Like that person is their entire world and they would do anything for them.
It’s the same way I want to look at Bex. I want to invite her here. To have dinner with my family. I know her dad is gone—somewhere in Europe—and that it’s just her. Being at dinner like this makes me think how easily she would fit in with my family.
Except, we can’t, even though I want more. Need more. But right now, we’re stuck in this forbidden limbo that I don’t know how to get ourselves out of.
“You okay, Nicky?” Dad asks.
“I’ll be right back. Need to hit the bathroom.”
I excuse myself and head directly for the stairs. I head toward my old room instead of the bathroom. Flopping onto the bed, I try to quell the thoughts stirring through my head.
Practically everyone I know is disgustingly in love. My sister. My parents. Piper and Cash.
And what do I have? A relationship with the one person I shouldn’t be with.
“You okay?” Pops sticks his head in the doorway.
“I’m—”
“Don’t say you’re fine. You’re not,” he interrupts, dropping down into the chair across from me. The room looks nothing like it did while I was growing up.
I didn’t get into hockey until I was in high school and hit my growth spurt. My room was always filled with books. I loved learning. Still do. But since I realized I could make a better career out of being a goaltender, I followed the money.
Besides, I can always go back to school when I’m done.
“Sorry. It’s just frustrating.”
“What’s frustrating?” Pops leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
“Being around so many people in love.”
“Why is it bothering you now?”
“I just wish I could find someone to bring home.”
Not exactly a lie. Because I do want to bring Bex here more than anything.
“Is that code for you don’t want to tell your old man?” He laughs. “Or you can’t because you don’t want me to know who you’re dating, if you are dating someone, that is? You know you can tell us about whoever you’re dating…man or woman.”
“I know.”
That’s the one thing I never had to worry about. Growing up with two dads, I always knew it would be safe to love whoever I wanted to.
Except…what am I supposed to tell him? I’m dating the owner of the team? Someone who is more than a decade older than I am?
Not that I would call what we’re doing dating. We haven’t even given it a name.
“You’d tell us if something were wrong?”
“Yes, Pops. Nothing is wrong.”
“You’re just moping around like a teenager then for the fun of it?” I hear the laugh in his voice, and it helps break me out of my errant thoughts.
“Yes. I didn’t get to do nearly enough of it as a teenager. Why not now?”
“Maybe because you’re an NHL goalie and have a lot going for you?”
“I guess so.”
