What the Puck!?

Chapter 2: Pre-Game

Zania

The plane touched down in New York a little before 3. The game wasn’t until 7, but between traffic and work, this wouldn’t be much of a true New York trip.

I got my undergrad and master's at Columbia, so the city held a special place in my heart for many reasons. Usually, when I visit, I make an effort to see my old roommate Kara. But I told her I wouldn’t have time to see her this trip since I was flying out after the deal was signed tomorrow afternoon.

The hotel was practically across the street from the arena, and I was grateful for more reasons than one. Kyle had an apartment in New York and had tried to get us to stay there overnight. There was something almost comical about a man who spends an astronomical amount of money on personal travel to claim he wanted to save money by skipping the hotel.

Fortunately, Michael Burns was quick to shut down the problematic idea. Too bad he didn’t have the balls to do it more often.

I got out of the SUV that picked me up from the airport and walked into the hotel lobby. I had not even made it to the check-in desk when I heard her voice.

“If it ain’t the pretend southern belle thinking she was going to sneak her way back to New York and not see her best friend,” yelled Kara. I couldn’t help myself when I turned, and we both started screaming as we ran to each other like teenagers.

It didn’t even matter that we received glares and shocked looks from those around us. I was too excited to see her and surprised. It had been months since we had a face-to-face due to our work schedules.

Kara attended grad school at Columbia but pursued her law degree at Harvard. She was a force to be reckoned with, and she was quickly snatched up by a major law firm in New York, Hoffman, Levi, & Smith.

While sitting in the lobby, I stared at Kara as she went into her immediate ramblings, and part of me wanted to cry. We had been through so much, and she even knew a little bit of my work drama. But sitting there before her after so long and with so much on my plate made me emotional.

“Um, ma’am. What is wrong with you?” Kara said as she looked at me as if she was bracing herself to beat someone up. I couldn’t help but laugh. She was definitely the fiercer one of the two of us.

“Nothing. Just a lot on my mind,” I told her, which was true. Right then, I knew I had to extend our time together.

“I was wondering, how would you feel about going to a hockey game tonight? I have an extra ticket,” I asked her, unsure if she would actually say yes.

“Girl….men beating each other up and free beer and food,” she said as I raised an eyebrow, “Yes. Free. Cause you were really going to come to town and not see me, so you better be paying for my food and alcohol. Count me in.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I don’t know if bringing my best friend to a business outing was the best idea, but I know I needed her there.

*

*

*

“Girl. I thought we were going to a hockey game,” Kara said as I stepped out of the bathroom, “You are dressed like you plan to get f****d tonight.” I looked down at my outfit as Kara’s words swirled in my head.

I wore black jeans that showed off every hard-earned curve of my legs and butt. The bottom half of my jeans were covered by black knee-high boots. For my top, I had on a black top with lace at the top and bottom and a black blazer. While the top didn’t show much, Kara’s comment made me second-guess my whole outfit.

“Ugh. I didn’t pack anything else. Is it really that bad?” I asked her as I did a quick spin in front of Kara.

“That outfit is giving, and I am sure any man who saw you would want to take whatever is being offered,” Kara laughed.

I sighed and grabbed my coat. There was nothing I could do but press forward.

We headed to the arena across the street, and we started to see the crowd pouring in. As we got inside the building, I noticed the merchandise shop and immediately had an idea. I pulled Kara with me to find a jersey to throw on.

Not only would the jersey cover up my top, but it may give me points with Douglas Activewear. I poured through the jerseys and found a woman’s jersey in my size. It had the last name Rodriguez and a C on the front. I assumed he was the captain.

“Glad to know that Hodges & Burns is at least paying you well. $125 for a jersey you know you won’t wear again? I say you should stick with the ‘f**k me’ top,” Kara said.

I glared at her before heading to pay for the jersey. We went to the bathroom for me to make a quick change, then headed to find our seats.

When we arrived, Shawn and Tristan were already there waiting for us. I introduced them to Kara and informed her that they were the owners of Douglas Activewear.

“Is there something wrong?” Shawn asked Kara as she stared at them with a confused expression.

“Well, I heard the owners of Douglas Activewear were brothers. And well, no offense, I was expecting two white guys.” Kara said with no shame. I immediately wanted to kick her.

Shawn seemed a bit speechless, but Tristan just laughed.

“Well, you wouldn’t be the first. In fact, it was awkward at family gatherings for a few years when other family members found out I wasn’t white.” Tristan said, “I was adopted. So I hope you aren’t too disappointed.”

Tristan smirked as he said the last part, and his eyes grew a shade darker as he looked back at Kara. When I looked at her, I was surprised to see Kara trying to come up with a response. But Tristan’s stare seemed to have her in a bit of a trance.

I wanted to say something, but we saw the players come on the ice just then. They started lining up for warm-ups. I was trying hard to pretend to be interested as Shawn pointed at the various players. When one player skated up to take his shot, Shawn got really excited.

“That is Jason Rodriquez. He has been the league lead scorer for the last three years,” Shawn said, “If we could get him signed with Douglas Activewear, that would be a dream.”

I followed Jason as he took his shot. When he started to skate away, he looked around the rink before his eyes landed on us. He stopped for a second, and I swear Shawn was about to start jumping up and down.

Jason pointed to his jersey then to us. Shawn looked at me and then at my jersey.

“You have on his jersey!.” He yelled as he started pointing at me, then Jason before giving him a thumbs up. Jason just smirked and skated away.

Tristan, who had effortlessly made his way between Kara and me, lightly bumped me with his shoulder.

“I’m sure you can tell who is leading this venture toward hockey,” Tristan laughed before turning his attention back to Kara.

Despite my initial reluctance to attend a hockey game, I must admit it was kind of exciting to watch. However, it was increasingly annoying every time Jason looked our way; Shawn would start yanking on my arm like a little kid.

When the game was over, Kara suggested we go to the bar at the hotel. I didn’t realize that was an open invite to the Douglas brothers. After waiting for the crowds to die down, we finally exited the arena and returned to the hotel.

Shawn decided to head home, but Tristan lead the way to the hotel bar. Honestly, I didn’t know what to think about the whole situation. I was disappointed that my time with my friend was being cut short, but I can’t recall a time that I had seen Kara this smitten with a guy. Do people still use that word?

The bar was packed when we arrived. But what I found interesting was the large volume of women. These women were dressed as if they were waiting for someone, and I would soon find out why.

Surprisingly, we found a table quickly. Probably because the women seemed to be standing pretty close to the door in groups. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to realize I was the third wheel in my own group.

Shortly after sitting down, I decided it would be in our best interest if I had drinks by myself at the bar. I snuck away and shot Kara a quick text,” Have fun. Be safe. Don’t let him be late for our meeting tomorrow ;-)”

I made it to the back corner of the bar counter, which was the least crowded, and ordered a drink. I was working on my 3rd rum punch, scrolling through i********:, when someone decided to sit beside me. Plenty of empty seats were still around, so I couldn’t help but be annoyed that someone needed to sit beside me. I just wanted to enjoy another drink or two before pouring myself into bed.

“So I take it your date from the game didn’t go well,” said the voice from beside me. I was ready to tell him off when I turned to look at him sitting beside me. His stare was as intense as it was from the ice.

He was wearing a suit that was tailored to perfection. With a white button-up that revealed the tanned, muscular chest underneath, my mind immediately sank into the gutter. The bartender sat a drink down beside him, and he picked it up.

“Well, here’s to bad dates that have happy endings,” he said as he winked at me and held up his glass before taking a drink.

I down the last of my drink and tried to get the bartender’s attention to close out my tab. Nothing good could come from me engaging with this man. I needed to get out of here. The bartender started to walk my way, then stop before turning away.

Confused, I started to give a little wave to get his attention again. From the corner of my eye, I could see Jason take a drink from his glass before leaning in.

“I’ll make you a deal, I will pay for your tab and leave you alone,” he said with his cool breath tickling my ear. It immediately triggered a pulsating sensation between my legs.

“If I do what?” I asked, refusing to turn and look at him. I could see women on the other side of the bar looking at us with hate-filled eyes.

“If you tell me your name and sit here with me for 5 minutes,” he said as he leaned away from me, “I mean, you are wearing my name. I should at least know yours.”

“That’s it?” I asked as I finally turned and looked at him. It was a mistake.

He smirked into his glass as he took another drink. Then he leaned toward me again, this time with his whole body.

“That’s it. Unless you want more than 5 minutes. I’m happy to give you all night,” he said with his lips so close to mine that it would take little effort for them to touch.

My head started spinning before I could get out a weak “fine.”

He smiled and leaned back one more time. “So, what is your name?”

“Zania,” I said shortly.

“I like that. Do you know my name?” he asked.

I glared at him before telling him yes.

“Let me hear you say it,” he said as that intense stare returned.

I fought it for a few seconds before saying, “Jason.”

He smiled before waving to the bartender. He ordered us another round of drinks.

“Now, tell me about yourself,” he said as he moved his bar stool closer to mine.

I took a gulp of my new drink and tried to avoid looking directly into his eyes as I started the longest 5 minutes of my life.