Page 57 of Game Misconduct

“You’re missing out,” he commented. “So, Mitch tells me you’re new to the world of hockey. What did you watch before?”

I hesitated. “Like what shows or movies?”

“No, what sport?”

I shook my head. “I’ve never really been into sports before now.”

He cocked his head. “Not football?”

“Nope.”

“Baseball?”

“No.”

“Basketball?”

“Not that either.”

“Huh.” He seemed genuinely perplexed. “So no boxing then, either.”

“No, I’ve never seen a single match.”

“That’s too bad.” He took a big gulp of his drink and smacked his lips. “Nothing better than finishing a long day with a good beer and a good game.”

I had no idea what to say. Was this the right person? Mitch really thought he and I would get along? Five minutes together, and I was ready to leave.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out enough to text Jess that I was alive. Ezra didn’t even notice. He was still talking about all the benefits of sports programming.

“What do you do for a living?” I interrupted. I didn’t want to be rude, but if this night could be salvaged, I was going to try.

“I’m a warehouse manager, but my passion is restoring old motorcycles. I was actually working on an Indian before I came over.”

That explained the oil smell.

“One day I want to open my own shop.”

“That’s very cool. How did you get––”

“Game’s on!” he shouted, cutting me off. He was staring behind me, and I looked over my shoulder to see a massive flat screen with Parker’s face in the center.

Was the universe against me? They were talking about the rising star of the Fury and what they expected to see from him tonight.

Was it a sign?

Maybe this was the universe’s way of screaming at me that all I needed and wanted was right in front of my face. Literally.

My next two attempts at conversation were ignored since Ezra was so enthralled by the game, screaming and cursing at the refs as if they could hear him in Florida. Finally, I gave up and placed a five-dollar bill on the table for my drink.

“It was nice meeting you, but I have an early day tomorrow.”

It was only seven, but I didn’t care.

He grunted as the only acknowledgment he might have heard me, and I picked up my purse and hurried out.

This was all a waste. A huge mistake.

I didn’t need to date someone else to know how I felt. I didn’t need to see how awful things could be to know how lucky I was to have Parker in my life.