Page 39 of Game Misconduct

AJ shifted, sitting up straighter. “Yeah, we usually take turns.”

“That’s so cool. I played a bit back in high school with some kids on my team. We had to travel a lot on buses so that’s how we passed the time.”

I watched them discuss the game but couldn’t participate. I knew nothing about it, but I was glad they had something to bond over.

Kerry caught my eye and raised a brow.

I smiled and mouthed, “I like him.”

She grinned back. “Me too.”

“Vivian, did you know much about hockey before meeting Parker?” AJ asked.

“A bit. My roommate is dating another guy on the team, so I’ve been going to games with her since December.”

His brows rose, “Is that how you two met?”

Parker and I shared an amused look. “We were both helping my roommate set up for an event she planned the first time we met. Then the guys had a dinner party at my apartment, and we got to talk to each other a bit more there.”

“And that’s when I decided I wanted to be friends with her.” Parker looked at me with true admiration in his eyes. “I watched her go from person to person, talking and laughing like it was the easiest thing in the world. I struggle with that, personally, so I really admired her. Then I noticed how much everyone liked her, and I decided I was obviously missing out, so I hunted her down and made her be my friend.”

AJ laughed, but I spoke up. “He’s not exaggerating. He really did.”

“She is amazing,” Kerry interrupted. “I’m glad you realized that so quickly.”

“I have.” Parker smiled at me, making my heart tingle with something unfamiliar. “She’s the first person I’ve met that I don’t feel like I have to try when I’m around her.”

That was so similar to what Mitch told me. I never realized people saw me that way. I hoped to be seen as friendly and approachable, but this was the second time in a few days that it was so openly confirmed and by two reserved men. My heart threatened to burst with happiness.

As touched as I was, I didn’t feel like I really knew Parker yet. He was private and very much lived in his head, but I wanted him to let me in. I wanted to know more about him. He’d answered every question I asked him the night we had dinner and watched that awful movie. Maybe that was the best way to get him to open up. I couldn’t wait for him to start talking. I had to be direct.

“I feel that way about Kerry.” AJ took her hand and kissed the back of it, making my friend blush bright red.

“Oh, stop,” she gushed.

I peeked up at Parker, and he was smiling, watching them. Did he want that? A relationship? He never mentioned his dating life. That was another question I’d have to add to my growing list.

“Parker, where are you from?” Kerry asked.

“I was born and raised in Toronto, but once I got into the major juniors, I moved to Nova Scotia.”

She nodded. “So is that where your parents live now?”

“No.” His smile flickered. “I lived with a host family while I was there. My parents still live in Toronto.”

“Really? How old were you when you moved?” AJ asked.

“Sixteen,” he answered.

“Wow, that’s so young.” Kerry put her hand over her heart. “I don’t think I could have done that.”

“Me either,” AJ agreed.

“I had a pretty good idea that was where my career was headed to the professional level, so I was prepared for it. I was lucky to make it onto a team.”

My mind drifted to where I was at sixteen. An insecure, self-loathing girl that was lost and didn’t have a plan or passion for anything. I was merely struggling to make it through each day. There was no way I could have made life-altering decisions at that age. His dedication matured him far beyond his years.

Even now, we were the same age, but he seemed far more experienced and seasoned in life.