Page 105 of Actions and Reactions
Dad, Ally, Colby, Aunt Elle, and Uncle Paul came from LA. Mom, Mich, and Eli from New York, and Lex from Canada.
Mich organized for us to have a whole freaking floor at the Certon hotel to ourselves—apparently he knows the owner of the chain, because of course he does—and it’s a pretty sick setup. They all have suites, and we have a big-ass events room to ourselves for the two weeks they’ll spend here.
Annie was invited, but she declined after I told her mycousins wouldn’t be here, and instead she’s spending a quieter few days at Gab’s place with her daughters—and Twocox.
I have a game tomorrow afternoon, but it’s a home game, so we’ve had a few days here to spend time with our families who all decided to come to Vegas for the holidays.
I wasn’t surprised, after Si told me his plan about a podcast for our dads, that they readily agreed. It’s all in the works to start one week before the playoffs begin.
And the Pirates are definitely going to be playing.
No, we’re not as dominant as we were last year, but we’re still pretty fucking good, and I have no doubt we’ll have a shot at another Stanley Cup.
The weight of leading the team is less heavy every day, but it’s still a lot.
Jules has taken me under his wing, and Mater told me just two days ago I’d be alternate captain next season if he had anything to say about it.
Si helped me process that hours after it happened because in the moment I didn’t react at all. I just stared at Mater for like a minute until he walked away with a huge smile on his face.
It was a big moment for us, returning to our old ways where he’s cool, calm, and collected, and I’m a mess.
It was nice.
All in all, things are going great.
Sure, it’s been less than two weeks, but already I can see how Si is building a life he’s happy with.
“Hey,” Si murmurs as he slides up to me.
I throw an arm around his shoulders and kiss his temple. It’s so natural and unknown at the same time, acting this way in front of our whole families, but it feels so damn right.
“Why were you such an asshole to Lottie?” I ask, calling him on his bullshit.
“Colin ismyfriend,” he whines.
“So text him and tell him he should’ve told you, then threaten him a little like Lottie threatened me, and then move on.”
“That sounds . . . simple.”
“Because it is, Si.” I shake him a little. “She looks happy, and from everything you told me, he’s a good guy.”
“He is,” he grumbles.
“Stop pouting and drink a beer with me. Then we need to go make fun of our dads and Mich for putting on those ridiculous clothes.”
I get him to smile and he even chuckles. Sure, he’s shaking his head at me, but I get a kiss.
“You’re a dumbass,” he whispers right against my lips.
“I’myourdumbass.” I press my lips to his for a long moment then trail a finger down his tie. “And I’m gonna use this later.” I wink at him then reach for our beers.
He pats my ass and leans in to speak against my ear. “Why do you think I wore it?” Then he kisses my neck and runs away.
“Dad, the seventeen hundreds called, they want their blouse back.”
I see his cocky smile bloom as Uncle Paul sputters and points at Aunt Elle accusingly.
That right there is my Silas.
