Part of me can’t believe I’m here. Dressed in a little black dress, surrounded by Seattle’s hockey elite and their plus-ones. I feel a little strange, like I’m invading a circle of friends I have no right to. Maybe it’s because these are Jason’s teammates, and their wives and fiancées. And since I’m no longer tied to Jason, I forfeited the right to be part of this group. But here they are, accepting me with kind smiles and warm hugs, and I’m grateful. I don’t feel quite so alone.
When Grant asked me to attend as his date, I gave him a confused look. Then he stammered out something about driving separately, and I assumed he meant as friends. Still, I’m glad he invited me. The gala is being put on as a benefit for domestic violence—to provide aid for the women’s shelter—and so, of course I
