Page 100 of Rebel Bride
“Seems to be a lot of that with the Rebels. The tight family connections, a network of support you can always rely on. It was one of my favorite things about being part of the org, even though I was witnessing it from the outside. Going to the events, seeing how close you all are, it was lovely.”
Rosie’s expression radiated sympathy. “And you thought you’d have that with Dash?”
“If Dash was better at making friends, maybe. But he’s always seen himself as a cut above everybody because of how he was raised. Not even a team as warm as the Rebels could draw him in.”
“Yeah, they’re the best. It’s like having a million aunts and uncles and cousins—even if you’d rather it was more.”
Did she mean Hatch? I was about to ask for clarification when we heard the front door slam shut.
“That doesn’t sound good.” Rosie opened the kitchen door and stepped into the corridor.
Sean stood there, looking shell-shocked.
“Did you know she was going to do that?” he asked Rosie, with a quick glance at me as if I might have put Franky up to it.
“You better not have been a dick, Sean!”
“I wasn’t. At least, I don’t think I was. But shit, I can’t do that for her. It’s too much to ask.”
Rosie and I shared a look, a mix of solidarity with Franky and sympathy for the predicament in which she had put Sean.
“Listen, I’ve got an early flight to catch,” Sean said. “Thanks for dinner, Ro. And if you talk to Franky, could you tell her I’m sorry?”
Rosie grunted, though I wasn’t sure if it was agreement or disapproval. We watched him leave, then Rosie turned to me.
“There’s always another episode of R-drama waiting around the corner. Still want to be part of the Rebels fam?”
“It’s never boring, that’s for sure.”
Rosie smiled and gave me a hug. “You don’t need Dash. You’ve got us—me, Addy, and the rest of these reprobates. Now you’re a member of the crew.”
I could feel my eyes welling. “You guys are the best.”
Though I wondered how they would feel if they knew I had jumped into Hatch’s arms—literally—so soon after jilting my fiancé.
Chapter Thirty-Four
August
Jason Isner has been spotted at Chicago Rebels HQ where insider sources say he is “learning his way around the gym equipment” ahead of training camp, set to begin in just over six weeks. Isner, known in Boston as the Green-Eyed Monster, a nod to his vaunted defense skills, his Kershaw green eyes, and the famous left field wall at Fenway, was brought onto the Rebels roster in a five year, twenty-million-dollar deal, as the franchise looks to strengthen its defensive bench.
* * *
When asked if Isner’s surprise addition is being rushed so he can play with his brother, Theo Kershaw, for the first time in their professional careers, Rebels PR claimed this was not a factor. We still have no decision on whether the legendary defenseman will remain with the Rebels or if he’ll hang up his skates before the season starts. Which leaves us to wonder about Hatch Kershaw’s future. As far as we know, he has yet to sign with the Rebels for the upcoming season. What is the franchise cooking up and what part do the Kershaws have to play in it?
-@RebelsInsider
Hatch
* * *
“Who the fuck are these insider sources anyway?”
Jason had been muttering about that Rebels Insider piece the entire time we were on the practice ice. He tried to dispossess me of the puck, but I held on gamely and slid it to Conor who slapped it into the open net. Feeling good, I skated over to the bench and grabbed my water bottle.
Conor followed me. “Someone who thinks the gym equipment at Rebels HQ is somehow different from the gym equipment in Boston.”
“Well, we can manage more weights on the press than you wimpy Midwesterners. East coast assholery fuels us.”
