Page 58 of Puck and Prejudice

“He does have a pool, and yes, you can bring your bathing suit. I’ll bring mine too.”

I wrinkle my nose. The last thing I’d want to do is wear a bikini in front of my future in-laws. But I keep the thought to myself and shove a big piece of bread in my mouth.

* * *

JACKSON

One thing the altercation with the Vikings fans at our last game did was to infuse new energy into the team. We want to make those fuckers cry. We were all feeling pretty beaten down before, but I could tell the difference during this morning practice. We played like a well-oiled machine again, and Chad was on fire. I have every confidence we can beat the Vikings tomorrow.

I made sure to talk to every team member individually to check on them—even Wickham. I hate his guts, but I have to put my personal feelings aside. He acted professional for a change. He knows his time with the Lions is up, and winning the Cup will increase his bag when it comes to negotiating with a new team.

I haven’t seen Izzie since Vancouver, and even though I have so much on my plate right now, I haven’t stopped thinking about her. I know it’s a mistake to entertain the idea of getting involved with her, which is why I stopped what was evolving in my hotel room. But When Chad invited me to come over today, I didn’t hesitate. I was keen, and it wasn’t because Chad’s parents were in town.

Chad asked me to man the grill, which I’m happy to do. I love barbecuing. His house isn’t far from mine, only ten minutes away. It’s in Key Biscayne by the water and has a big outdoor area and pool in the back. I picked him up after we got home from the training facility to go buy all the meat from our favorite butcher shop, and we just got back.

Victoria Bingley, Chad’s mom, is in the kitchen cooking something. It smells delicious.

“What are you making, Mom?”

“It’s the day before your big game. You know very well what I’m making.”

Chad and I exchange a glance and say in unison, “Mac and cheese!”

“Of course. I want to give you boys the best chance to win the Cup.”

Chad stops close to his mom and kisses her cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”

Witnessing this scene, I might find it easy to believe Chad has a great relationship with his mother. But I know his parents gave him a lot of grief growing up. They put pressure on him to excel at everything. In a way, they were like my aunt Catherine. After my mother died, I went to live with her in New Haven, Connecticut. My father was never in the picture—he divorced my mother when she was expecting me, and took off to God knows where.

Aunt Catherine expected great things from me, but she wasn’t excited about my passion for hockey. She agreed to sponsor my dream only when I vowed to be the best hockey player in the world. I consider winning the Cup tomorrow as the fulfillment of that vow.

“Does your fiancée know how to cook?” Chad’s mother asks.

Chad winces, revealing how uncomfortable he is with the question. My guess is that he doesn’t know the answer. He’s only been dating Jane for a few months, after all.

He rubs the back of his neck and says, “Yeah. of course.”

“Well, you never know with women these days. In any case, I must teach Jane the recipes of all your favorite foods.”

Chad smiles. “I’m sure she’d love that.”

The doorbell rings, and I check the time. Chad told Jane to come at three, but it’s only half past two. If they’re early, I’ll be surprised. Her family doesn’t strike me as punctual.

A moment later, the front door opens and Caroline walks in. “Hello everyone.”

Chad turns to her. “Hey, sis. You’re here early.”

“I always like to be the first to arrive.” She looks at me and her smile broadens. “Hi, Jackson.”

“Hey, Carol.” I kiss her cheek, and she lingers close to me longer than necessary.

I’ve always been friendly with her. She’s like a sister to me, but I hope she doesn’t think I’m interested in her romantically.

I step back. “I’d better start working on the meat.”

“Do you need any help?” Caroline asks.

“No, I’m good.”

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