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“You look as overwhelmed as I feel,” Evie tells Rori.
“Oh God. It’s that noticeable?” Rori asks.
“Not really. I’m sensitive to it, though, because we’ve been together for a few months and I haven’t been to many team events yet,” Evie explains.
“This is my first and maybe my last,” Rori jokes.
“Evie’s dad is the head coach of our team,” I explain to Rori.
“Really?”
Evie laughs. “Really. It was rough at first, to say the least, but he seems to have accepted the situation now.”
I squeeze her hand. “And you thought our situation was tough.”
Evie tips her head questioningly. “What’s your situation like?”
“Back in college I used to date her older sister.”
“Oh, boy,” Evie says.
“Yeah, it’s not an ideal situation,” Rori mentions.
“Hey, Cap, you made it,” Murphy calls out, beaming from ear to ear.
“Like we’d miss it. Happy Birthday.”
“Thanks. Hey, Rori.”
“Hi, Murphy. Happy Birthday.” She smiles at him.
“I need a hug for it to truly be happy.” He holds his arms out to her and I catch hold of his arm, spinning him in my direction and into my arms.
“If you wanted to dance with me Cap, all you had to do was ask,” Murphy says, and we all laugh.
“Where’s your sidekick?” Rori asks.
“Ryder? He’s in the kitchen eating all the food.”
Darius lets out a quick laugh. “My sister catered the party, and her cooking is notoriously good. In fact, if you want something to eat, you better head that way.”
“What do you say? Are you hungry?” I ask her.
“A little.”
“We’ll catch up with you all in a bit,” I say to the group. We head toward the kitchen, but we get waylaid multiple times by some of my other teammates and their spouses. Some of Murphy’s college friends are here as well as some of his family. It’s a good turnout and I’m glad to see it. Murphy can come across as silly or even unintelligent, but if I had to bet money on it, I’d say it’s all a front. I’ve seen him break down hockey defenses and recite hockey stats like a goddamn genius.
When we finally reach the kitchen, Ryder really is shoveling food into his mouth at a fast pace.
“Hey, bro,” I say.
“Hi,” he answers with his mouth full.
Rori giggles. “Hey, Ryder.”
This time he waits until he’s swallowed to reply. “Hey, Rori. It’s nice to see you.”
“Thanks. You too.” She waves her index finger toward the food. “So, what’s good?”
