Page 101 of Going All In

Chapter 20

“Oh, that wasso exciting,” Darcy’s mom said when the final buzzer sounded and the Strikers took the win at four to three.

“Got to throw my hat on the ice,” her dad said, and Darcy wished she’d grabbed one from the pro shop just in case.

She’d never seen a hat trick live, but the energy in the arena as the hats rained down after Jake’s third goal was amazing and infectious. She’d screamed and clapped along with everyone else, grinning when Jake grabbed a baseball cap and waved it around, his grin even brighter than hers.

They all headed up the stairs to exit the arena.

“It’s so much better watching the game live. That was awesome, Darcy. If Jake ever wants to give us his tickets, you know ’cause we’re basically family, I’m in,” Charles said with a wink as they stepped off to the side of people streaming out of the building.

Darcy rolled her eyes at her brother and ignored her mother’s sigh as soon as Charles said family.

“I’ll let him know.”

“They look fucking great out there. I predict a deep playoff run,” he said.

Darcy laughed. “I’ll see if he wants to give you playoff tickets.”

Charles gave her a big hug. “You’re my favorite sister, you know that?”

“Hey. You are supposed to love us equally,” Lydia said, and Bianca shook her head in amusement.

Darcy’s sister-in-law had gotten used to the Collins siblings’ antics over the years.

“Right. Of course I do,” Charles said. “We should probably get home. Bianca has surgery in the morning.”

“Yes. This was so much fun, Darcy. Thanks for inviting us,” Bianca said as Charles brushed a kiss against his wife’s hair. They amused each other. It was a relationship goal she’d always wanted.

It was something she had with Jake even if she had no clue what kind of relationship they actually had at this point. Yes, their talk after her run-in with Ralph had cleared some things up, but some things were left unsaid. At least on her part.

“We should head out too,” her father said. “Tell Jake thanks for the tickets.”

“What? I thought we could get a drink at the bar the players go to. You know, congratulate Jake in person,” her mother said, and Darcy tried to hide the horror from her face.

Please. God. No.

Her mother at C&B with all the players would be a disaster. Darcy could only imagine what her mother might say, especially after a drink or two.

“Maybe another time. I, too, have surgery in the morning, Tabby,” her father said, and Darcy breathed a subtle sigh of relief.

“Just one drink,” her mother said.

“No. Let them have their fun. We’ll see Jake the next time Darcy brings him over for dinner.” Her father shot her a wink, and Darcy bit back a laugh.

“Fine.” Her mother pouted. “You tell Jake how great he was out there, and next time, I’ll bring a hat.”

“I will,” Darcy said, then hugged both of her parents and wished them a good night.

Charles and Bianca said their good nights and left as well.

“So, it’s just us,” Lydia said, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s go hang out with some hockey players.”

“Oh god. Could you please be on your best behavior?”

Lydia laughed. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“I’m disinviting you,” Darcy said, half joking, half not. They headed toward the bar area near the WAGs suite to meet up with Ally so they could catch a cab to C&B together. Ally and Penny had taken Ethan’s seats tonight and they’d all met up during the first intermission to finalize plans.

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