“Keep your focus on your game.”
I force a smile. “Of course. Vladinator, you know I got your back on the ice! No pucks in your crease on my watch.”
He doesn’t respond, just nods and walks out the door.
Fuck.
19
kennedy
“That was the longest two hours of my life, Kenni—I need details!” Maggie screams on the other end of our FaceTime call.
“Geezus, Maggie, I haven’t even had coffee yet.” I run my hand across my face.So much for a relaxing day.“Youdoknow the point of the phone is so you don’t have to yell, right?” Her eyes narrow. “Don’t side eye me, miss ‘what if you did date him.’ You and your ridiculous idea got me into this mess and…” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I suppose I did agree to it. Sorry, it’s…shit, it’s been a morning.”
Another notification pops up on my phone.Fuck.
“Who is it? Is it Jordan?!” she screeches, still too loud for my morning ears.
“It’s Kara. I’ll call her back later.”
“Don’t you dare!” she warns. “Get her on the phone now! We’ll have a virtual catch-up session. I’ll add Olivia and Shelly.”
My head shakes, my thumb itching to just hang up, but the mere thought of having to recount this story multiple times is a fate worse than death.There’s no avoiding the inevitable.“Fine.Hang on—let me add Kara.”
After we get everyone on the call, I see them all foaming at the mouth for details. They look like a bunch of crazed owls—every damn one of them wide-eyed and ready to swoop down and snatch up the latest bit of gossip.
“Today’s emergency meeting of the Brunch Babes has now commenced,” Kara proclaims in a very regal tone. Her husband being the captain makes her the official First Lady of the WAGs. “Kennedy Kramer, you are hereby subpoenaed for interrogation as to the details of your new relationship with Jordan ‘Bougie’ Boucher. Please place your hand on the Gideon’s Bible in the hotel room so we can swear you in.”
Everyone laughs, easing some of the nerves and tension in my body. I lean against the headboard, pulling a pillow in my lap.God, I love these gals so much.I love my family, but found family are like a warm hug on a shitty day. I can’t even be mad right now because, if the situation was reversed, I’d be doing the same thing.
Here goes nothing.
“Yes. We’re dating.Fakedating. Emphasis on fake. However, the fake thing is a secret. And I’m specifically calling that out for you, Olivia.”
“What?! I’ve been so much better lately! I haven’t told anyone that Maggie and Vladi bought that new sex bed thing.”
Maggie’s face reddens darker than a beet with a glare of pure irritation aimed directly at Olivia. “It’s called aswing,Liv, andIhaven’t told anyone elseeither, thank you very much!” Maggie snarks, admonishing Olivia for spilling yet another secret.
An awkward smile stretches her cheeks. “Shoot! Sorry about that. Well…at least it’s just us on the phone.”
“I want to hear more about the sex bed thing.” Shelly smirks.
“Thanks, Liv,” Maggie snaps. “Whatever. It’s fine. I’m not embarrassed. Vladi will be pissed when the guys find out, buthe’ll get over it. I’m less concerned about that leaking than this secret about Kenni and Jordan.”
“Your secret is safe with me. Promise”
I roll my eyes, only half believing her. I do think she’ll keep this within the group. But, a lump forms in my throat and I swallow it down—it’s only a matter of time before the boys learn the truth.
“Enough stalling. Kenni…spill. How the hell did this happen?” Kara asks.
I fill them in on all the details from the bar last night, the photo, the idea—stupid fucking idea, damn Maggie—and how it all came to fruition. All their mouths gape the entire time as they hang on my every word. Damn, does our group love to hear the tea.I mean…same, but not when it’s about me.
“So now we have to go on a date when the team is in Dallas. Heliterallyasked me if I brought anything to wear other thanpilot clothes.” I wince, slumping down in the bed.What the hell have I gotten myself into?“Guys, I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can,” Kara pipes up. “This could be good for you! It seems like a good solution to your problem,andthere are a lot worse things I can think of than having a hot, young guy at your side.”
“Young guys are trending right now, Kenni,” Shelly says with more enthusiasm than I’d like. “Men have been dating younger women for decades—it’s about damn time we got ourselves some good-looking younger men.”
