Page 70 of Just My Puck
He grunts, “Guys, this is Grace. Grace, this is everyone.”
Grace, a brunette with hazel eyes, gives us a small wave. Her petite frame contrasts drastically against Wally’s muscular build.
We greet her, and I force a smile despite my shock. I know how intimidating it is to meet the entire gang at once. And it’s not her fault Wally just dropped this bomb on our laps with no warning.
“Grace is my fiancée,” he says, his British accent even more pronounced than usual.
James opens his mouth, but Wally cuts him off.
“I’ll tell you on the bus,” he grumbles, then helps Grace into the bus, stepping in after her.
“Well, this is going to be a fun trip,” Max says, hurrying after them.
Caleb Hawthorne
We landed in Chicago an hour ago, and we’re now hurrying into the arena to escape the bitter Chicago weather. The plane ride was eventful, with Grace telling us the story of how she and Wally got together. After hearing her account, it does make a bit more sense. But mostly, we’re all still in shock. His fiancée is warm and friendly—a lot more outgoing than Wally—although to be fair, he sets the bar pretty low. She immediately clicked with the girls and seems to feel at ease with everyone.
We’re now hanging out at catering, since we arrived a bit early, and my friend Elio walks in with his fiancée, Lucy.
“Hey there!” I call out, a big smile on my face. It’s always a pleasure to see my old friend, who happens to be a Formula 1 driver. Since he lives in Italy, I don’t get to see him often. Adler and I stand up from the table to go greet them. Adler came with me last year to watch the Grand Prix in Italy, so he’s the only one of the group who’s met Lucy and Elio.
“Ciao,” he says, pulling me into a hug. “Good to see you.”
“You too,” I say, then turn to Lucy. “Glad to be back in your hometown?” I ask. “Even with this weather?”
“I have to admit, I’m getting used to the mild weather in Italy,” she says with a chuckle. “But I’m always happy to be back in Chicago. I’m excited to eat my favorite foods, see my friends, and watch some hockey.”
“You’d better root for us tonight,” Adler says, eyebrows raised.
We all laugh, and she shakes her head. Lucy is a big hockey fan, but being a Chicagoan, she usually roots for the Cavaliers.
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes dramatically. “I guess I could make an exception.”
“Great. We’ll get you both some merch,” Adler says with a firm nod, as if to settle the matter.
“Come on. I’ll introduce you to the rest of the group,” I say, walking up to Aria first.
“This is my girlfriend, Aria,” I say, snaking a hand around her waist. “Aria, this is Elio, my friend from summer camp when I was a kid, and his fiancée, Lucy.”
“So,” Elio says, shaking Aria’s hand, “you’re the girl who finally made him stop thinking about nothing other than hockey? Fascinating.”
She giggles, tucking a strand ofhair behind her ear. “Well, we actually met because of hockey, but yes, I guess that’s true.”
“Yeah, we saw the footage,” Lucy says with a shiver. “It was scary. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “I’ve never been better.”
“Gentlemen,” Coach Martin’s voice bellows over the clamor. “Locker room in five minutes.”
“Well, see you after the game,” I tell them. “Hope you all have a good time.”
“See you, bro,” Elio says, slapping my back.
Aria takes my hand. “Have a good game.”
Drawing her into a hug, I kiss her long and hard for good luck before reluctantly pulling away and starting toward the locker room.
“Don’t forget to find them some merch,” Adler calls to the girls, pointing at Elio and Lucy, before we disappear into the corridor.
