Page 79 of The Hat Trick

“Did he ask you for money?”

She shakes her head. “No, just said he wants to get help, and wants to talk to see if we can have a better relationship.”

I scoff. I’m sure talking to supposedly build their relationship will include him guilting her into giving him money. Though, maybe that particular request is saved just for me considering he is able to find how much money I make online fairly easily.

“What do you want to do?”

She just shrugs again. “I don’t know, I was kind of thinking of trying to talk to him.”

I can’t help the loud sigh I let out at the thought of her doing that. “Brynn—”

“Look, I know, I’m not stupid, okay? I know he’s an addict. I know he’s probably just going to try to use me, but he’s still our brother. I know he’s screwed you over several times when you’ve tried to help, but I haven’t tried. I just wonder if I did, maybe I could get through to him.”

I want to try to talk her out of it. I want to tell her she’s just going to be disappointed, but I can’t bring myself to do that with the way she’s looking at me. She’s been the one I was able to shield the most from what a shit show our family is, but unfortunately she was still exposed to too much, and I know her intentions are pure. I just don’t want her getting hurt or taken advantage of by our shit hole brother.

“Fine, I understand you want to try and help him, just please be careful. And don’t give him money.”

Luckily, I don’t have to worry about her having him come over to her apartment since she lives in another state. I don’t know where Brandon is, but I highly doubt he would’ve made his way to California.

“I won’t, but if he seems to be getting better would you want to know?” Her tone is hopeful and I know she wants me to say yes, despite me wanting to tell her no I just can’t bring myself to do that.

“Yeah, if he is truly able to work on getting better then I want to know.”

She smiles, I can tell how happy the thought makes her that we have a chance of at least having the five of us be a family again. Which is exactly why I’m scared about the disappointment she’s going to feel when that won’t happen.

27

I’m glad Vince said I could bring Audrey to the game today because this time it’s different, I’m not in normal seats like everyone else. No, he said I’m up in the suite with the other “WAGS.” I had to ask what the fuck a “wag” is, to which he told me it stands for “wives and girlfriends.” And when I said I wasn’t either of those things he just kissed me before he had to leave.

For that reason, I have no idea what I’m about to walk into, what these other women will be like, and what they will think of me. I also know Brent’s sister is going to be here. Vince mentioned his sister and her familymightbe here as well. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to tell anyone when they ask who I know, especially if everyone else is in a relationship with a player.Oneplayer. Notthree.

“Do you think you’re going to be all famous at some point and can finally quit that shit job?” Audrey asks as we take the elevator up to the suite.

I snort out a laugh. “No, definitely not. I think I’m going to be stuck in said shit job for a while. If not forever.”

“Not if you end up married to three hot millionaire hockey players.”

“Polygamy is illegal.”

“Laws were meant to be broken.”

“That is not the saying,” I laugh. “Ruleswere meant to be broken.”

She waves me off. “Same shit.”

We reach the floor that has the suite we were told to go to, and when we approach, I automatically know we are about to be extremely out of place. Everyone here is model level gorgeous. I’m pretty sure a few of them are models, they have to be. Majority of them are blonde and I know one thing for sure, I am the only thick brunette here. Audrey is a little smaller than me, but her short black hair and glasses are also out of place. So, at least the two of us are together in this.

“Did we just walk into a Victoria’s Secret model audition?” I whisper to her.

“Seriously, what the fuck?” she whispers back.

I’m about to suggest we run for the hills when my name is called, and several heads turn in our direction. One of the tall blonde women comes bounding toward me, though this person I recognize as Brent’s sister, Brynn. I’m thankful she’s smiling as she makes her way over to me, but I don’t love the look all the other women are giving us right now. Judgmental glances looking us up and down. We are the only ones here wearing a jersey, I opted for the one I have without a name on it. Everyone else looks like they dressed up to walk on a runway.

Even Brynn is wearing a Dragons t-shirt she’s tied to show a strip of skin above the waistline of her skinny jeans and looks like she fits in here. Audrey and I look like fans who snuck in where we don’t belong.

“Hey Brynn,” I greet with a small smile. “This is my best friend, Audrey.”

“Hey,” Audrey waves, clearly feeling just as out of place as I do, which says something considering what she does for work, but I know she’s more comfortable and confident behind a computer screen.

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