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I glance at him, smiling.
“For food,” he clarifies with a smile.
“Yes, I am a little hungry. Maybe we can get some snacks with our drinks.”
“Sounds good. Then I’m going to cook for you later?”
My eyes grow wide. Wow, he cooks! “Like you need to ask.” I throw his words back at him, and he laughs.
He squeezes my hand while he drives, and I can’t help but feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now. Having spent this whole day off, not even looking at emails or anything else work-related, has done me wonders.
When we get to Side Alley Wine Bar, which is only a few blocks from the stadium, Ash parks and fishes out his cell for the first time. He tells me he’s had a million missed calls from his dad’s office since this morning, but he’ll call him back later.
I feel bad that he has such a hard time with his dad. I don’t see how you couldn’t get along with someone like Ashton, or be proud of him. He’s achieved so much in his career, and from what I’ve witnessed in the short time I’ve known him, he really is a good guy.
“My Mom tried to call, too,” he says. “I’ll call her back after we settle in.”
I notice people staring at us as soon as we enter the wine bar.
I love the way he takes my hand and leads me inside. Another thing I love is how big he is and how I feel safe and protected with him.
Especially when we walk up to the table where Ty, Cindy, and the girls are all sitting.
I guess it doesn’t escape people’s attention that he and Ty are pretty well known, even when they’re not in their hometown.
Ashton doesn’t even appear to notice as we have a glass of Pinot Grigio, and they talk about the game. I love how he interacts with my friends and makes them feel important when he listens to them talk.
“What did you guys think of the game?” he asks them. “Are either of you ice hockey fans to begin with?”
“I love the game,” Elle says. “I find it exciting.”
“There sure is nothing else like it,” he agrees.
“My boyfriend is going to be so jealous,” Wren says. “I don’t strictly follow the game, but Noah always has it playing in the background.”
“The game with the kids was super cute,” Cindy coos. “You two were awesome.”
I smile, watching how happy she is sitting here with Tyler. From what I know, she’s spent many a time getting it wrong with guys, just like the rest of us.I think there are a few underlying issues there, but Emmerson has never said anything about it to me, nor has Cindy.
I think it’s sweet that she is waiting to get it on with Ty. They look good together.
“How was that kid, Joey, making the same block as you.” Tyson reminisces, shaking his head.
“Gotta love that,” Ashton laughs. “The kid had real gumption, that is for sure.”
“I think it’s cool all you guys came together like that,” I say. “Especially since you play against each other most of the time.”
“So true,” Ashton agrees. “I think Taylor is gonna be bummed Ace Brixton was here and not him.” He glances at me. “They have a rivalry thing,” he tells me.
“Ah.” I nod. “Yeah, I think Em would have loved to have been here, too. She gets in tomorrow.” I glance at Cindy. “How’s Taylor’s Mom doing?” I ask.
“From what I know, she’s good,” Cindy says. “But I think he wants to stay put until everything calms down a little.”
“Scary shit,” Ashton says. “I don’t know what I’d do if my Mom had a cancer scare.” Just as he finishes his sentence, his phone buzzes again. It’s been going off all afternoon. “Speaking of which, Mom’s calling again. I’d better take it,” he says, sliding off his stool.
I watch him walk out to the entrance and look back at my friends.
“Stop for a quickie?” Wren mutters, following where my eye gaze was.
