Page 81 of Perfectly Grumpy

“I hope,” I say with a smile. “Most guys last about five years. And I’m hoping to make it to the NHL before my body gives out.”

Uncle Bobby leans in. “You mean you’re moving to Canada?”

“Not necessarily,” I say. “Could be in the US too. I won’t know where I’m moving until I get an offer.”

“What about Lauren?” Uncle Ray asks, suddenly looking concerned about his niece.

“Yeah, you can’t leave that little darlin’ behind,” Uncle Bobby says.

I know exactly what they’re asking—they’re fishing for clues about how serious we are. The problem is, I’m starting to wonder about that myself. Because somewhere between water balloon fights and flour heists, the line between pretending and reality has blurred into something that my logic can’t accurately decipher.

“Hockey players are used to moving around. You can’t really get too attached to one place.”

Aunt Tammy hums thoughtfully, sipping her tea. “It seems like Lauren is ready to settle down. And Sully’s Beach is such a beautiful place to raise a family.”

“Great schools too,” Aunt Karen chimes in. “You know, for kids someday.” Then she winks at me.

I blink. “Well, uh, we’re not that serious.”

“Yet,” Uncle Ray finishes through a forced smile. “Right?” He gives me a nod that leaves me no option but to agree.

“Uh, yeah,” I reply weakly, feeling all kinds of guilt for lying to Lauren’s family. I look quickly around the room for her, but she’s conveniently absent.

Aunt Tammy pauses, holding her cup mid-sip. “We’ve never seen Lauren behave this way with a man. She’s never been a hugger.”

“Oh, really?” I say, suddenly wondering how she’s acted around boyfriends in the past.

“I agree,” Aunt Karen says. “Seems happier too.”

Uncle Ray frowns slightly. “But you’re saying if the NHL calls, youcouldleave at any time?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Well, technically, yes?—”

“Hmm,” Bobby grunts, giving Ray a concerned look. “Risky business, dating a man who could justdisappearovernight. Kind of like those hitchhikers who got murdered in the seventies.”

I blink. Are they comparing me to murder victims?

Aunt Karen pats my arm. “Don’t worry, dear. We’ll still let you come to the reunion even if you and Lauren don’t work out.”

Fantastic.Nothing like being preemptively kicked out of a relationship I’m not even in.

“Excuse me while I grab more chocolate cake,” I say, backing away from them.

I weave through the crowd searching for Lauren, but she’s nowhere in sight. When I check Patty’s bedroom, it’s empty. Even her laptop is gone.

Out the window, I see the faint glow of a flashlight heading across the lawn, Annie trotting beside her. I head out the back door, following them on the hiking trail.

“Lauren, wait up,” I call, hurrying toward her. “At least let me walk you out here next time. It’s dark—you shouldn’t be alone.”

“That’s the point, Tate. No one’s supposed to see me coming out here. I have to sneak away when nobody’s looking.”

I kick a stick out of her way. “Well, could you at least tell me before you leave me with all your relatives quizzing me about our future together?”

She snorts softly. “I wondered when they’d ambush you.”

“You could have warned me,” I say. “Or at least come to my rescue.”

“Oh, Tate. I’ve been dealing with this for my entire life,” she says, letting Annie pull her along on the leash. “This is how they show they care.”

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