Page 9 of Rebel Secrets
Huh.That was different.
“So,” Rain said into the silence, “why don’t we go get something to eat?”
Half an hour later,I was still trying to figure out what the hell had happened to Erin.
She was actually tolerable during dinner.It helped that she spent most of the time talking to Ian, who seemed thrilled to have her attention.It left me more time to talk to Rain.Or rather, let Rain catch me up on all things Devils.And home.
“So Kat gets the puck and starts staking up the ice before the ref can blow the whistle.Everyone else is paired off because Rowdy said something stupid to Wilhelm, who took offence, which meant everyone started to go at it since there was, like, thirty seconds to go in the third.And the Stags had already pulled their goalie, so the net’s wide open.”
Since I can see where this is going, I’m shaking my head, my lips curved in a smirk.Rowdy is notorious for saying stupid things, usually with a smile on his face and a laugh that makes other teams wanna throw their gloves down and wipe away the grin.
“Now, I can see Body Johnson, who was reffing the game, catch sight of Kat weaving his way down the ice,” Rain continued.“And I’m pretty damn sure he knew Kat had the puck, which is why he didn’t blow his whistle.”
I could see it all in my mind’s eye.Kaden “the Kat” Felix, the Devil’s goalie, gliding down the ice at a snail’s pace, because he really wasn’t a great skater.He was a decent goaltender, but wind sprints were his nemesis.
“I think the other team, at first, thought he was just getting out of the way of the fights.The game had been chippy from the start.You know Rowdy and Bonesaw have had this rivalry with Wilhelm and his brother, Johann, for years.I don’t even think they know who started it anymore but?—”
“Oh, they definitely know who started it.Remember that New Year’s Eve game during our first season?Jo made a dick comment about dating you.”
“Oh?”She got a look on her face that made me roll my eyes.“And why was that a dick comment?I wouldn’t have been opposed to that.”
“Yeah, well, your brothers were.They hit on any girl with a pulse back then.Before Wil met his wife.”
“Ooh, you know I haven’t talked to Katie for a while.I need to call her.”
I could practically see the mental note my sister made to call Wil’s wife and shook my head.Rain was the queen of multitasking, a skill that just wasn’t in my DNA.It’s why she and Rowdy would make a great team leading the Devils going forward.
I just wanted to play hockey.
Yep.And that’s exactly what you’re doing.
“I didn’t know you kept in touch with Katie?”
Rain nodded, her smile bright.“I keep in touch with a lot of people.And I’d keep in touch with my brothers even more if they’d text me back once in a while.”
I rolled my eyes but reached across the table to cover her hand with mine and squeeze for just a second.“I know.I suck.I’ll try to be more responsive.”
Rain’s smile widened.“Good.I’d hate to have to track you down every couple of months and yank on your ear until you get back to me.”
Her smile faded and her expression turned serious.And when she spoke, her voice was barely even loud enough for me to hear over the low hum of conversation from the rest of the restaurant.
“You’re okay, right?I know leaving was hard for you.”
I didn’t blow her off because she was right.It had been.And anyone who knew me well knew how hard it had been.
Therapy helped.Having someone to talk to who wasn’t my brothers or sister or parents had been one of the best decisions I’d made for myself after crashing out in college.That’s been the lowest point in my life.Untreated depression and anxiety had cost me friendships and nearly cost me my hockey career.But my parents hadn’t let me falter and I’d gotten help.And I still had it today.
“Most of the time…” I nodded.“I still miss home.I miss my family and my team.”I grinned.“I even miss my nosy sister.”
Rain grinned.“Good.Wouldn’t want you to get a big head from all this newfound glory and forget all about us and go live somewhere and never let us know where you are.”
“Never happen.I know you and Mom would track me down.I swear she installed tracking devices in us when we were babies.”
Rain’s laughter rang out over the quiet restaurant, drawing Ian and Erin’s attention.Erin’s automatic smile faded a little when she realized I was looking at her.Her gaze skipped back to Ian who looked more than happy to have her attention.
“Just a heads up, since Rowdy and I are in relationships, Mom’s been a lot more interested in talking about you and what you’re up to lately.”
Shock gave me a jolt.“Seriously?Can you redirect her toward Rocky for me?”
