Page 41 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“I think us having fun together is a bad idea. We can hang out but our grandparents are in a serious relationship. I wouldn’t want to do anything to harm that,” I explain.

“Bro, Abuela won’t care,” Hayden says.

“We aren’t looking to fall in love,” Vicky adds. “It’s just like Ri said, we want fun. It’s always so boring when we come to visit Grandpa Mario. Now we have you guys, we might as well hang out.”

I’m pretty sure Vicky’s definition of hang out is casual sex.

We sit and chat with the girls for an hour. Riley doesn’t try to put her hands on me again, and I’m thankful for that. When the bill comes Hayden pays for it. I offer him some money but he doesn’t want it from me. He’s months away from finishing school and heading to the NHL.

“I can’t believe you’re going to be on television next year. Like I am sitting here with a famous guy,” Vicky says.

Oh boy, here we go. A puck bunny who wants to show off she’s been with a player.

“I’m just starting out. I don’t think I’ll be a big deal,” Hayden replies. “I still need to sign the contract. Hoping to get to it after the holiday,” he explains.

“That’s exciting,” Vicky says. “Which teams want you?”

“I’m not really at liberty to discuss that right now,” Hayden replies.

“Should we go somewhere quiet?” Vicky asks him, looking around.

Hayden looks my way, and I give him a frustrated look.

“How about I get this party pooper home?” he says of me. “Then we can take a drive somewhere.”

Vicky bobs her head like she likes the idea.

“What about us?” Riley asks.

“I’m not going to the NHL next year. I’m headed back to Riverside,” I inform her, hoping it will dim the stars in her eyes.

“You’re funny.” She laughs. “I don’t care about that, silly.” She waves me off.

“Sorry, I’m not into this,” I tell her. “I think we should be friends for the sake of our grandparents.”

“But they aren’t,” she responds, pointing at Hayden and Vicky.

“To each their own.” I shrug.

Hayden is watching me curiously, which isn’t a good thing, but he also knows how important this family is to me. I hope I don’t get called out. I am being a big hypocrite because it is much worse for me to be going with Ruby than Riley. Ruby is important to Hayden and Abuela.

We head back home. I walk through the door to see Ruby watching a movie with Carlos, Lucia, Ana, Camila, Mario, and Abuela.

“Hey there,” Abuela greets.

“Where are Hayden and Vicky?” she asks.

“They went for coffee,” Riley says. “They weren’t tired.” She yawns.

I feel terrible Ruby was left behind. It was really uncool of those girls, but I’ll keep my thoughts to myself because I don’t like to stir up trouble. I head to the kitchen and get a glass of water. I hear Riley tell her parents she is going to sleep.

When I walk back to the family room with my cup of water, the movie is over. Everyone is standing and stretching.

Abuela gives Ruby a hug. “Let me grab you some pillows and a blanket.”

“Thanks,” Ruby replies. “I have my things upstairs. I will go take a quick shower.”

“Go ahead,” Abuela tells her.

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