CHAPTER 8
Rae
The cool air of a hockey rink brings a powerful hit of nostalgia. The family suite where I spent a lot of time growing up feels like a home away from home. Even now, especially being here with Grayson’s parents.
I balance the two cups along with some nachos as I carry them over to Brynn who’s watching the pre-show on the ice.
“I could’ve gotten those,” she chides, and I just shake my head.
“It’s okay, I wanted to,” I assure her.
She gives me a knowing look. “You’re brave walking around in that jersey.”
I look down with a furrowed brow. “I always wear a Dragons jersey to games.”
“Oh do you?” Her voice is filled with humor. “Because I don’t remember you wearingthatone before.”
“Wha—oh.” My face flames as I think about the name that’s on my back. The same one she shares with her son.
“I’m sure there will be a few headlines about that if you’re not careful.”
“I doubt it.” I shrug. “Our families have been under a microscope forever. Everyone knows how close we are.”
“Mhm, and everyone knows what you do and don’t wear.”
Brynn was my mom’s publicist. She would know all about what the world will say and notice, but I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Even if it felt like a pretty big deal when Grayson gave it to me, I know I’m just reading into it.
We’re friends.
“Maybe I’m just areallybig Colton Wheeler fan,” I joke.
“That would work if you had a twenty-four on there, but that jersey isallmy son.”
My cheeks burn, and I sink into the seat next to her.
“You know he’s crazy for you, right?” she says quietly.
I shake my head. “You and my mom have tried that for years, but it’s not going to happen. In fact,everyonehas tried that. If that was true he could’ve said something.”
“He’s a boy, he’s clueless.” She shakes her head. “I love my sons more than anything in the world, but they’re boys, which means they’re predisposed to be a little dumb.”
I chuckle. “I have two brothers, I get it.”
“I’m just saying,” she starts. “Sometimes it’s okay to do what scares you.”
I sink down further, pulling my legs up into the seat, and turning my head. I’m always worried a camera is on me and may read my lips when I’m in public. It’s happened, and some of the things people have guessed I’ve said were pretty ridiculous.
“What if it ruins everything?” I ask quietly, not like anyone could overhear us anyway.
“What if it doesn’t?” she counters.
I sigh, but before I can say anything again there’s cheers, and I look up to see we’re on the jumbotron. I pull out my Rae Sparks smile, waving and blowing a kiss. The lights in the arena dim and they start the intro to the Dragons coming out.
“Life is too short to stay in denial. Take risks because you never know where they could take you.” Brynn says between us.
I try to focus on the game in front of me, but I think about how I’ve never been one to take many risks. I followed mydreams in my career, but always played it safe. Even in relationships I played it extremely safe and never got too serious with anyone. It never felt right. I never do anything I’m not supposed to. I’ve always been the “good” one. No scandals, no bad press. The perfect image is suffocating at times, but risk is not something I do.
After the game,the Dragons won, and we go down to the tunnel to meet Grayson. I remember when we used to do this after my dad’s games. Nash and I used to have races down the hallway. One time Nash fell into the hockey stick rack and we got in a bit of trouble.
