Chapter 20

Mandy

I feel like the words are redundant at this point when I say I’ve never done this before, but as I hold tightly to Malcolm’s arm and he walks me into the Lightning Bolt’s executive suite high above the ice at Amalie Arena, I’m having a hard time coming up with anything else to say. All of the attention his mere presence garners leaves me a bit speechless.

The actual arena is gigantic, like a football stadium. Malcolm would say football stadiums are like hockey stadiums, but again, this is new to me. The executive suite reminds me of a man cave on steroids. Couches and chairs in clusters, a large kitchen area with an island full of food, and a bar with two bartenders ready for anything. There are some regular tables and other tall ones for standing. Beyond the perimeter is a balcony with more seats and ledges that overlook the rink. If perhaps we decided we didn’t want to watch the game live, it appears it will be playing on one of the many giant screens throughout the suite.