Overview

Rio surprises Hallie at her bar shift, arranges coverage, and brings her to his home game against Boston, publicly calling her his girlfriend and integrating her into the team’s family area. Agent Will informs Rio that Boston is likely creating cap space to sign him, intensifying the possibility of his return to Boston. Hallie meets team families and friends, feels welcomed, and she and Rio share a very public, affectionate moment during warmups, easing her fears about fitting into his professional world.

Full Summary

At the crowded bar before a Raptors game, Hallie works her last shift of the week, reflecting that her design internship is ending soon and that a full-time role at Tyler Braden Interiors feels likely thanks to growing social media momentum and Rio’s home project. Rio arrives unexpectedly in his game-day suit, enlists coworker Carson to cover Hallie’s shift with the bribe of two tickets, and invites Hallie to attend his game that night.

In the truck, Rio gifts Hallie her own jersey with his name and number and has brought multiple outfit options from her closet, showing care and familiarity. As Hallie changes, they flirt, and then discuss the future: Rio asks if Hallie could see herself living in Boston. Hallie says yes, one day, but not immediately due to her burgeoning career and her wish to remain near her father; she reassures Rio that distance in-season will not break them.

Rio brings Hallie through the players’ private entrance, introducing her to Bruce, an arena staffer, and openly calls her his girlfriend. In the hallway, Rio’s agent, Will, pulls them aside to share that Boston’s general manager invited him to their box and that Boston may not re-sign defenseman Eriksson, opening cap space that signals strong interest in Rio. Rio is excited but contemplative, and Hallie is supportive as they process the new likelihood of him moving to Boston.

Before heading to the locker room, Rio tells Hallie she will wait in the players’ family room and later in the Zanders/Shay family box, and reassures her about belonging. He expresses how significant it feels to have her at the game and how, in high school, impressing her was his favorite part of game days. He introduces Hallie to the families, asking everyone to be nice to his girlfriend.

Stevie welcomes Hallie and orients her in the family room. Later in the Zanders/Shay suite, Hallie reunites with familiar friends—Stevie, Indy, Ryan, Kennedy, Miller, Kai, and Isaiah—who make her feel immediately included and invested in her presence. They discuss how long each has known Rio and how deeply he is valued in their friend group.

During warmups, Hallie watches Rio take the ice and feels proud. Rio spots the box, smiles, and points his stick toward her before making their shared heart hand sign; Hallie returns it, prompting attention from nearby fans. Indy notes that Rio is clearly in love with Hallie, underscoring the couple’s rekindled, public connection and Hallie’s growing comfort in his world.

Who Appears

• Hallie Hart — narrator; attends Rio’s game for the first time as his girlfriend, meets players’ families, and affirms long-term support despite potential distance.
• Rio — NHL defenseman and Hallie’s boyfriend; arranges Hallie’s night off, publicly introduces her as his girlfriend, learns Boston is likely clearing cap space to sign him, and shares a public affectionate moment during warmups.
• Carson (“Ken”) — Hallie’s coworker; covers her shift in exchange for tickets.
• Bruce — arena staffer; greets Rio and Hallie at the private entrance; notes Rio has not brought others besides his mother before.
• Will — Rio’s agent; informs Rio that Boston’s GM invited him to their box and that Boston may not re-sign Eriksson, signaling interest in Rio.
• Stevie — friend; welcomes Hallie in the family room and suite, explains the routine.
• Zanders (Zee) — mentioned as part of the suite ownership and team circle; not active on-page beyond context.
• Indy — friend; greets Hallie warmly and observes Rio’s love for her.
• Ryan — Indy’s husband; present in the suite, part of the friend group.
• Kennedy — friend; present in the suite, welcomes Hallie.
• Miller — friend; present in the suite, welcomes Hallie.
• Kai — friend; present in the suite.
• Isaiah — friend; present in the suite.
• Eriksson — Boston defenseman; discussed as a likely non–re-signing, opening cap space that affects Rio’s prospects.