A Favor for a Favor (All In 2)

“Depends on where we are in the season. For playoff games I go all out, but regular season no,” Violet says. An aesthetician is currently bent over her hand, affixing a jewel and a tiny Seattle team decal to her nail. I think that would drive me bonkers, but she seems to love it. “Back when Alex was on the ice, I used to get my beaver BeDazzled for special games.”

“Your beaver?”

She motions below the waist.

“Seriously?” She’s not laughing, so I have to assume she either has a great deadpan or she really has BeDazzled her lady bits.

“Oh yeah, and if you’re not too vigorous about the business, it’ll last a week or so. They do that here, if you’re interested.”

She’s definitely serious. “Uh, I think I’ll pass.”

Violet smiles and nods knowingly. “Probably smart since this is your coming-out party, and I’m assuming that boyfriend of yours is going to want to get down and dirty later. Save the beaver-dazzling for a time when he can really appreciate it.”

I’ve decided I really like Violet, despite the fact that most conversations with her leave me blushing.

After three hours at the spa, we head back to Lainey’s to get ready. I dyed my hair again last week: a pale aqua that gradually brightens at the tips. This will be my first official game as Bishop’s girlfriend, and to say he’s excited about it would be one hell of an understatement.

I change into jeans and a hoodie with Bishop’s name and number on the back—I’m not giving up comfort just because my hair, nails, and makeup have been done. Lainey wears her jersey, but the back of hers reads MRS. BOWMAN, which is super cute.

My brother has a driver named George who’s available for events like this, so once we’re all dressed and ready, we head to the arena. We don’t have to go through the same doors as everyone else, and there’s a box reserved for us, although if we want to sit in the prime seats, we can do that too. I decided I should rip the bandage right off, so we’re behind the bench, close to the ice.

The urge to hide under my hood is strong, but we settle into our seats, other girlfriends and wives taking up the ones around us. I’ve met most of these women thanks to Violet’s “movie club.” In reality, it’s mostly an excuse to get together when the guys are away, eating snacks, drinking, and hanging out while we talk through movies, or pausing and rewinding scenes when the heroes are shirtless. So far the theme seems to be superhero movies. Regardless, it’s been fun.

As I sit there absorbing the excitement of the fans and taking in this amazing group of women who support and love these men, I realize that I’ve missed out on a lot over the last few years. “I should’ve come to a game sooner.”

Lainey squeezes my hand. “It’s okay that you weren’t ready until now. Sometimes we need to take baby steps. I only started sitting behind the bench at the end of last season, so the fact that you’re jumping right in with both feet is a good thing. And we can pretend for RJ’s sake that he’s the reason you’re really here.” She gives me a wink.

The volume of the crowd rises to a frenzied pitch when Seattle takes the ice. I sit up straighter, clapping and whistling along with everyone else. Bishop skates across the rink, expression serious, which is pretty typical, until RJ elbows him in the side and nods in our direction.

Bishop’s gaze follows his, and he scans the arena, and that serious expression turns into a huge grin when he finds me. I can feel my cheeks heat when he winks in my direction, but he doesn’t do anything to overtly draw attention my way.

“Oh my God, look at how smitten that boy is. I am so glad I put bets on tonight’s game as your coming out,” Violet says to me, grinning widely.

“Is that what the hair and nails and stuff was about?” I ask.

“Just trying to be helpful. You know, I called it at the preseason party. I knew Winslow would have a girlfriend in our ranks before long, and here you are.” She seems all proud of herself, like she’s the reason we’re together.

Lainey leans forward so she can address Violet. “Didn’t you want me to introduce Stevie to Kingston?”

“Oh my God, seriously?” I snort-laugh. “As if.” Kingston is a really nice guy, but I’ve never met anyone so straightlaced in my entire life. He looks like he should go door to door and canvass people to join his new religion. “Besides, King’s had a girlfriend forever.”

“That’s beside the point. I was trying to get a rise out of Bishop, and it worked: he and RJ got all snippy with each other, and I knew something was going on there.” Violet rubs her baby belly and smiles. “And I was right. Maybe I’m part psychic.”