2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Tyler

A fter the epic win in last night's game, I sprawl on the couch, my fingers wrapping around a cold bottle of beer. The condensation on the glass feels like heaven against my overheated skin. It's been damn hot today, but I'm not complaining, especially after the grueling hockey season we went through. No Stanley Cup for us this year; it still stings like a slap shot to the chest. But at least in our last game, we went out with a bang. Next season, we're getting that Stanley Cup.

"Tyler. Axel." Ava's voice pulls me back to reality. "What do you think, tuxes or suits for the wedding?"

"Whatever makes you guys happy, it's your wedding. I'll wear whatever you tell me to," I say, halfheartedly raising my bottle in their direction. I don't care what they decide. I'm just grateful for the break from the ice and the incessant training schedule. Ava and Ethan are my favorite people. Even if they're so in love, it's borderline nauseating. But hey, at least they're fun to hang out with. And when Ava gives me her ‘I'm so happy I'm about to burst smile,' it makes it worth it.

Axel, my friend and teammate, grunts, "What he says?" Then he downs the rest of his beer.

Ethan lost a bet, and I set him up on a rent-a-date site called Perfect Plus One, and I never would've imagined I'd have connected him with his childhood crush and we'd be here today. Ava turned everything around for my friend, and I adore her all the more for it. So, on her wedding day, I won't say boo to anything her heart desires. Plus, Ethan would have my ass if Ava doesn't have the day of her dreams.

"Seriously though, we need to have you guys try on some different styles," Ava insists, snuggling deeper into Ethan's embrace. He nods in agreement, his eyes crinkling in a smile.

"Sure, tell me when, and I'll be there," I shrug, draining the last of my beer. Not at all ecstatic about it, but I'll tag along.

Axel, the ever poetic wordsmith, grunts and nods.

"Great. I'll make a list of places with the best reviews and get back to you," Ava says, her excitement contagious. She's always been the planner in the group, while I prefer to just go with the flow. Less stress that way.

Ethan grins, planting a kiss on her forehead.

As I watch the two of them together, I can't help but feel a pang of envy. They've found something special in each other, and sometimes, in moments like these, I wonder if I'll ever have that. For now, I'm content with my life. No need to rock the boat. The game is still numero uno for me and it's enough. But it must be nice to come home to an amazing woman.

"Hey, you guys need another beer?" Ethan asks, pointing between and Axel and me, breaking my train of thought.

"Sure, why not," I reply, tossing the empty bottle into the recycling bin. "Gotta celebrate our downtime somehow, right?"

"Damn straight," he agrees, handing me another cold one and tossing one to Axel.

"Cheers," I say, clinking my bottle against theirs. Sometimes, it's the simple pleasures in life that make everything worth it.

I'm about to take a sip and my phone buzzes in my pocket, startling me. I glance at the screen and raise an eyebrow when I see it's Megan calling. We only have each other's numbers in case we need to find Ava or Ethan, and I can't remember if we've ever called one another.

A little worried that something happened, I answer. "Hey Foster, what's up?"

"Tyler, I... I need your help," she blurts out. Her voice trembles with urgency, and I grow cold. This is big because Megan would never call me. Shit, am I going to break bad news to Ava. No, she'd have called Ethan for that.

"Okay, slow down. What's going on?" I ask, concerned.

Megan takes a deep breath before explaining her situation—how she needs someone to pose as her boyfriend for her law firm's anniversary event, and how she's desperate for it to be convincing. I listen, trying to process her request. It's unexpected, but I'm intrigued by the idea even though it's a struggle for me not to laugh.

"Alright, let me get this straight," I say, rubbing my chin and smirking. "You want me to play your boyfriend next weekend?"

"Exactly. I know it's a lot to ask, but I wouldn't be asking if I didn't think you were the right person for the job," she pleads, her voice wavering.

I can't help but feel a mix of amusement and sympathy for Megan. She's usually so strong and independent, and the fact she's asking for my help must mean she's truly desperate.

However, our relationship wouldn't be the same if I don't give her some shit. "Alright, Foster, what's in it for me?" I ask, with a mischievous grin creeping across my face. This is too good an opportunity to pass up, and I want to see just how flustered Megan can get.

Ava's head picks up when she hears her best friend's last name and she cocks her head. I give her a big smile and a wink as I lounge on the couch. This conversation has turned fascinating.

"Uh, well," she stammers, clearly caught off guard by my question. "I guess I could, um, help you out with something in return? Like, if you ever need legal advice or... something."

"Legal advice, huh?" I chuckle, teasing her further. I already have a lawyer on retainer, plus the team supplies a legal team as well. "Well, that might come in handy someday. But let's sweeten the deal a bit. How about you also promise to buy me dinner at the best restaurant in town? I want steak. A big juicy, meaty steak."

"Sure, fine, whatever you want," Megan blurts out, evidently desperate to get this conversation over with. "Just, please, say you'll do it."

"Alright, alright, no need to beg," I laugh, thoroughly enjoying myself. "You've got yourself a deal, Foster. I'll be your pretend boyfriend for the weekend. But remember, you owe me one hell of a meal."

Ava's eyes bug out of her head as she gapes at me, and I struggle not to laugh. Ethan lifts his brow as he watches me. Axel, the ever stoic giant, lifts his brow, but nothing more.

"Deal," she agrees, relief palpable in her voice. "Thank you so much, Tyler. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Hey, don't mention it," I reply, still grinning. "It'll be fun to see how this little charade plays out. Just make sure you're ready for some top-notch acting on my part, snookums."

"Trust me," she says, sounding a little nervous, "I have no doubt you'll be the most convincing fake boyfriend a girl could ask for. After all, you love the limelight."

My smile becomes forced at her statement. Is that how she sees me? An attention seeker. Well, if that's the case, then I'll give her what she wants.

"Damn right," I agree, taking a triumphant swig of my drink. "Now go get some rest, Foster. I'm going to boyfriend the shit out of you."

"Um, okay. Thanks again, I'll message you all the details," she replies, her gratitude evident, but cautious. "Goodnight, Tyler."

"Goodnight, Megan," I say, hanging up the phone and tossing it onto the coffee table.

As I lean back on the couch, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Sure, the weekend might be a little unconventional, but there's something undeniably appealing about diving headfirst into an unexpected adventure, especially when it means helping a so-called-friend in need. It should be a lot of fun.