Which…is what I thought we had established from the very first note.
Did she not give them more deets because she was worried that if she told them “too much”, they’d soc’ stalk before I could properly be introduced?
Is that what all this is about?
Shejust wanted to be the one to give my intro?
My prelude?
Unsure of exactly how long ago I hit the pause button is what leads me to clearing my throat to aid in continuing what I’m picking up is about to be an uncomfortable conversation. “I’mma professional athlete.”
“Explains the physiqueeeee,” Ciara coos not so quietly to Alexis who instantly nods in agreement.
“Ohshit!” Lionel excitedly exclaims. “You’re not one of her patients, are you? Tell us that’s nothowyou met. That’d be some real unethical shit.”
“Like dating a student,” sasses his wife without hesitation.
“She wasn’t technicallymystudent,” he murmurs in return. “She was justastudent. And at a completely different college.”
“Heisa patientnowbecause it’s insane for anyone not to have had reliable dental care in years,” Gilly clumsily attempts to answer, “but he wasn’t a patient then…even though him and his brother got that way super shortly after…except that I still provide care to his brother and have passed standard care for Thayne over to a colleague to avoid conflicts of interestinthe office.”
“You have a brother?” Alexis quickly investigates. “Does he play sports too?”
I do my best to keep my tone neutral, “He’s sixteen.”
“Ugh,” she gags at the same time she leans back closer to her date, “never mind…”
“What do you play?” Lionel resumes his interrogation.
The tiny tightening of my hand Gilly delivers is taken like a wordless cheer of encouragement to continue. “Hockey.”
“Should’ve known,” Béchir lightly chuckles. “She was raised in the rink. Blanc never lets anyone forget that shit.”
“Major or minor?” Allerick questions next.
“Major.”
“Team?” Buchanan throws out.
“Dalvegan Dragons.”
“That’s why you look so familiar!” Ciara states, damn near flying out of her seat a second time. “You’re the goalie!”
It’s impossible not to bashfully grin. “I am.”
“Ohmygod!” her and Alexis shriek in tandem. “We love you!”
“You two make me need another glass,” playfully announces Aly prior to standing up. “Maybe something stronger?” She tosses a look in Kira’s direction. “Wilcox?”
“Aged bottle’s inBéchir’s study bar,” Kira casually informs much to her husband’s dismay.
“Does your brother know?” Lionel swiftly scrutinizes, question aimed directly at Gilly. “What’s he got to say about the situation?”
“Yeah,” Béchir backs, “I can’t imagine he’s a huge fan of his employee-”
“Player,” Gilly meekly corrects.
“-sleeping with his sister.” His large hands fold contemplatively together in front of him. “I know I wouldn’t be.”
