Page 61 of Trick Play

She chuckled. “We did look at some places there, but the one we agreed on is a bit more affordable and checks all the boxes, so we’ll give it a shot.”

“Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Oh right, because teams always have time to stroll the area before games.”

I’d make it work. “Good point.” I laughed with her. “So you have a job and everything all waiting?”

“I’m in the final interview stage, but I have a good feeling about two of them. It will come down to the offers.”

She was so confident. So in control of her life. I envied that.

“And Lauren?”

“She’s in the same boat. We’re planning on staying here for a couple of years, getting our resumes to a point where we can move on.”

She slowed as we approached Veteran’s Bridge to take us into the city. My heart lifted at the sight of the river and golden bridges on either side of us. Each one unique, similar yet different from its neighbor.

This wasn’t my city. I didn’t grow up here and shouldn’t feel that strong of an attachment, but I did. Each time I came, I was shocked by the sense of community and pride. It wasn’t just for the three sports teams, although there wasn’t a shortage of that. It was how you felt a part of something … bigger when you were here. The people were friendly and wanted you to feel included too. It was vaguely like being in high school and having school pride. The steel city had changed over the years but never lost its heart.

Then there were the teams. The city was a sea of black and yellow. The most supportive fans any player could hope for. Even hockey, which often went overlooked in areas where the football, basketball, and baseball teams were somewhat decent.

Pittsburgh had three amazing professional teams, yet they all thrived under the love from their city.

I could only hope one day I’d be on a team with such a loyal fan base.

“Do you or the guys have any dream teams?”

This was something we’d discussed before, back in high school, but I liked that she was asking me now. It felt like a fresh start, even for the day.

“Yes and no. It’s dangerous to hope for one team when we have so little control. I think we’d all be happy anywhere we can get playing time. Chances are we’ll get sent to the farm teams to keep improving, but it would be amazing to get to play in the NHL in our first season.”

“Europe is becoming more of a serious contender. Would you be disappointed if you went there?”

Her navigation system interrupted, giving us the final directions to a parking garage.

“I just want to play. There are more and more players that go there, really refine their skills, and get picked up back here, so I’m not against it.”

“That would be quite the adventure.” She smiled.

Yes, it would be.

She parked, and I went to open the door when she spoke again. “Can we try something today?”

I turned to face her. “What do you mean?”

“When we get out of the car, we leave everything behind. While we’re out, we’re two college students working on a project. That’s it.”

“Two friendly college students?”

The corner of her mouth lifted. “Two friendly classmates with no history.”

I pretended to think about it, but honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything better. “I think I can do that.”

“Good.” She smiled then got out and opened the rear door, pulling on her thick coat before taking out a backpack and slinging it over her shoulders. “So, did you have one bridge in mind, or do you want to try a few and see where inspiration calls?”

I zipped my coat up and slid a beanie on. “I’d like to start with the Sixteenth Street Bridge, but we can do as many as you want.”

As we stepped out onto the sidewalk and got our bearings, I watched her. She wanted to pretend we didn’t have any history, but if I was only her partner on a class assignment, I’d spend the entire day flirting and trying to charm her into agreeing to a date. She was beautiful and smart and funny, how could I possibly resist? No guy could.