Page 60 of The Sin Bin

"We've handled the worst cases thanks to you. The rest are stable enough for overnight monitoring." He offered a tired smile. "Besides, someone told me your boyfriend has a big game tonight. Wouldn't want you to miss it."

Lauren blinked, surprised by the casual label. "My boyfriend?"

Grayson's eyebrows rose. "Thompson, right? The hockey player who's been volunteering at Parkside?" At her expression, he chuckled. "Small town, Lauren. People notice when the city's most feared enforcer starts showing up regularly at animal shelters."

"It's... complicated," she hedged, though the term felt less daunting than it would have even a week ago.

"Well, whatever it is, you should go. The team here can handle the follow-up care." He checked his phone. "Game's already started, but you might catch the last two periods."

Lauren hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Call me if anything changes with the Shepherd. I want updates on his condition."

"Will do. Now go—and tell Thompson nice work on that viral fight. My son hasn't stopped talking about it for weeks."

As Lauren hurried to her car, she checked her phone to find multiple texts from both Jax and Stephanie from PR, confirming the intermission interview was still on. She quickly texted Stephanie that she was on her way, then sent Jax a message:

Just finished at the shelter. Three emergency surgeries, but all patients stable. On my way to the arena now.

His reply came moments later:You're amazing. Ticket waiting at will call. Drive safe.

The simple praise warmed her even as she rushed to make herself presentable in the limited time available. A change of clothes in her trunk—the navy dress and structured jacket Barb had recommended, thankfully—and a quick touch-up in the rearview mirror would have to suffice.

Traffic around the arena was heavy, but Lauren navigated it with growing familiarity, finding her way to the staff parking area where Stephanie had arranged a spot for her. As she hurried toward the entrance, her phone buzzed with a news alert.

BREAKING: Charm City Chill Enforcer Jax Thompson's Girlfriend Identified as Local Veterinarian

Lauren froze, opening the alert to find a hastily written article accompanied by a photo of her and Jax at the casino night, clearly taken by another attendee. The headline made her stomach clench:

FROM FIGHTING TO FUR BABIES: THOMPSON'S UNLIKELY ROMANCE

She skimmed the article, her unease growing with each paragraph:

...sources close to the team confirm Thompson has been spending significant time at local animal shelters, a stark contrast to his on-ice reputation as one of the league's most feared enforcers...

...Dr. Lauren Mackenzie, a veterinarian at New Haven Emergency Veterinary Clinic, has been linked romantically to Thompson following multiple sightings together...

...Thompson's violent altercation with Philadelphia's Brady Wilson last month raised questions about the league's continued tolerance for fighting, with some analysts speculating that his new relationship might be an attempt to soften his image ahead of contract negotiations...

Lauren closed the article, her chest tight. The timing couldn't be worse—published just hours before their official appearance together at the game. And the insinuation that their relationship was some kind of PR move to rehabilitate Jax's image felt both insulting and uncomfortably pointed.

Too late to back out now. Lauren pushed the article from her mind and hurried inside, where Stephanie Ellis was waiting with barely concealed relief.

"Dr. Mackenzie, thank goodness you made it," she said, ushering Lauren through security. "I was getting worried we'd need to adjust the intermission segment."

"Sorry about cutting it close," Lauren apologized. "Emergency case at the shelter. Three surgeries back-to-back."

Something like genuine respect flickered across Stephanie's professional facade. "That's actually remarkable. I'm sure Jax will be relieved you made it." She handed Lauren a laminated pass. "This will get you to your seat. Alicia will find you before second intermission for the interview prep."

Lauren nodded, suddenly acutely aware of the glances from arena staff as she followed Stephanie through the concourse. People were looking at her differently—some with curiosity, others with recognition, a few with barely disguised scrutiny.

"Have you seen the article?" she asked Stephanie quietly.

The PR director's hesitation was answer enough. "Unfortunately, yes. Some reporter jumped the gun ahead of tonight's official announcement. Not ideal timing, but not unexpected either." She offered a practiced smile. "Don't worry about it. Just focus on the service dog program during the interview."

As they reached Lauren's section, Stephanie lowered her voice. "One piece of advice—the camera catches everything. Whatever is or isn't between you and Jax, people will be watching for it tonight."

With that sobering reminder, Lauren made her way to her seat, where Barb was already waiting, an enormous pretzel in one hand and a beer in the other.

"You made it!" Barb exclaimed, giving her a quick once-over. "Nice dress choice. How were the surgeries?"

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