Page 32 of Fast

I nod. “You’re right. Dad admitted that they had been seeing each other in secret since before he got elected.”

He lets out a loud whistle. “Scott, you dirty fucker. Your dad has always been so serious. I would have never guessed he would be the type to bang his assistant.”

I spin around in my chair a couple of times, the wheels sliding around easily on the hardwood floor of my room. “I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t surprised when he told me the big news. But I don’t blame him. Since my mom died, Dad’s focus was completely on us. He ended his hockey career early to take care of me and my brothers. For as long as I can remember, I didn’t even see him with a woman. If Kelly makes him happy, I’m going to find a way to get along with her and her daughter.”

Lev sits on the edge of my bed. “If living with your new stepmom and stepsister proves to be too much, there’s always the Gamma house.”

Maybe. “If they accept our pledge.”

My best friend laughs. “As if. You’re a legacy and we’re both in the hockey team. It’s a sure thing.”

He’s right. “True. I don’t think they ever reject a member of the hockey team. It’s unheard of.”

Gamma Delta Tau is the most popular fraternity on campus because most of its members are in the hockey or the football team.

“I thought they only allowed juniors and seniors to live in the house, though.” I muse.

Lev explains. “It used to be the case. But last year they lost a ton of members to graduation, and to the NHL and NFL. Sothey have room this year. I’m going to apply for a room, and you should too, just in case.”

That’s a good idea. Having a backup would be wise, in case things get uncomfortable at home. “Yeah, I think I will. I really hope Kelly and Dad work out, though. He deserves to be happy.”

Lev nods. “I don’t think Scott would get married, unless he was sure. What do we know about the daughter? How old is she?”

I don’t know a ton, but I share all the information I have with him. “All I know is that she’s going to be a college freshman too…”

“Then maybe she’ll move far enough that we’ll barely see her,” he interrupts me.

“Kelly said that she’s going to Star Cove College.”

He chuckles. “Damn. Then hopefully she’s nice.”

I’m not that worried. “If she isn’t, the house is big enough that we can give each other a wide berth. We’ll be busy with classes and hockey, anyway.”

Lev grins. “And with all the sorority girls. Gamma Delta Tau is affiliated with Zeta Theta Beta. They always have the hottest girls on campus.”

“I’ve heard. We’ll see if that’s true.”

I rise from my chair, walking to the bay window that looks right at the circular driveway in front of our house. “That’s Kelly’s car. They’re here.”

Curiosity has the best of Lev too, and he comes to take a look. “What’s her name, by the way? The daughter’s?”

I rub the back of my neck, searching my memory and coming up empty. “I’m not sure. You know I didn’t pay a lot of attention to Kelly until Dad announced their engagement. All I can remember is that she’s gone to some fancy prep school in Connecticut. I don’t think Kelly told me her name. She keeps calling her ‘my baby girl.’ And Dad refers to her as ‘Kelly’sdaughter,’ or ‘your new stepsister.’ If they did tell me, I must have been distracted.”

Lev leans forward to take a better look, as the door of Kelly’s car open and two women step out. “Hmm, boarding school girls are supposed to be a little wild.”

I snort. “You’re thinking about Catholic school girls.”

He gives me a playful shove. “Shut up. If it’s an all girls school, she’s bound to be wild.”

From our position, we can’t see much more than two small figures walking to the front door.

It’s easy to spot the daughter, because Kelly is blonde and the other woman has long, dark brown hair.

“She has a nice ass,” Lev comments as my new stepsister drags a suitcase behind her and disappears from view as she gets closer to the door.

My phone buzzes with another message from Dad. “We’re being summoned. Let’s go welcome the new fam.” I sigh.

Lev slaps my back. “Usually, I’d let myself out from the back door and avoid this whole thing, but I’m curious.”

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