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He excuses himself with a very British bow and we sit back down to finish our meal.
The moment Dexter is out of ear shot, Noel leans in. “Oh my gosh! Colby!” She bounces in her chair. “I can’t believe that just happened. You’re a miracle worker! Best dating coach ever.”
“Ha. Right. Good thing we’re doing these lessons.” I force a smile, knowing she’s excited and wanting to be happy for her. But it’s hard to smile when I’m this irritated.
* * *
The following morning, my doorbell rings and I rush to the door, knowing my baby sister is on the other side. I realize three isn’t necessarily a baby, but she’ll always seem like a baby to me, I think.
Swinging the door open, my dad and Serenity come into view first. Dad is the mirror image of myself, just add twenty years or so. And Serenity looks like a vegan Barbie.
I feel Ruthie before I see her, her little body colliding with my legs as she wraps herself around me like a koala. “Cowby!” she says, not quite able to pronounce L yet.
Bending down, I lift her into my arms and kiss her chubby cheek before moving aside to allow my dad and his girlfriend room to step inside.
Dad gives me an awkward shoulder pat as he passes by me. “Good to see you, son.”
I nod my head instead of saying anything. Because it’s not good to see him, but as long as he brings Ruthie along, he can visit anytime.
“Oh, Colby! You’re as handsome as ever,” Serenity oozes once she’s inside. “Not as handsome as your dad, but wow.”
I smile and hope it doesn’t look like a cringe. “Gee, thanks. Good to see you too, Serenity.”
She chuckles and points to the hallway which leads to my master bedroom and the two lower-level guest rooms. They always stay in those rooms since there’s no furniture upstairs yet. My dad rolls their suitcases down the hallway, and I wonder why they need two full-sized suitcases for only one night. My guess is that most of it is Serenity’s stuff.
A sticky hand slaps against my cheek and I glance over at my sister. She’s petting my face like I’m her own personal kitten. I burrow my face against her neck, rubbing my unshaven skin against her. She screeches and giggles. “Cowby! No!”
Serenity’s voice pulls us from our fun. “Please don’t make her hyper, Colby. I’m already getting a headache.” She pulls Ruthie from my arms and settles her on her hip. Ruthie pouts for a second but calms down quickly enough, happy to be in her mother’s arms. Serenity kisses the top of my sister’s head, and they smile at each other.
For all the annoying things about my father’s girlfriend, I can at least say she’s a good mom. And for that reason alone, I’ll be nice to her. But I won’t pretend to like her cooking.
Dad comes back from dropping off the luggage to the guest rooms and folds his arms over his chest. “How’s the preseason going? The rookies any good this year?”
“We have some good ones. There’s a new defenseman too, thank goodness. Mitch could use more help. With the defensive strength, we might even stand a chance to win the cup this season.”
He listens intently. “You came awfully close last season. I’d love to see you guys win it all.”
The Eagles made it to the second-round last season. We were tied up with the St. Paul Grizzlies and then lost in overtime in game seven. If it hadn’t been for that lucky shot, we would’ve made it to the final. Bruce is still reeling from the whole thing; I think he blames himself for not blocking that shot. But the issue was our defense, not Bruce’s goal tending. Our defense has been weak for the last few years, and Mitch can’t hold it together by himself.
“You and me both. If we strengthen our defense with some new blood, I think we could do it.”
Dad smiles. He’s a big sports guy. The only thing we have in common to talk about. “So, you have plans today?”
“I do, and I was hoping I could bring Ruthie along?” I direct my question at Serenity.
Ruthie squeals excitedly and we all laugh. “I think that’s a yes,” Serenity says.
“Oh, also… I know you’re cooking tonight, Serenity, but I might be bringing some guests over for dinner. Thought I’d grill some burgers, so we have enough food.” Because if I have it my way, Noel will be smitten by me and Ruthie’s costumes and join us all for dinner, along with her family.
“No, no, no! You’re already letting us stay here at the last minute. You’re not lifting a finger tonight. I still have to run to the store for supplies, anyway. I’ll just add burgers to my list.” Serenity smiles at me sweetly.
“Wow, really? Thanks.”
This day is coming together perfectly.
CHAPTER 16
NOEL
