Page 76 of Pieces of Us
“Good.” He leans in. “Word is Stephanie wanted us to make the new team members feel more included, so concentrate your time there. Just find me when we sit down for dinner.”
“Sounds good. I’ll go make a round, then.”
I walk over to where two of our newest team members are talking. Gwen and Heath joined us about three months ago and tend to stay in their own world.
“Hey, Gwen, Heath. Glad you’re both here.”
Heath shakes my hand. “It’s good to be here. I’m glad Stephanie put this together.”
I nod. “We’ve been busy the past few weeks, so it’s been hard to get to know you guys at the office.”
“Hi, Linc.” Gwen extends her hand.
“Hey, Gwen. How are you liking being with the Bruins so far?”
She smiles. “It’s been great. I’ve loved hockey since I was a girl, so working with a team was always a goal of mine.”
Heath excuses himself to get a drink, leaving me with Gwen.
“Are you originally from Boston?”
She shakes her head. “No, Chicago.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Not at all. I’ve had fun here so far.”
“That’s good.” I hate small talk. A server passes by, and I order a ginger ale.
“So, you’re going to be a dad? I saw you showing ultrasound pictures at the office.”
“I am. We have about three months until the baby’s here.”
“That’s so sweet. You and your girlfriend must be so excited.”
“We are.” I don’t correct her; it’s easier that way. I thank the server as they hand me my soda.
“How long have you been together?”
I pause, deciding to tell the truth. “Oh, we’re not actually together.” I take a sip of my drink, looking around the room for a different group I can go talk to. Gwen’s nice enough, but it’s difficult to talk about Mel and I’s situation. Some people don’t understand it.
“Oh, sorry I assumed. So, you’re single?”
“I guess.” I see Stephanie come into the room. “Nice speaking with you, Gwen. I’m going to go say hi to Stephanie before dinner.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Linc.”
Dinner was easy, and it was nice to begin to mesh the new people with the more tenured. Barry and I sat with Heath, andhe seems like a nice enough guy. He is eager to get involved and to learn, so Barry and I agreed to take him under our wing on a social media campaign we’re starting for the upcoming season.
We’re all getting ready to leave when Gwen approaches me. “Hey, Linc, if you’re not rushing home, Laura and I are going to go grab drinks after this. You’re welcome to come along.”
Why does this feel odd? It’s probably completely innocent, but I don’t feel comfortable hanging out with two women by myself.
Barry comes up behind me. “Linc, are you coming out for a drink with us?”
“You’re going?” If Barry’s there, I might not feel out of place.
“I am. It’s too early to call it a night. You should come. I feel like you haven’t been out in ages.”
