Page 142 of My Lucky Charm

And ask her questions.

Gray

You’re overcomplicating this.

Eloise

Probably. But I’ll handle the details.

Do you care what kind of food?

Gray

No.

Eloise

And you don’t mind driving back here?

Gray

No.

Eloise

Great. Pick her up at my parents’ house at 7.

Gray

I guess it’s a date.

I stare at the words. They’re not meant for me, but they still make my stomach somersault.

I click over to my Favorites list and press Poppy’s name. After two rings, my sister picks up. “You’re calling me? Is everything okay?”

“I’ve got a big favor to ask.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Gray

After practice, I follow Eloise’s instructions and drive back to her parents’ house in Loveland.

When I came out of the practice facility, my SUV, newly fixed, was in my spot. She never said anything about it, but she obviously took care of it, which is, I’ve learned, how she does things.

Quietly and without any interest in recognition.

Going to their house this morning was Dallas’s idea, but I was glad I got the chance to apologize for my bad behavior. The events of the last few days definitely have me rethinking things that I was so certain of before.

Seeing Scarlett with Eloise and her parents. Running into my dad. Replaying Eloise’s comments about my entire, solitary approach to life over and over on repeat.

Letting people in could be better, not worse. Is it possible that I really am more than just a hockey player?

All of it is on my mind, and it’s a lot.

I pull into the driveway and turn off the car. I glance over at the flowers sitting in the seat next to me. Eloise said to treat this like a date with my daughter, and girls like flowers.

At least I think they do. Scarlett might’ve responded better to ice cream and some hockey pads.

---