“That’s kind of how relationships work,” I highlight to my son.
“Fine. But this doesn’t mean she gets to eat all of our cheesecake when she wants. We all get equal shares. Speaking of which, we really need to talk about your stock portfolio. Lexi let me explain to her why she should invest the other day. She may be richer than you one day if she invests the way I tell her.”
I snort a laugh because I can envision Lexi’s perplexed face as she listened to him. But it seems business as usual with them, not bothered about my news.
Which brings me back to the apple of my eye, and she notices. “Now I have someone to take me bra shopping, I need one of those.”
My hands claw the arms on my chair, with my entire body tightening and my face attempting not to show my total freakout that my little girl is no longer a little girl. “Oh yeah, I’m sure she’ll help with that,” I nearly squeak. Deep breath. “But why didn’t you tell me you knew about Lexi and me?”
She shrugs her shoulder. “I wanted to see how this ship would sail, and here we are. I’m fine. It’s cool. You can even focus on her more and let me have my space.”
I groan at this girl’s ability to wrap me around her finger and keep me at her mercy. “Delightful.” Another deep exhale. “Is this conversation done? Any questions?”
“All good.” Lori stands and flicks her hair. “Off to my room to call my friends to tell them that this conversation has happened. They had timeline estimates and now need confirmation. Bye.”
I can’t even with her. In my peripheral view, I see Harry has cheese strung along from his mouth to the plate, only to have it break and land on the couch cushion.
Guess we’re all going to be alright.
20
HOLDEN
Lexi gives me a peculiar stare as we stand in the reception room of a country club outside of Chicago. Lake Spark may be a hockey town, but sometimes sponsors like to get away from the ice for a children’s charity and find neutral territory for athletes from all teams to come together for a cause. These events can be fun. Still, my team at home are not impressed, which is why Lori’s stare is more a near scowl—but still cute.
“I’m not sure this counts as a family outing?” Lexi chides but then touches my arm and completely relaxes and smiles because she’s joking.
I snicker. “I can’t get out of it. It’s a sponsor that I still have a contract with. It’s why I still appear at sports functions. At least it’s a family-themed event and you got to watch me attempt to golf one hole, no?”
“Andyou should just stick to hockey,” she mumbles but then stands tall. “My dad is here, and I spoke to him for a little bit. I’m surprised I didn’t need to chain you up and drag you here because of that. How could you not want to fake a sickness and get out of this?” Lexi refutes.
“I’m aware.” I sigh. I need to face him eventually. After all, with my kids now in the loop about my relationship status, then it’s a step into the not-casual-dating category. I owe Coach Moore a chat. I missed the traditional train to ask for permission to date his daughter, but I can still make an effort.
I study my kids for a second. Lori scans the room while Harry is already beelining it to the snack table. My face turns pleading when I face my daughter. “An hour or two tops, then I promise we can do something just the four of us.”
“Does fun include shopping?” Her tone is flat.
“Not exactly.” But the four of us, for sure. Since everything between Lexi and me is out in the open, everyone seems a little happier. Lori in particular seems to have bonded with Lexi, which is refreshing to see since Lori could use a strong female figure in her life to look up to. It also brings Harry and me closer because the pranks have died down and I don’t have to spend time defusing fires.
Lexi plants her hands on Lori’s shoulders and guides her in a new direction. “Come on, I hear there are cute junior hockey players visiting this event, and we can go look at them over there.” Lexi flashes her eyes at me as they leave.
Still, I manage to hear them as they walk away. “Does it matter? I see the Spinners practice at the rink all the time,” my daughter reminds Lexi.
Ruefully, I shake my head as a guy calls my name. I turn to see Trey, an old buddy from my team.
“Hey, if it’s not Mr. Entrepreneur himself.” His hand comes up to shake mine. A strong hold because it’s nearly a side hug.
“Hey, Trey. Long time no see. How’s life treating you?”
He hitches a thumb over his shoulder. “Pretty damn awesome. Kim is over there talking to a few of the other wives. She’s holding baby one, and baby two is on the way. Gotta have those kids close together in age. Complete the diaper phase in one big swoosh.” Trey shines, and it’s great to see.
“Congrats. My kids are around here somewhere.”
“They must be big now. I still don’t know how you managed to play hockey on little sleep. Respect.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Miss the team life?”
I place a hand on my waist. “Nah, it was a great life. A little wild at times. Eventually we settle down, or at least I wanted to. I need the energy too, for my kids. It’s like the first years are chaotic, then you get a break age six to ten, and then it goes back into the unruly phase where you want to grit your teeth far too many times to prevent words you shouldn’t say from leaving your mouth.”
Trey chuckles. “Thanks for the warning.” He nudges my arm. “And… might have noticed that you didn’t come alone today.” He raises his brows. “Man, the coach’s daughter? Didn’t see that one coming. But does it count when you’re no longer on the team and have retired? Surely, his cold glare coming straight for us is a signal that it isn’t a big deal. Even if you and Lexi look pretty damn good together.”
