he used to it? I leaned over to ask at the same time he moved closer to me, making us nearly bump heads.

“Oh.” I dipped back, and he grinned.

“Sorry, I was going to ask if you’ve had the sweet potatoes before. I’m not sure if I’d like the pecans,” he asked in a whisper.

I shook my head. “I haven’t.” I read the description and shrugged. “It’s probably good.”

“I recommend the creamed spinach as well,” AJ said.

Parker's face pinched in a disgusted frown behind his menu, and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

By the time the waiter returned with our drinks, we managed to figure out what we wanted, and he disappeared swiftly once again.

“AJ, what do you do for a living?” I asked.

“I’m an accountant.”

Well, there went the hope for that being a conversation point. It was one of the few jobs, much like mine, that no one ever asked follow-up questions about.

“That’s impressive,” Parker said, sounding completely genuine. “I’m horrible with numbers. I could never do what you do.”

AJ’s face lit up. “Same.”

It only took one second before Parker burst out laughing. “Fair point. It’s a good thing we all have different talents.”

AJ laughed along with him, and Kerry beamed at me. I wasn’t sure how this evening would go, but the guys seemed to be hitting it off. Maybe Parker didn’t struggle with making new friends as much as he thought. He needed to give himself more credit.

“What do you do outside of work?” Parker asked.

“I’m a bit of a gamer,” AJ admitted, looking slightly embarrassed.

“What do you play?” I asked.

“Some video games, but I have a group I play dungeons and dragons with every week. We’ve been getting together since our sophomore year of college,” he answered.

“Wow. Really? That’s awesome.” Parker leaned forward. “Do you guys write any of your own campaigns?”