I focus on my breathing like his daughter taught me because I’m seconds away from telling this motherfucker off. After a couple of breaths, I respond. “I play hockey for the Green Bay Bobcats.”
Sadie’s father scoffs. “Of course you do.”
I’m about to ask him what the hell he means by that, but Sadie walks up with Willow and gently places her hand on my bicep, grounding me and keeping me from losing my cool.
“Mom. Dad. Hi. I was helping Willow with her dress.”
I wrap my arm around Sadie’s waist protectively, and both her parents take notice. Sadie’s mother gives her a tight smile.
“Hi Sadie. You look…nice.” The way she says “nice” is more of an insult than a compliment. These fucking people.
Nice? She looks fucking stunning.
Sadie nods politely, and I’m simply in awe of her. How can she be cordial to people who are so damn rude? I never should have made her come here.I’muncomfortable and I’ve known them for all of five minutes.
Willow’s fiancé takes this moment to join us, and Sadie’s parents’ eyes light up the moment they see him.
“Now, here is a man to be proud of. Duncan is a neurosurgeon.”
Ignoring his jab at me, I reach my hand out to Duncan and we shake hands. “That’s fantastic. It must be very fulfilling to help so many people.”
Willow giggles next to him and Duncan does his best to stifle his own laugh. I must have missed the joke.
“Sure. The paycheck doesn’t hurt either.”
Sadie’s sister chimes in. “That’s for sure.”
Unsure of what to say, an awkward silence falls over the group. That is until Dickhead Doug starts talking again.
“Nick here was just telling us he plays hockey for a living.”
“It’s Niko.” I barely recognize my own voice. It’s only two words but they’re laced with so much venom, I don’t miss the way her parents blanch at my tone.
Sadie squeezes my arm, pulling my attention to her, then looks up at me proudly. “And he’s the captain of the team, actually.”
“Aren’t hockey players, like, the lowest paid athletes? Too bad he’s not a baseball or football player. They make the big bucks,” Willow interjects.
I’m recognizing a theme here. I’m not surprised it’s all about the dollar signs with these people. I don’t bother tellingthem I am one of the highest paid NHL players of all-time. I’m sure it would fall on deaf ears.
Sadie turns to her family and she’s about to speak up, but her father cuts her off.
“Of course you’d end up with an athlete. You never wanted to further your education. It makes sense you’d find someone with the same values as you. Or lack thereof.” He releases a humorless laugh. “Always making poor life decisions, aren’t you, Sadie?”
Sadie inhales a sharp breath. I look down to see tears forming in her eyes.
My anger is barely controllable at this point. I’m about to tell him off when Sadie’s mother steps in.
“Now, Doug. No need to remind Sadie of her shortcomings. Maybe she’s gone and grown up since the last time we’ve seen her.” She turns to Sadie and tilts her head. “Have you found yourself a real job yet, dear? Or are you still teaching people how to stretch?”
Willow, Duncan, and Doug all laugh to themselves, but I don’t miss the way their judgmental eyes turn to Sadie.
Fuck. This.
“First off, I don’t give a fuck what any of you think about me, but you willnotspeak to Sadie like that. Do I make myself clear?”
I watch as Margaret’s eyes widen and Doug’s face turns crimson.
“Excuse me. This is my house. You can’t come here and?—”
