Page 15 of Win Big

I tip my head to one side. “That would be great. If you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. Aline’s a sweetheart and I’d bet my left boob she knows a lot about this whole situation.”

My own relationship with Aline is cordial. She’s on the “other side,” but I have to admit, I do like her.

“Why your left one?” Taylor asks, lips twitching.

“I don’t like my left one as much as my right one.” Lacey grins. “Don’t tell me both your boobs are exactly the same?”

“Okay, no,” Taylor admits.

“What are we even talking about here?” I ask, trying not to laugh. “How did the conversation turn to mismatched boobs?”

“That always happens around Lacey.” Taylor shoots our friend a smirk.

“True. Anyway, yes, thank you for talking to Aline, if you can.” I sigh and drop my gaze to my plate. “It’s hard, thinking that my dad might have stolen their money.”

“Well.” Taylor pauses. “I know he’s your dad and you love him and look up to him, but it’s not a reflection on you.”

“I know. I just don’t get it. My dad has lots of flaws, but he’s not a thief. At least, I never thought he was.”

“Wait until you find out the truth,” Lacey says softly, reaching out to touch my arm. “All the facts. That’s what Théo would advise.”

“Yes, he would.” I smile. “Okay, you guys, who wants to come to the Ariana Grande concert with me? Tickets go on sale next week.”

“I love Ariana Grande! I want to go!” Taylor claps her hands.

“Me too!”

So all three of us plan how we’re going to get tickets to the concert and also plan to get together at Lacey’s place this weekend, since JP will be away on a road trip.

4

WYATT

I like to score.

Off the ice, and on the ice.

But I’m a defenseman. That doesn’t mean I don’t scoreanygoals, however. The year I left Detroit, I had fifteen goals, not bad for a D-man. But I’m known more for my hard-hitting play. I once saw an article online about the top twenty hardest hitters in the NHL, and I was listed at number twelve.

My physical play often sets the tone for a game. I like to throw the body around and I’m fearless when it comes to blocking shots. At six-two, two hundred twenty pounds, I never back down. But I keep it simple and I never take crazy runs at guys.

This means I’m often hurting.

Tonight is no exception. We played against Colorado and in the opening minute of the game I took Sokolov hard into the boards. The crowd went nuts and it energized the team. I’d like to think it helped us win, three–two.

As the loud beat of “Free Heart” by Jordyn Banks pumps through the dressing room after the game (she’s one of our fans and this has become our victory song, even though she’s marriedto a player for a rival team), a jubilant satisfaction settles in me. It feels good to win.

My left shoulder and hip are throbbing, along with my leg where I took a puck, but that’s okay because we won.

“You’re fucking crazy, Bellsy.” Jimmy shakes his head at me as he takes off his shin pads. “Blocking that Miller shot.”

“I know.” I grin.

“But thanks.”

Late in the game, the Avs got a three-on-two rush against us, and if they’d tied it up, it could be a whole different atmosphere in here right now. I got a pat on the shoulder from Coach for that.

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