When Mia slides back into her seat, Ellie is already there. And a broad-shouldered man in his forties sits beside her.
"Ben, this is my roommate Mia," Ellie announces, squeezing Mia's arm. "Brilliant. Medical student. From Italy. Basically a genius. Please take care of her whenever she comes in."
Mia considers sliding under the table.
Ben laughs and waves off the formality. "Any friend of Ellie's drinks free tonight. Welcome to The Blade, Mia."
“Thank you and really nice to meet you, Ben—”
Suddenly, Mia noticed the energy in the VIP lounge hitting a fever pitch, a chaotic blur of rowdy cheers and the deafening pulse of the music.
Ellie followed her gaze and smirked.
"See? Our hockey gods don't do anything half-hearted, especially not partying. Don't worry, though; most of them are r
