Leave it to Brent Jean.
The fans were feral as the final seconds ticked off the clock, as the Warriors pulled their goalie in favor of an extra skater, as they peppered the Quakers’ goalie with shot after shot, as though sheer will would get one past him.
Unfortunately for the home team, they were unsuccessful, and the Quakers took a one to nothing series lead. Game two would be played here in Detroit on Friday before they headed to Pittsburgh to continue the series early next week.
“Well, that was fun,” Jack’s dad said when Jack and Jessica made their way back into the box. “Josh will be in a good mood.”
Thank God for that, Jack thought.
And when his brother pushed his way into the suite later, Josh greeted his family with a wide smile. Despite the five years between them, Josh and Jack could easily pass for twins, and though she’d seen pictures of Josh in the months since they’d reunited, Jessica still gasped and gaped at Jack.
“I mean…you told me,” she said with zero explanation, though she didn’t need to give one. “But it’s totally different to see it for myself.”
Her words must have floated over to Josh, because he bypassed offering any hellos to his family in favor of beelining for Jessica and extending his hand.
“Josh DeLuca,” he said. “The better looking DeLuca brother. You must be Jessica.”
Jessica accepted Josh’s proffered hand, and Jack watched as her gaze trailed up and down his suit-clad body.
Finally, Jessica said, “I don’t know about better looking. You’re a bit leaner than Jack, aren’t you?”
Behind them, Jack’s dad snorted, and Jack bit back a smile.
This girl. Sunshine with a little burn. Instinctively, Jack drew her into his side, though he knew she didn’t need protecting. It was simply a reminder to his brother to be on his best behavior.
With Jessica’s words, Josh blinked slowly once, twice, then tossed his head back and laughed, his still wet hair dripping onto the collar of his suit jacket.
“I like her,” he said once he composed himself. “You did good, kid,” he added, hauling his little brother into a hug with an arm hooked around his neck.
Once Josh hugged their parents and everyone congratulated him, their dad clapped his hands in that dad’s way of his and said, “Let’s eat!”
Half an hour later, they were seated in a fancy restaurant on one of the many levels of the Renaissance Center, and Josh was entertaining them with stories of the game.
“After Brent Jean scored that goal late in the third, I almost punched him in the face,” Josh said. “But taking a late-game penalty, especially a dumb one like that, just wasn’t worth it.”
“I’d watch what you say about him,” Jack said.
“Why, because he’s some god around here and at MSU? I don’t care.”
“No,” Jessica said. “Because he’s my brother-in-law.”
Three sets of eyes swiveled to Jessica, and Jack smiled smugly at his brother.
“I’m sorry…what?” Josh said.
“Brent’s wife, Berkley? She’s my big sister.”
Josh’s mouth dropped open, and he gave his head a little shake, blinking rapidly. Then he turned to Jack. “What a small fucking world,” Josh said.
“You want it to get even smaller?”
Jack’s dad leaned forward, clearly fully invested in the tea Jack was about to spill. “Let’s hear it.”
“You know Fuller’s girlfriend Mackenzie?”
“Yes…” Josh and his dad said in unison, causing Jessica to giggle next to him.
“SheisBrent’slittle sister.”
