Page 22 of One Pucking Chance

“Absolutely, Ms. Sterling.” He nods. “Ms. Miranda stopped by earlier with some boxes for you. I allowed her up so she could drop them off in the suite.”

“Oh, that’s fine. Thank you. Just no one else tonight.”

He swipes his key card in the slot next to the elevator and pushes the button for the penthouse as I step into the elevator.

“Have a wonderful night, Ms. Sterling.”

“You too, Walter.”

The elevator door opens to the penthouse, and I step inside. A big white box with a blue ribbon sits on the table in the foyer, but I opt to open it later. First things first, food.

I turn on some trash reality TV, change into sweats, and eat the noodles. They’re so delicious, and I’m so happy with my decision to take them. It was a spur-of-the-moment impulse, and the thought of the look on my dad’s face as I stormed out of the restaurant with two dishes in hand makes me smile.

I’m not naive enough to believe this conversation is over. This is my father after all, and one thing I know about him is that he will be heard and is accustomed to getting his way. At the very least, I’m going to be expected to produce this so-called love of my life, which could be a problem. I’m certain that if my father finds out I lied to him about having a boyfriend, he won’t relent until I agree to his demands.

But I can never agree with him—on principle alone. I am a twenty-six-year-old adult who has been making my own money since I was twelve. He will not force me to do anything I don’t want to do. And fake dating Simon is the very last thing I would ever do.

Just when I started to let my guard down and think I might’ve judged the douche too harshly, I find out he’s in cahoots with my father. That camaraderie I felt with him at dinner was just an act. I guess he has some acting skills after all.

My phone buzzes, and I look down, assuming it will be another text from Simon or my father, which I will of course ignore. But it’s from Miranda.

OMG, Anna. What happened at dinner? Your father is here, and he is not happy.

I pick up my phone and reply.

Don’t let him intimidate you.

Well, I’m not trying to, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him this mad. He wants to know where you are.

Tell him I went to Indiana to visit my boyfriend.

What?!

Just tell him that I went to Indiana to visit my boyfriend. Give him no other details.

Okaaay…

He’s asking where in Indiana?

Tell him you don’t know.

I did, and he stormed out.

Good. Now wait a few minutes until you’re sure he’s gone. Grab my script and head over to the hotel. We need to talk.

On it!

I chuckle and put my phone back on the bed. I’m so lucky to have Miranda on this adventure with me. She may be my only true friend, but when your best friend is as awesome as she is, one friend is all you need. I’m terrified of the day she leaves me. I pay her really well, but I know someday she’ll find someone and settle down. She won’t always be able to follow me around the world to all my shooting locations. Thankfully, that day isn’t today.

Placing my hand on my stomach, I stretch back against the headboard. I may have inhaled every bite of pasta and enough bread for several people, but I have no regrets. I’m going to have to eat at that place again. Heck, I wouldn’t mind seeing Bethy again. Next to my father and Simon, she’s wonderful company.

I catch sight of the large box by the foyer, and I hop off the bed.

Tugging at one of the large bows, I flip open the top of the box when the navy blue ribbon unravels. The contents bring a smile to my face. There’s an apple, a large foam finger, what appears to be some sort of a navy-and-white noisemaker, a pair of Crane hockey sweatpants and a hat, and a number two jersey signed by the one and only Jaden Lewis. I pull out the jersey and hug it to my chest, feeling happy. I open the card, which has the Crane hockey logo on the front. Inside, I find two tickets to a game and a handwritten note.

Dearest Pen Pal,

Tomorrow is our first home game. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to hang with the Appletons. I can’t wait to see what you think of your first hockey game. You’re going to love it. Can’t wait two see you.

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