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2024 All-Stars Game, Elmont, New York
This year's All-Star Game was hosted by the Islanders. That’s how Shane found himself in Downtown Elmont at a karaoke bar with Ilya, Scott, Kip, Carter, Troy, and Wyatt. Rose, Svetlana, and Elena were at the bar getting more drinks. Rose had been invited as one of the ‘celebrity co-captains’ this year. It was something new that the league was trying out this year. She used her plus one to bring Svetlana. Kip and Elena had decided to come down for the night since Elmont was close to the city.
After 10 minutes, the three girls made their way back to the group, all wearing matching looks of disgust. Svetlana came to stand next to Ilya and set her drink on the table.
“If one more player hits on me tonight, I’m going to end up punching someone in the face.”
That earned laughs from everyone at the table. Everyone in their group was aware of how hockey players could be. Rose placed a hand on Shane’s shoulder; he hadn’t noticed her come up beside him, and leaned forward to talk.
“I’m not even joking. In the 10 minutes we were gone, I was hit on by no less than 5 players.”
“Me too. Svetlana, if you punch someone, let me know. I’ll bail you out if needed.” Elena leaned forward and clinked her glass against Svetlana’s. Shane hated that the girls couldn’t come to have a fun night out with their friends without being flirted with constantly. He knew that players could be relentless in their pursuits. They couldn’t fathom why anyone would say no to them. Shane could. Most of the players were balding by 25 and missing at least three teeth. Also, Rose and Svetlana had been dating secretly for a year now. They had plans to come out soon. It was why Svetlana was here with her, as a friend. He was still thinking when Carter spoke up from next to Scott.
“We are at a karaoke bar, ladies. Why don’t you sing them a song to send them a message?”
Elena got a look on her face before making eye contact with the other girls.
“That’s a great idea, and I have the perfect song.” She walked towards the DJ and motioned for Rose and Svetlana to follow. The three girls approached the DJ, told him their song, and were handed microphones. They walked on stage, and cheers erupted around the room. The music began, and Shane didn’t recognize the song, but all the other boys at the table did. The boys were already cheering when Rose brought the mic to her mouth.
“This one’s for you boys.” She said with a wink.
I’ve known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you’ve got being right down to an art
Rose stepped off the stage and made her way into the crowd. She walked to a table full of players from Chicago. She put her head in her hand, elbow on the table, and continued singing.
You think you’re a genius, you drive me up the wall
You’re a regular original, a know-it-all
Rose started walking between the tables, singing animatedly.
Oh-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Rose made her way to Shane. She stopped behind him and sang the next line.
Okay, so you’re a hockey player?
“Been there, done that! It didn’t work out for obvious reasons.” she added while pointing at him. The boys around their table laughed, and Shane put his head in his hands to hide the blush on his cheeks.
That don’t impress me much
Rose walked up the steps to the stage to join Svetlana and Elena in singing the chorus.
So you got the brains, but have you got the touch?
Now don’t get me wrong, yeah, I think you’re alright
The girls danced together, giving the performance of a lifetime. Ilya was cheering and singing loudly next to him. Shane took a glance around the table and saw all the other boys singing along as well.
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much
Svetlana made her way down the stairs and sang the next part. All the girls were so perfectly in sync that Shane would’ve thought they had rehearsed this beforehand.
I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve, just in case
Svetlana walked up to a table and stood in front of Wyatt Johnston, a center for Dallas. She gestured to his hair and sang.
And all that extra whole gel in your hair oughta lock it
'Cause heaven forbid it should fall out
She laughed a little as she sang the last line. She walked away from the table of Dallas players, making her way back towards the front and the table Shane and Ilya were sitting at.
Oh-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Svetlana stood next to Ilya, putting an arm around his shoulders.
Okay, so you’re Ilya Rozanov?
That don’t impress me much
She pushed Ilya’s face away from her as she walked away from their table. Ilya laughed at the lyric change. All three girls were back on stage singing the chorus together again. It should be Elena’s turn to sing next, if Shane was right. He was. Elena made her way down the stairs this time. She walked up to a table full of players from San Jose and looked at them with disdain on her face.
You’re one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
Elena walked through the tables until she stood between Scott and Kip. She leaned down and sang the next part.
I can’t believe you kiss your car goodnight
Shane could see Scott mouth, “I don’t have a car?” Elena laughed and rolled her eyes.
Now come on, baby, tell me, you must be joking, right?
Svetlana and Rose walked down the stairs. All three girls started walking and dancing between the tables of the restaurant.
Oh-oh, you think you’re something special
Oh-oh, you think you’re something else
Okay, so you’ve got a car
That don’t impress me much
The girls continued singing the final chorus of the song, occasionally stopping at different tables. Shane found himself singing along as the girls danced. The trio made their way back to the stage as the song came to a close. Elena stood in the middle with Rose and Svetlana on either side of her. She sang the last line of the song.
Okay, so what do you think, you’re Crosby or something?
That don’t impress me much
Elena took a step back. It all happened so fast. Shane saw Svetlana grab Rose’s face, kissing her passionately. Their entire table erupted into cheers. All the boys stood on their feet, hollering and clapping for the two girls. When the girls finally broke apart, they had the biggest smiles on their faces. They held their joined hands in the air as they walked back to the table. When they arrived back at the table, everyone congratulated them. Shane pulled Rose in and gave her a big hug.
“I’m proud of you. You deserve this.” he whispered in her ear. They let go of each other. Rose was enveloped in a hug by Ilya next. Shane wrapped his arms around Svetlana and whispered the same words to her. He was beyond happy for them. He hoped now the room full of hockey players would get the hint.