Page 4 of Game Changer

“What?”

“What, what?”

“I know you, Pim. You have a look.”

“I like her eyes.”

“That’s not all you like.”

AJ didn’t reply. He locked his phone, tucked it into his pocket and stared out the window, smiling at the all-too-appropriate nickname. Pim, short for “penalty infraction minutes” or “penalty minutes” as it had become known over the years, was a nickname AJ’s sister, Ana, had taken to calling him when they were younger. It wasn’t one of those ironic nicknames where you call a giant guy “Smalls”, instead, considering how often he graced the bench in the box, it was completely appropriate and had stuck around.

Don’t let him suck you into his girl-drama again. You may make a good wing-man, but he makes a terrible Batman.

What harm would it do? She’s thousands of miles away.

If you talk to her, you absolutely can’t catch feelings. Britt’s crazy idea to get married so she can stay in the U.S. is looking less crazy by the day.

Britt was his best friend from Canada where AJ had spent most of his childhood. She was a Canadian native who was quickly coming to the end of her legal right to remain in the United States. They lived together in student accommodation within walking distance of campus, but there had never been anything romantic between them. She’d suggested that AJ should marry her to allow her permanent residency in the US. He’d assumed it was a joke, except, she really hadn’t been joking. In fact, she’d been deadly serious and had since repeated her suggestion, no fewer than three hundred times. The more he mulled it over, the less insane the idea had seemed. Her dad had all but guaranteed him a good job with one of the major league teams. He’d also dangled a substantial amount of cash in front of AJ’s nose if he were to ‘help out’. While he wasn’t as interested in the cash, the security and certainty that could come from such an established position right out of the college graduation gate was sorely tempting. AJ was more than a little confused at the entire scenario, he couldn’t figure out why her dad wouldn’t just tell her to get a job and figure out an alternative route to citizenship, or go home to Canada. But, then again, AJ never professed to understand the inner workings of his best friend’s mind.

You don’t have the time, energy or space for a new woman in your life. Especially if you’re seriously considering marrying Britt – even if it’s not a real marriage. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone else. Yup, best just leave well alone, even if she does have stunning eyes and a smile that could light up half of Alabama.

And those curves…

Snap out of it. You can’t. Britt, your best friend in the entire universe, needs you. Plus, that pesky ocean would mean you couldn’t even get laid. Put the pretty Irish girl out of your mind.

“Are you gonna spend practice in the car?”

“I didn’t realize we were here already.”

“Who knew Irish eyes could be so captivating, eh?” Jeremy grinned as he closed the car door.

***

Practice was tough. AJ was tired and his shoulder ached. He’d sustained an injury that would likely need surgery to fix, but as he wasn’t planning on going pro, it wasn’t going to hinder his career. He was in denial about the surgery and continued to push himself, despite knowing he’d inevitably need an ice bath and painkillers when he got home. Try as he might, his mind kept straying to the pretty Irish girl, throwing him off his game.

“I can’t help but feel like your mind isn’t on practice, Pim.” Jeremy taunted as he skated next to him. “Is it possible that a certain Irish lass has your attention? Or are you coming down with something? Should we find a doctor to check you over on the way home? You know, as team captain, it’s my duty to know the condition of all of my players. If you need medical attention –”

“Shut up!” AJ huffed as he skated away from Jeremy.

I think I’m going to have to talk to this girl.

***

As he sat icing his shoulder, unable to stop himself from thinking about the girl with the bottomless blue eyes, AJ picked up his phone to text Jeremey.

AJ: Fine, I’ll talk to her. Group chat. Thirty minutes.

Jeremy: I knew she’d get under your skin.

AJ: I’m curious. That’s all. Shut the hell up gloating or I’ll say no.

Jeremy: Suuuuure you will. Thirty minutes – I’m sure cupid’s arrow can strike even you within a thirty-minute conversation. Gotcha. You free in an hour?

AJ: Can be.

***

14:31 Lisa Millar: Hello? Tap, tap, tap – is this thing on?

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