Page 24 of Common Goal
“And,” Kip continued, “I’m not kidding about him wanting you there. I think he really likes you. You guys have some things in common.”
“Right.” Eric wasdivorced.
“I know he’s, like, old. But he mostly hangs out with twenty-something-year-old hockey players. He’s cool.”
“He’s divorced?” Kyle asked, to make sure.
“Totally. It wasn’t even messy. I think they just grew apart. But Eric is a great guy. Not the life of the party, but a good person for sure.”
“He still wears his wedding ring.”
“Huh? He does?”
“Yes. He was wearing it at the bar the other night. And at your engagement party.”
“Really? That’s weird. Maybe Scott knows why.”
“Don’t ask him.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s none of my business.” Kyle sighed. “Why am I even invited to this? Is it going to be all hockey players?”
“No! I mean...mostly, yeah. But Maria is going!”
“So she can look at Matti Jalo.”
“Look, we’reallgoing to be looking at Matti Jalo. Let’s get real here.”
“I’m not because I’m not going.”
“Oh right. So who’s your date with?”
“Just a guy. You don’t know him. Whatever. He probably won’t even show up.”
There was silence, and then Kip said, “You don’t have a date, do you?”
“Of course I do. Why is that so hard to believe? I’m a catch.”
Kip laughed. “I know. Honestly, I hope you do have a date. And that it’s with the most amazing man on earth.”
“Thanks.”
“But if youdon’thave a date...”
“God, would you stop? Put Scott on the phone. I’d rather talk to him.”
“I can’t. He’s in St. Louis.”
“Oh.”
“Hey, do you want to come over? I’m super bored and totally alone and we could watch a movie or something.”
Holy shit no.
“Aw, I can’t. Sorry.”
“Another date?”
