“With the Barons?” she questions and I nod. “It’s a day near Christmas where the families come to the arena and skate on the ice. We bring toy donations for charity and there’s food and Santa usually makes an appearance for the kids.”
“It’s a way for hockey players’ extended families to get to know each other,” Callie adds as she shifts in her seat across from Jessie. “Devin’s parents always come down, and Luc’s mom showed up last year.”
“With her new boyfriend. Who is now her old boyfriend,” Luc adds with a roll of his eyes. “She’s actually flying solo to the wedding thankfully.”
“Maybe she’ll pick up a player,” Callie replies and Luc groans. “Come on, maybe something younger will do her some good.”
“Stop talking now before I barf,” Luc warns, and I laugh at the look of horror on his face. But Callie started something that no one but Luc wants to let go of.
“Chooch is single,” Alex tells everyone. “He’s coming, right?”
“Stop,” Luc warns.
“Right! Chooch could use the gentle touch of an older woman after that viper of an ex-girlfriend,” Jordan announces and Luc looks like he might be physically ill.
“No seriously, stop,” Luc begs and covers his hears with his hands.
“What’s a Chooch?” Len asks as she sit back down.
Rose’s eyes light up and I swear I can see hearts floating in them. “Actually, you know what? You’re going to find out what a Chooch is. I’m going to sit Mike at your table!”
“You’re in trouble now,” Callie tells Len. “My little sister is the matchmaker from hell.”
“Truth,” Jessie adds with a grin.
“I was going to focus on Alex here, but seems like that work is done so you’re my next victim!” Rose looks absolutely gleeful.
I don’t know whether to be concerned for Len or excited. She looks like she’s not sure what to feel either. I look over at Alex who is chuckling at the whole thing, but when our eyes meet he seems a little guarded. I wish he had invited Mac and me to this family day thing. The fact that he didn’t makes me worry that I’m moving faster than he is and it’s the worst feeling ever.
The plane lands and there are two SUV cabs waiting to take us to Silver Bay. All the guests are staying in the same lakefront inn so we all get dropped off first and then the locals get taken to their homes. We agree to meet up later tonight, after their rehearsal dinner.
Len checks in and tells me to text her once I get settled because she wants to go for a walk around town and explore. I agree and watch her trot off to the elevator as Alex talks to the front-desk clerk.
“You’ll be in room 304,” he tells Alex and slides the key card across the polished wood countertop. “And Miss Bennett is in room 303, just across the hall.”
He slides a second key card across the countertop and my heart hits the floor so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t crack the tile.
Chapter 23
Alex
She hasn’t said a word since we checked in. I’ve been talking. She’s been nodding as I babble on about this little town, but I know she’s pissed. I should have said something before we got here, but what the fuck could I have said? “Hey honey, I got you your own room because I don’t want you to have a black eye at the wedding.”
Jesus, she’s going to run so fast in the other direction. We get to the third floor and she walks to her door. Without looking back at me she says, “I’m going to unpack and then head out with Len to explore the town.”
“Oh. Okay.” I should say more here. Stop her? Beg her to not be mad at me? Have sex with her? I don’t know but something. This feels wrong. But I don’t do anything more than watch her disappear inside her room.
I head into mine, drop my overnight bag on the bed, hang my suit in the closet and text Avery to see if he got here yet. He texted back that he and Stephanie are having a late lunch down in the tiny restaurant attached to the inn. Five minutes later I’m standing next to their table. Avery looks confused by my appearance. Steph can see the tension radiating off me and pulls out the extra chair at their table. “Sit.”
I do what she asks and she smiles gently. “What happened?”
“Nothing yet, but I’d bet money I’m about to get dumped,” I admit and drop my elbows on the table and my head in my hands.
“Wait. What?” Avery asks. “From the Barons?”
“No. A girl.”
“You’re dating a girl?” Avery croaks out his tone drowning in wonder. “Like exclusively? You have a girlfriend? A real one, not one you blow up?”
