Page 19 of Until He Scores

“Yes, I do. I know lots of people, kid. Perks of being in the NHL for years. Kind of comes with the territory.” I shoved my hands into my pockets, cringing a little because I’d thrown around my status. I hated players who did that shit—name dropped and acted better than everyone else.

Arrogance at its finest. But that was my opinion.

“I bet you tell the best stories,” Christopher said. “Anyway, you down? Want to eat food with us?”

“Sure,” I replied. “Why not. Who all is coming?”

“Me and Richard. Some of the guys give us a wide berth because of our ages. I’m eighteen and Richard is nineteen. We go to school at the community college because we can’t play here and for U of T. If we wanted to do that, we’d have to continue in a junior league and that ain’t happening.” He shrugged.

“I understand. I played for Tennessee and played for Team USA because of those by-laws. But it was worth it. Seeing as you’re both here, and you have a plan, that’s what works for you.” I lifted my chin to my truck, “who am I following?”

“Me. I drove us here,” Christopher said. “See you there?”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

Chapter 8

Thierry

An hour later, we were atFlameand sat at a nice booth away from all the hustle and bustle of the early dinner crowd. I tucked into my training approved meal while both boys ate like they had hollow stomachs and third legs.Ah, to be so young again.A pang of longing hit me as a memory of Pope and me filled my mind before I could squash it. We were ten, eating pizza and watching stupid Halloween B-movies in the dark—like always. We had the entire basement to ourselves. No curfew. No rules. It was the last time we’d been able to have that kind of fun before the season started, and we had to be in the zone.

It was one of the best nights of my life, too. I don’t think either of us slept and when we did; it was only to recharge. Few hours later we’d grab a cold slice of pizza then watch another movie.

“Uh, Thierry?” Christopher said, tugging me back to the present. “You good?”

“Sorry, I was thinking about how much I missed hanging out with my friends. I guess I got a little too busy,” I lied, covering for my spacing out.

“Right?” he said. “I agree. It’s why we do this at least once a week.”

A frown pulled at my mouth. Didn’t they have more friends than just each other? A knot formed in my chest. I didn’t want to narc them out to Alexander, but I couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the guys being left out than just their age.

“Well, as I live and breathe,” Mack said, joining us at the table. “Mindy said you were here. It’s good to see you again, Thierry.”

“Likewise.” I motioned to the restaurant. “This place just keeps getting better every time I step foot inside.” The ambiance was nice. Not too loud and not too bright. There was privacy without appearing closed off and cold. Even the bar had picked up the longer we sat there.

Pride beamed from Mack as he nodded. “When I opened the restaurant, I knew it would be the “it” place to be in Nashville. Every month we’re exceeding my expectations.” He glanced at the guys with me. “Teammates?”

“Yes. Christopher Murphy and Richard Sharpe,” I said, introducing them. “They’re our rookies this year.”

Mack shook their hands. “Any friend of Thierry is a friend of mine. It’s good to meet you boys.”

“You’re the guy with the banging wife who rebuilds classic cars.” The awe and wonder in Christopher’s voice as he stared at Mack had me swallowing down a chuckle. “Er, sorry. But your wife is hot. Anyway, my dad owns the shop where she gets some of the machine stuff done on the engines she rebuilds.”

“The place on Baker?” Mack quirked a brow.

Christopher grinned. “Yep. That’s his shop!”

“Interesting.” Mack cut his gaze toward me. “Anyway, enjoy your meal.” He turned to leave then stopped, glancing over his shoulder. “Hey Thierry, why don’t you walk with me for a minute.”

I excused myself from the table, not sure why Mack wanted me to join him. “What’s going on?”

“Are you coming to the party Friday night?”

“Kind of got bullied into it by Wes,” I said. “I figured if I didn’t show, he’d send one of those mean biker assholes to find me.”

Mack chuckled. “Yes, he would. We’ll see you there, then. I’ll introduce you to my banging wife.”

I snorted a laugh. “It’s weird being here after leaving theThunderbirds.”

---