“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world! Celebrating with my best friend after his very first win! I mean, you got your very first professional goal tonight. I couldn’t be prouderofyou.”
“Come here, I want you to meet the team.” Gavin took me by the hand and started introducing me to all the Otters players I didn’talreadyknow.
“And lastly, this is Will Crosby. He’s a newguytoo.”
Will took my hand. “Jordan, apleasure.”
I was in awe from the second our skin touched. His dark green eyes, tall, broad build, all the tattoos, his crooked smile and perfect teeth—I was a goner right then andthere.
“I’ll be right back. Anyone else need a drink?” Gavin inquired, and we both asked for newbeverages.
“So, what position do you play?” I I asked trying to keep the conversation moving. I needed to get to know this guy, he was a goddamn dream boat that I wanted to take foraride.
“Goalie. I wanted some ice time tonight, but Fisher was on fire and I didn’t blame Coach one bit for keeping in him for that shutouttonight.”
“It was a pretty awesome game. I got to watch most of it while I wasworking.”
He leaned against the high-top table behind him. “So, Gavin and you are childhoodfriends?”
I nodded. “How’dyouknow?”
“Gavin was so excited for you to come hang out tonight. His girlfriend couldn’t even be bothered, so good job cheeringhimup.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, Marsheila can be a little self-absorbed.”
He scoffed. “Just a little. I’ve been hanging out with Gavin since we both joined this team weeks ago and I have yet to even see her call him, let alonemeether.”
“You know how snobby actresses are—can’t be bothered with much other than what will benefit theircareers.”
“Actually, I have no idea what A-listers are like. I’m from a small town and this is all new to me.” He twirled his finger around while flashing a killer smile at me that made mykneesweak.
“How are you liking the big citysofar?”
“My girlfriend is liking a hell of a lot more thanIam.”
Girlfriend – fucking fantastic. Why do all the hot ones always havesomeone?
“I’m sure you’ll end up loving it. There is always something to do and somewheretogo.”
“Yeah, I am slowly figuringthatout.”
“Is this guy bothering you?” Gavin teased as he us again and we went on talking about the game andtheteam.
As Mylaand I went back out into the bar, something felt off. We went over to where Sean and Jessica sat with Griffin and his face said it all—he was panicking aboutsomething.
Within minutes we were closing out our tabs and piling into taxis to go to the hospital. Once Will and I were crammed into the back seat with Gavin and Myla, she explained, “Griffin’s girl, Olive, was in an accident. It wasreallybad.”
That was all she had to say. We were all a big family, and family sticks together through thickandthin.
Griffin and Gavin went straight to the nurses’ station to find out where Olive’sroomwas.
“Did anyone get ahold of Shaw?” Griffin asked as we squished into the elevator to head up to herfloor.
Myla whipped out her phone. “I’ll call Simonrightnow.”
Apparently, while I was intoxicated by Crosby in our love-drunk display of public affection, the two GBFs had been hitting it off back at Simon’sapartment.
Myla left the details of the situation on Simon’s voicemail. “I hope he checksitsoon.”