Page 62 of Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny

When I grabbed my phone off my nightstand, I noticed that both of my parents had called and left messages. I was tempted to listen to them so I could get an idea of what I was about to face, but it wasn’t like two minutes would be enough time to prepare.

I slid the phone into the pocket of my jeans and glanced at Lindsay. She pulled her brown waves into a messy bun and smoothed a hand down her crumpled outfit—Mom would undoubtedly notice the wrinkles. She used to harp on my wrinkled shirts all the time. Hopefully she’d keep it to herself—not that it mattered much, because it wasn’t like they wouldn’t realize Lindsay had been here all night the second they saw us.

“Ready?” I asked her.

“There’s still the window option.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder at our possible escape route.

“Not to scare you even more, but they’d probably track us down. They’re crazy focused, especially when they’re together. Mostly so they can get whatever it is out of the way and get as far away from each other as they can.” I held out my hand and Lindsay took it. “I don’t care what they think, or what they say. I just want to get this over with and get back to you and me.”

All my life, I’d fallen in line and done what they wanted me to. It just seemed easier, and I’d had my countdown to college and living on my own. You’d think after two years, they’d accept it, but clearly they thought they could still come in and pull strings. I was over being in the middle; over holding back to avoid rocking the boat.

Lindsay gave me a fortifying smile and laced her fingers with mine, and her strength transferred to me.

We walked out into the living room, hand in hand.

“Oh,” Mom said, the shock and revulsion clear before she pulled out her fake politician charm. “Lindsay. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

“I feel the same way about you two,” I said. “I know we didn’t have an appointment.”

“Ryder.” Dad’s sharp tone cut through the room. He gave Lindsay a patronizing smile. “Nice to see you again, but this is a family matter. Would you mind catching up with Ryder later, sweetheart?”

Mom’s eye twitched at the “sweetheart” and I wrapped my arm around Lindsay’s waist, our fingers still linked. “I probably should’ve been clearer last night,” I said. “Lindsay’s my girlfriend. She and I have plans this morning, and then I’ve got game prep, so say what you came to say, and then we need to get going.”

Mom shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Believe it or not, I’m trying to protect her. You, too.”

I hesitated. Mom might want me to go for the girls she set me up with, but she usually did try to keep others from Dad’s blast radius when he was in a mood, and the stern look on his face made it clear he came prepared for battle.

I wanted Lindsay here, but it was for selfish reasons. It was easier to remember what I wanted when she was with me. Easier to speak my mind. I lowered my voice. “It could get ugly—strike that. It most likely will. If you need to go get some work done at the paper, I totally understand.”

She lifted her chin, that fiery attitude I loved her for taking hold. “If you need me, I’m staying.”

I glanced at my parents. I was an adult—I could take whatever they told me. Dad would probably threaten to cut off his financial support, but I didn’t think Mom would leave me without a way to make it for the next few months. I had some money saved, too. Not enough to be set for college or anything, but enough to finish out this semester and figure out what to do about the next one, even if it meant tightening my budget or student loans. “I’ll be okay.”

“Um…I also…” Lindsay reached up, like she was going to twist a strand of hair around her finger, but then seemed to realize she’d pulled it up and rubbed her hand behind her neck instead. “Well, I rode here with you last night.” She tipped onto her toes and whispered, “When you went all caveman on me.”

I got lost in the memories of carrying her out of the bar, then from my car and into my bedroom, where I tossed her on the bed and went to exploring every inch of her with my hands and lips.

“I can call a cab,” Lindsay said, “but it’ll take a few min—”

“No way. Just take my car.” I grabbed my keys, placed them in her palm, and walked her to the door. “I’ll call you later.”

She ran her hand down the side of my face and whispered, “You’re a kick-ass hockey player, and you don’t need to live in anyone’s shadow. Just remember that.”

I kissed her good-bye, taking my time, because I was over caring what my parents thought. Over letting things get in the way of Lindsay and me. I knew what I wanted, and it was her. I watched her until she climbed in my car and drove out of the parking lot.

Then I let go of the wall that I’d erected and turned to face my parents. “What’s so important that you both came down?” I almost made a joke about an unknown relative dying, but I’d feel super guilty if that were true, even though it was also unlikely, so I held it in.

“It involves that girl, actually,” Dad said, and I stiffened.

Mom walked over, her heels clacking against the floor, and placed her hand on my shoulder. “There’s something you should know.” She glanced at Dad and a sense of foreboding pricked my skin. I wasn’t sure why. Nothing they said could make any difference. “Lindsay looked so familiar, but I thought maybe I was wrong. Or that I was just projecting.”

“Which wouldn’t be surprising,” Dad muttered.

Mom spun on him, her words sharp. “You asked me to help, even though this is a painful subject for me, so maybe you can hold back the insults for five whole minutes? I think I deserve that much after everything I suffered through during our marriage.”

She turned back to me and ruffled my hair like I was a little kid, and I silently prayed that my roommates would stay far, far away from this mess, whatever it was. “Honey, you know I want the best for you. I know that Lindsay’s pretty, and right now she seems like a good idea, but those little moments are what can ruin the big picture.” A hint of spite entered her expression. “Just ask your father.”

Dad clenched his jaw. “I thought we were pausing the jabs.”

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