“Challenge it,” Talia says gleefully.
“It means to nix something,” I tell my son.
“Nix?” He gives me a skeptical look.
I roll my eyes. “Moving on. It’s your turn.”
“I do accept unconditional surrenders,” Talia says.
“No one’s surrendering,” I say.
Lucien sits down at the table, a plate loaded up with pecan pie, a frosted brownie, and ice cream. “Does anyone have any idea where she gets her competitive streak? She’s cutthroat.”
“So weird,” Audra quips from the kitchen island.
I shrug. “I’ve never met a good hockey player who’s not competitive.”
“Can we watch one of your old games?” Chase asks.
I have every game I ever played or coached in a file on my computer, and I regularly back it up to a hard drive. I don’t know why I keep them; it’s not like I watch them.
“It’s a day off hockey,” Talia says. “Let’s watch a movie.”
“I vote forElf,” Chloe calls out from the couch.
My phone buzzes from its face-down spot on the table. I pick it up and read the text.
Jules: I need to talk. Call me tonight if you have time.
I text back immediately, concerned.
Noel: Are you ok?
Jules: Yeah. Just call later if you can.
Noel: Of course I can. I’m finishing up a game. I’ll call you after.
Jules: We’re still cooking like peasants without a chef. Make it tonight. After 9.
Noel: I’d invite you over, but Audra’s staying here.
Jules: I understand.
Noel: Want to meet up somewhere to talk?
Jules: I can’t. I’ll explain later.
I frown at my phone, concerned. Is she sick or hurt?
Noel: Want me to drop by your place later?
Jules: Aren’t your kids there?
“Are we interrupting the drafting of your novel?” Talia asks, annoyed.
“Give me a second. Go get some pie or something.”
“I think Lucien ate all of it.”
