Page 40 of Penalized Love

“I will, and then I’ll come back in and help where I can.”

I walk to the back of the house and find Dad outside, rocking his ‘King of the Grill’ apron that Grace and I got him on his birthday years ago.

“Looking good, Dad,” I say, gesturing to his apron as I step out onto the back patio.

He glances up from the grill and pushes his glasses so that they sit on top of his head. “This old thing has seen its fair share of team barbecues.”

“That’s true. Looks like you’re almost done setting up.”

Dad confirms that with a nod. “Yeah, we should be ready to go before everyone arrives. I have called in reinforcements to help, and they should be here to set up within the hour.”

It’s fantastic because my parents can relax and not have to spend their entire evening working to ensure this event goes well. “You know, it’s been a while since I’ve been here for one of these.”

“It has. I think the last one you went to was your senior year of high school.”

That was when Asher and I were still together. We spent the night stealing glances at one another to avoid letting anyone know the true nature of our relationship. I remember being so hopeful about everything between us, but it all crashed down around me weeks later.

“Are you excited about tonight?”

Dad’s question brings me back to the present day. “I guess, but I’m more focused on how I can help you prepare. If you don’t have anything for me to do, I’ll go back in and check with Mom.”

“I don’t, so please go help your mother. I’ll come in when I’m done and help too.”

With that plan in place, I walk back inside and get more marching orders from Mom. Bella follows me around as I move through the house, setting things up. She sniffs at everythingI put down, as if giving her own little seal of approval. Her carefree energy makes me smile, although it takes a little longer for me to get things done due to her investigation.

I spend the next hour or two helping my mom, dad, and the team they hired to help cater the event with foods and beverages they won’t be making. When it is go time, Bella runs around the house excitedly and greets our guests as they arrive.

Despite all the preparation, I’m still feeling overwhelmed.

Many of the players and staff have arrived, and this is the most people I’ve seen in our backyard in years. I spot Levi chatting with my dad while others gather around the snack table, helping themselves to chips and dip. I walk into the kitchen and share a smile with my mom, where she’s putting the finishing touches on a platter for the sliders.

“Is there anything else I can do to help?” I want to stay busy, so I don’t have to think about the elephant in the room.

“Sweetheart, you’ve already done enough.”

“I want to help, though.”

She leans in to tell me, “You’re also supposed to be enjoying this party too. After all, you’re a member of the team.”

Although I’ve told myself and others I am, it still feels weird. But it’s true, I might not be on the ice, but I am a member of the Red Wolves’ organization.

I make it a point to greet and chat with Bailey and Alice. I want to get to know them better outside of work. As the conversation reaches a comfortable lull, I bring the soda I’d been nursing to my lips, and just before I can take a sip, my eyes land on the man who has a starring role in my mind.

Asher.

He’s standing with a group of teammates, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his drink. As if sensing that he is being stared at, he looks up, and our eyes clash across the backyard.

If the heat lamps weren’t already keeping me warm, I know the look in his eyes would. It makes me think of every dirty thought known in history, and I think I can thank Selene and Hailey for that.

I need to get out of here.

I chug the rest of my soda and then turn to Bailey and Alice. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to head inside and check in with my mom.”

They give me small smiles as I leave them in my backyard. As I walk into the kitchen, I don’t see my mom, but I find her in the living room talking with one of the college administrators. She gives me a small wave, and I plaster on a fake smile as I continue walking toward the stairs and up to the next level of our house.

Am I being absolutely ridiculous for running away from someone in my house? Probably, but I want to put as much distance between us as I can. Because if anyone notices, I know they’ll be able to pick up on what’s going on within seconds.

I debate whether I want to go into my room or bathroom to get a breather and then make the snap decision to walk into my bathroom. There, I can at least throw water on my face and try to cool my skin, which now feels like it’s scorching hot.

---