Page 75 of Goalie Interference

Beast growled and Diane jumped. “Beast is here?”

“You’ve met the monster?” Hanny asked.

“He’s been at the shop. I can’t wait to see him with Goober.”

“Goober?” Hanny looked around.

“Goober is Sophie’s cat. I’ve heard he and Beast have a…special relationship.”

Hanny side-eyed me, but didn’t comment.

We finished preparing the vegetables, Hanny and Diane carrying most of the conversation including explaining the budding friendship between the cat and dog. We were enjoying our wine when Sophie’s brother entered the kitchen. I recognized him from pictures even I’d been unable to miss back when his band and their music had been everywhere. Behind him was a blonde, looking like she’d just stepped off a runway. She was wearing a tight dress that showed off her considerable assets and both Hanny and I took a moment to appreciate them. But it was just a pretty package. I preferred to look at Sophie. She wasn’t technically as beautiful, but I had no desire to spend time with the other woman when Sophie was around.

I liked her, too much. If I kept it under control, maybe we could enjoy what time we had together. Have some casual but incredible sex, and then I’d be gone. I shook my head, not wanting to think about it now, while I was still here.

“Hello, Diane,” Cash said.

“Hello again, Cash. Who’s your friend?”

“This is Trinity from LA.”

“Season’s greetings,” Diane said politely.

Trinity ignored the older woman, and stared at Hanny and me.

“Oh, this is Remy and Hanny. Cash and Trinity,” Sophie said.

“Nice to meet you. I’m a fan.” Hanny grinned at Cash.

“I’m a fan of yours too. I’m actually the one who got Ollie into hockey—been a lover of the sport forever. I played as a kid, got Ollie to try it as well, and then…” He shrugged.

I couldn’t feel sorry for him after the success he had in music, but it was nice to know I’d done something he’d been unable to.

Hanny frowned, then his brow cleared. “Ollie? Oh, Otts. I mean, Coach Trent.” Hanny put on a serious voice to say the last words.

Cash tilted his head. “His hockey nickname is Otts? He never shared that. Why do you call him Otts?”

Hanny grinned. “I played with a guy who was on his junior team, so I got the details. He made the mistake of sharing that his full name is Oliver Theodore Trent. O-T-T. It sounded pretentious, so of course he became Otts.”

“I am definitely bringing that up when I see him later. And what about you guys? What do they call you?”

“My last name is Han, so I’m Hanny. This guy’s name is Daniel Rempel, so he’s Remy.”

Cash leaned on the counter. “If I’d played, what would my name be? Something with Cash or Williams?”

“Willy?” Diane suggested. Everyone laughed.

Trinity studied Hanny and me. “You’re hockey players?”

Hanny gave her a big smile. “Yes, ma’am. With the Austin Aces. Have you been to a game?”

“Not yet.” She was still studying Hanny.

“You can look up how much they make on the internet, honey.” Diane’s voice caught everyone’s attention.

Cash laughed, but Trinity ignored her. She smiled at Cash. “We should go.”

He sighed. “Yeah. Haven’t seen Dad or Ollie for a while, so I’d better show up. Nice to meet you, Hanny and Remy. Merry Christmas, Diane.”

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