"No. We hate it." I drain my champagne glass. "But it's temporary. Just until the playoffs are over. Then we tell everyone."
"Including Pierre and Felix," Harper says. It's not a question.
"Especially Pierre and Felix." I look at them both. "Which is why you can't tell them. Please. I know they're your partners and I know this puts you in a terrible position, but …"
"We won't say anything," Issy says, cutting me off. She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "I don't love it. I think you're playing with fire. But I also understand why you're doing it."
"Really?"
"Really." She smiles softly. "You're right. The team dynamics would change. And your brothers ... they'd lose their minds."
"Probably literally." Harper chuckles.
"Exactly. So, we have to wait until after the season, when the stakes aren't so high.
"And you're happy?" Issy asks. "Really happy?"
I think about Emmett, the way he looks at me, the way he touches me, the way he makes me feel like the only person in the world that matters.
"Yeah," I whisper. "I really am."
"Then that's all that matters," Harper says firmly. "The rest is just logistics."
"Complicated logistics." Issy giggles. "But you two will figure it out." She grins.
"And in the meantime, we get to watch you sneak around at the Christmas party. This is going to be so entertaining," Harper teases.
"Harper …"
"I'm serious, Jo. We've got your back. All of us." She raises her glass. "To secrets and sisters."
We all clink our glasses together.
"Now," Harper says, leaning forward with a mischievous smile. "Tell us everything. And I mean everything. Is he as good as he looks like he'd be?"
"Harper!" Issy laughs.
"What? We’re sisters now, plus that man is gorgeous. All brooding grumpiness."
I feel my cheeks heat. "I'm not discussing that."
"Oh, come on …"
"I’m very satisfied, and that is all you need to know.”
The girls all squeal with delight.
“I bet you are.” Harper winks. “Hockey players have great stamina.”
“Ewwww. You are dating our brother, you know.” Collette grimaces.
“Sorry. Yeah. Well, you should be proud of your brother, he earns a gold star every single time,” Harper states.
Collette pretends to hurl and I’m not far from her.
We dissolve into laughter for the first time in weeks.
36
