Page 21 of Goalie Interference

Hanny caught me up on what had been going on with him since we’d played together. He’d been on a toxic team before signing here, facing a lot of flack in the locker room because he wasn’t white. With a superstar rookie, Bell, who was out and proud, the Aces seemed to be a more welcoming group.

I was in a better state of mind by the time I drove myself home to relieve Sophie and see how much trouble Beast had caused.

Chapter 10

The burr under his saddle

Sophie

I ignored the dog again after lunch as I worked, until the background of growls turned to loud barks. There was a rap on the door and Remy stepped in. Beast was still growling but had stretched his leash till it was almost strangling him, trying to get as close to Remy as possible.

It was the most doglike behavior Beast had shown, so that must be why I smiled, something warm in my chest.

“Thank you for taking care of him,” Remy said, crossing to loosen Beast’s leash. “Sorry it’s later than I thought, but I had to pick up my rental vehicle. I parked the truck just outside, if that’s all right.”

Something was…off somehow. How I could tell after barely talking to him I wasn’t sure, but I’d have been willing to bet on it. “Perfectly okay. Did everything go well at practice?”

He cocked his head. “Fine. Why do you ask?”

I couldn’t say I thought he sounded upset because that would be weird. Did Ollie do something? I wouldn’t worry with anyone else, but with the way Ollie’s dad never stopped harping onhow Ollie hadn’t won things his dad had because of Remy—still, when neither Ollie nor his dad were even playing anymore—meant that the rivalry with Remy never ended for my ex. “It’s Ollie’s first training camp at the NHL level, so I wondered.”

He gave me a crooked grin. “Yeah, don’t think I’m gonna call him that. Coach Trent will do.”

“Did he do something wrong? Cross a line?” Remy looked puzzled. Right, it wasn’t my business.

“No, it’s all good. I’ll just take Beast and get out of your hair. I really appreciate you stepping in like this. Did he do anything?”

“He didn’t bite me or pee on my stuff, so nothing like what you’re asking.”

Beast had gone back to chewing on the towel. Remy frowned. “Dare I hope that towel was ripped up before Beast got here?”

I shrugged. “It’s just a towel. It kept him happy and quiet, so well worth the sacrifice.”

A long sigh. “I’ll pay for it. Or replace it.”

“Really, it’s not a problem. Technically it was my brother’s before he passed it on to me to use for my work here. And Cash can afford lots of towels.”

Remy rubbed his chin, bare now, beard gone. He looked so much better shaved. “What does he do?”

Focus, Sophie.“Now he’s a music producer. He used to be in a band.”

Remy’s gaze stared out the window, looking at the size of the property. “Would this be a band I’ve heard of?”

“The Knock Off Heartbeats.” Then I waited.

His head snapped around. “The hell? That’s your brother?”

I nodded. The band had only put out three albums before egos broke them up, but they’d been big. Evan had gone solo, with moderate success. Ryan had started a couple of bands, none of which did much. My brother was the most successful after the breakup, producing for other artists.

I braced for the questions about what happened to them. The honest answer, that they all felt they were the most important person in the group, was never acceptable. Fans wanted to know why their favorite band didn’t exist anymore, while also believing they were all great guys. Or they made requests for an autograph or a meetup, shared what was their favorite song, and usually asked if that meant Ryder Williams was my dad. Dad was more famous than Cash.

I was not. I was one degree of separation from fame.

Remy looked out the window again. “Okay, he can afford towels. But I still like to pay for myself. And my dog.”

It took a moment to realize he wasn’t going to follow the usual script. “Well, when you get a chance, drop off a towel. And you can take that one. Your dog seems to like it.” Beast was chewing on the corner, resigned to waiting for the humans to do something interesting.

“I will. And thanks again. Since I have a truck and the address of the place that’ll take care of Beast, I shouldn’t disturb you tomorrow.”

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