Page 10 of Inside the Penalty Box

“Oh god, yes. How did I forget that? She was sure he was going to be the love of her life, and yet here we are, a new one again.”

Walker laughed. “Do you know anything about him?”

I shook my head. “Not much. She’s been unusually tight-lipped about him, but she did let it slip that this one comes with a new stepbrother. Apparently, he’s about your age.”

Walker looked at me with the same curious, annoyed look that I was sure had crossed my face the first time I’d heard about this man and had told Lorelai. It was just like Mom to drop this announcement on us. After all, she hadn’t lost her freedom, and even though I’d always wanted to be like her, after the events of our girls’ trip, I’d changed my mind. The shame from that night had been enough to stop me from dating since. I’d decided I was happy being boring old Aurora.

I popped the trunk on my car while Walker threw his duffel bag in, and then we climbed in. We were going to meet our new stepfather today. Apparently, Penelope had met him four months after I returned from Cozumel and had accepted his proposal a few weeks later. It was fast. She’d surprised me with a call only a couple of weeks ago and dropped the news that they had gotten married while on a trip to Vegas.

When I’d found out Walker would come home during my spring break, I made sure to be available to be here. It was the perfect opportunity for us to meet this man, and I was happy to not have to do it alone.

“So do you know much about the stepbrother?” Walker questioned.

I shook my head as I pulled off the highway. “Nothing really. Mom said he isn’t around much. He travels a lot. Other than that, she has said nothing to me about him. I’d almost hedge a guess she’s probably never met him herself, given the rush of the entire relationship.”

“That figures.” Walker shook his head.

“Can you check the address on that piece of paper in the middle console?”

Walker picked up the paper. “69 Fletcher Cresent.”

“Okay. I was sure that was what it was.” I said, turning into one of the wealthiest areas of Vancouver.

As we drove through the neighbourhood filled with houses as big as we’d ever seen, Walker let out a whistle.

“Looks like Mom finally did something right.” He chuckled. “This neighbourhood is filled with a lot of doctors, lawyers, and I’ve heard the occasional sports stars.”

I giggled. “Maybe it’s her divorce lawyer from husband number four.”

“Ha, that wouldn’t be funny. That guy hated me.” Walker chuckled.

“Well, you’re different now. You’ve cleaned up your life.”

We both looked at one another and laughed. I turned onto Fletcher Cresent, and within seconds we spotted number 69. I slowed my old beater of a car down and pulled into the driveway.

I’d just cut the engine when I saw Mom wave from the front door. Then she pushed it open and ran out into the driveway. She looked radiant in a white dress, especially with her dark tan.

“You ready?” Walker questioned.

“Not really, but there is no turning back now. She’s already spotted us.”

Walker chuckled and pushed his door open at the same time I did, and we both climbed out of the car and walked around to the front of it where we met Mother. She immediately threw her arms around both of us, pulling us in for a hug.

“Gosh, you two look great. I’ve missed you both so much,” she said, now hugging us individually. “I’m so glad you are both here.”

When she grabbed me, she pulled me against her. “Come on, come inside and meet Joe,” she said, pulling us toward the door.

She hadn’t even asked Walker how his first nine months had been. She hadn’t asked me how school was going, if I was passing or failing, or worse, had dropped out. It shouldn’t have surprised me. It was just like her; nothing had changed. She was and always would be solely focused on herself.

We stepped inside the house. I slipped my shoes off and then followed Walker, who followed Mom. I could tell he was just as uncomfortable in this house as I was. As Mom entered the kitchen, Walker glanced over his shoulder at me.

“Are you as stumped as I am?” he whispered.

I gave him a crooked smile. “Sure am. This is effed-up,” I said through clenched teeth.

We stepped into the kitchen. “Aurora, Walker, this is Joe,” Mom said, introducing him as Walker came to stand beside me. He was a very attractive, well-built older man, and it surprised me to see him at the counter making a tray of drinks. It was usually my mother doing those things.

“Walker,” he said, shaking my brother’s hand, “nice to meet you.”

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