The whole team surprised Tater by coming to see the show when they’d found out he was attending, but the biggest laugh was at Snowy’s expense. “Psst, Tater-tot, d’you really come to this thing every year?” “Yes, of course. Is ballet. But shh… intermission almost over.” “I will, but can you introduce me to one of the dancers after?” “Why? Oh, you are needing, what Ransom say… wingman?” “That would be hella awesome bro, seriously.” “Why you are needing my help?” “Dude, you’re fucking Russian… that’s a gold card with these gorgeous dancers. Please?” “Who you are wanting to meet?” “Man, I fucking knew I could count on you… can you set me up with the Sugar Plum Fairy?” The smile fell from Tater’s face. “Natalya?” “Dude… even her name is hot.” Tater didn’t smile. “What?” Thirdy jabbed his elbow into Snowy’s side. “Did you read her last name in the program?” “No… why the fuck would I read the program when I can just get you to tell me what the hell’s going on?” “Bro –” “Mashkov,” Tater said, crossing his arms over his broad chest, face more serious than Snowy had ever seen it. “Her name is Natalya Mashkov.” He paused. “You ask me to ‘hook you up’ with my baby sister.” Snowy went white. “Oh shit, Tater, I – fuck, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean –” “I know exactly what you mean,” he said, his voice still low. “And if you want to date Nati…” Tater paused, then doubled over, shoulders shaking, then he straightened up with a wide grin on his face. “Haha, if you want to date her, is her you have to ask. I may be big brother, but she is tougher than me… she is ballerina,” he added. Grinning, he shoved Snowy’s shoulder. “You see your face… look like you think I am going to beat you up!” “You had me fucking worried, big guy. I saw what you did to that last forward.” Tater shrugged. “He deserve it. He get in your face. You are my buddy Snowy, I got your back.” “Always, right?” the goalie said, color starting to come back into his face as he relaxed. Tater winced. “Always… except if you get on Nati’s bad side… more than my life is worth to protect you from that.”