Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Peggy and I make the short walk in the blustery January afternoon to our favorite lunch spot. They serve the best homemade soup and sandwiches.
We settle in at one of the tables by the window after we order. “Are you glad Flip is back on the ice tonight?” Peggy asks.
“Definitely. We’ve beat New Jersey once already this season, so we’re in a good position to do it again. Hopefully he can play the entire game.”
“How’s he been at practice since the talk?” She stresses the word talk.
As much as Flip and Connor would love for their secrets to remain in the locker room, all the girls with partners who were there for the come to Jesus talk are now also in the know.
“Good. They’ve both been better. I think they’re equally mortified by their actions.”
The server drops off our soups and sandwiches.
“I’m really glad we both decided on grilled cheese.” She presses her lips together, fighting laughter.
After a moment we both lose the battle and end up in tears over it, garnering looks from several patrons.
“Teenage boys do such stupid things.” I wipe under my eyes with my napkin.
“This is so true.” Peggy picks up half of her grilled cheese and dips it in her tomato bisque. “And probably one of the many reasons I barely dated in high school.” She rolls her eyes.
“I’m glad you didn’t date jerks in high school.” I dip my bacon and grilled cheese sandwich into my loaded baked potato soup.
“Oh, I did. I just broke up with them before you met them.” She eyes me from the side. “Speaking of dating…”
I give her a look.
“Seriously, Dad. You need to put yourself out there. You have so much to offer. You’re the most amazing parent. The team loves you; you love the team. You deserve someone to share life with.”
I desperately want to tell her I’ve already found the perfect woman. That I’m in love. But I can’t do that to Lexi, and I can’t put that on Peggy. It’s bad enough that I’ve been lying to her for months, I don’t want her to carry around this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, or keep my secrets.
So I say the only thing I can, “Let me retire. Then I’ll start dating.”
“How long before the girls get here?” Hollis asks for the third time in ten minutes.
“Text my daughter.” I sip my scotch. He convinced me to come out for a drink.
“I did. She’s not responding.” He arches an expectant brow.
“I’m not checking my app for you. It’s your own damn fault that you haven’t asked her to add you to the circle.” I fight a smile at his irritated expression.
“They’re here.” Flip squints. “Who’s with them?”
I follow his eyes. Dred, Hemi, Rix, Essie, and Peggy, plus one, are heading our way.
“Oh shit. Is that Coach Forrester? Wow. Just…okay.” Flip refocuses on his beer.
The girls must have persuaded Lexi to come out tonight. And they clearly dressed her up, too. She’s wearing a deep rose slinky number that conforms to every single one of her curves. All the years of hockey and her time on the ice with us have sculpted her into a masterpiece. If she turns around… Do not think about fucking her from behind. It’s too late, though. The memory of her french braid slipping through my fist slams into my brain. I tighten my grip on my scotch. I’m so fucked. So, so fucked.
Her gaze catches mine for a moment, and she fiddles with the clutch hanging from her wrist. What I wouldn’t give to get out there on the dance floor with her. To put my hands on her, to feel her body melt against mine. To take her home so I can experience the soft and sweet sides of her. But we have months until the season ends.
“You okay, man?” Hollis asks.
“Fine. Great.”
“Aurora will be fine. Dallas and Tristan and I will keep an eye on the girls,” he assures me.
“Yup.”
“But that’s not what this is about.” He focuses on his glass.
I say nothing. Hollis watches out for Peggy these days. But Lexi is a new problem. She looks incredible, and if Flip’s reaction is anything to go by, we won’t be the only ones to notice.
Peggy and the girls stop by our table. It seems Shilpa and Ash opted out because Shilps wasn’t feeling the best. But I still wonder how they persuaded Lexi to come. Did she leave Fee in charge tonight? Her phone is clutched in her hand, and she checks it every few seconds. I get it. She wants to have a life, but she feels guilty for having fun.
“You’re coming out to dance with us later.” Peggy points a finger at me, then leans in to kiss Hollis on the cheek.
I look away, because I don’t need to see them making eyes at each other. Once again, my attention shifts to Lexi. She gives me a small smile. Dred glances between us. Her expression makes me question whether Lexi finally cracked and confided in her. And if so, what exactly has she said? Dred waves at the table, then links her arm with Lexi’s and pulls her toward the dance floor. Unfortunately, I have an excellent view of them. And now my head is spinning worse than it already was.