Page 51 of Puck Happens

I know they did. Because there had been more than one. They’d been using me for target practice.

“Because if that’s the case, honey, I have a good mind to fly out there and give them a piece of my mind. Using very firm words.”

I smiled as I pulled into a parking space closest to the stairs. This was why I loved my father. He was the most peaceful man on the planet, who believed every problem could be solved with thoughtful words over a good cup of tea. But hurt his little girl, and he wouldn’t hesitate to confront an entire professional hockey club with apiece of his mind.

“Dad, it was an accident. Mom, I’m not going to come home. I think I’m actually helping this team,” I continued. “Today one of the players asked me for help. Most of them are good guys.”

“Except when they’re hitting you in the ass with pucks,” Dad said.

“Well, you know we will always support you no matter what,” my mom said.

“How is Billy? How is the season going?” I asked after my little brother, trying to distract my parents. Despite the almost nine-year age gap between us, Billy and I were still tight.

“He’s fine,” Mom relayed. “The season is going well. Except now he insists we refer to him as Bill.”

I made a mental note to never refer to my brother as Bill.

“Oh, and he told us he wants nothing but a signed jersey from you for Christmas. What’s that one player, Miguel? The one they call The Heart. Billy wants a signed game jersey.”

Yeah, that’s not happening. I wasn’t going to give that guy the satisfaction after that bullshit today.

The big oaf.

“Dillon Le Coeur is the team captain, Mom. And he’s not very…approachable. Tell Billy to set his sights a little lower.”

“Whatever you say, honey.”

“Okay, I’m home. I’ll let you both go.”

“Ice that sore bum,” Dad offered, just as I was hanging up.

Hopping out of my rental car, I started towards the stairs to my apartment but came up short when creepy neighbor guy burst out his front door.

“Can I help you?” I asked, stepping back to keep a couple of feet between us.

He kept nervously checking over my shoulder.

“You know lady, I was just trying to be a nice neighbor. I look after the people in this complex. That’s all. You tell that hockey player boyfriend of yours, I don’t want any trouble.”

“My boyfriend?”

“Yeah, that Le Coeur guy. It took me a minute to recognize him, but I finally did and I don’t want any trouble with a Bruiser. I was just minding my business.”

Dillon. He must have had words with my neighbor, who now knew who Dillon was and that he’d been at my apartment.

Well, wasn’t this all awesome.

I wanted to be mad at Dillon all over again for interfering in something I could handle myself.

“He doesn’t want any trouble either. I promise. Everyone’s cool.”

Creepy neighbor guy nodded quickly and I sighed. Dillon must have really scared him.

“I’m Liv, by the way.”

“Stu,” he said, but didn’t offer his hand and I didn’t offer mine.

“Well, see you around, Stu.”

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