Page 100 of If You Love Me

Vander Zee sighs. “I can’t believe that kid has lasted this long. Here’s hoping he goes home for the summer and things fizzle out.”

I clap him on the shoulder. “Let’s manifest that into existence.”

“I just don’t get it. He’s just…flat? He’s been to dinner at our house three times, and all I know about him is that he’s an engineering major, he has a younger brother, and his dad is also an engineer. I don’t even know what kind of engineer.”

It’s not my place to judge, but Fee doesn’t have a lot of nice things to say about him either. “He is a—uh quiet one.”

“There’s quiet, and then there’s this chucklehead.” Vander Zee sighs. “Madden would be a better option than this guy.”

I arch a brow. “Seriously?”

“Fuck no. But this kid gets two thumbs down.”

I pat him on the shoulder. “She’ll figure it out.”

“I sure hope so.”

We head to the locker room for the pre-game pep talk.

“Family’s here tonight?” Boxer asks Thomas.

“Yeah, and we brought Donnie’s youngest along. His oldest has a tournament tonight,” Thomas replies.

It’s interesting that Donnie was all over me about my relationship with the office staff and team, and here he is doing the same thing. I keep my mouth shut about it, though, because I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to my situation.Only a few more months...

I take my spot with the rest of the coaches behind the player bench and wave when I spot the girls in the box with Dred, Tally, Hammer, Rix, Hemi, and Shilpa.

“Your sisters have been at the games a lot lately,” Boxer observes.

“The home weekend ones, yeah,” I agree.

“I guess it saves on babysitting, eh?” Thomas quips.

I can’t tell if that’s a jab or I’m being extra paranoid. “Tally and Fee are friends.”

“I noticed.” Thomas rubs his chin. “Those girls are all tight.”

“They are. It’s nice to know my sisters have people looking out for them, especially when so much of our job takes place outside regular hours.”

“It gets easier when they’re older,” Boxer assures me. “And it’s good that your sisters get to see you in action. I bet it’s real inspiring to see you behind the bench.”

“Thanks, Boxer.” It’s nice to have affirmation from my colleagues, especially Boxer, since he and I work together so often.

The guys file off the ice and onto the bench, ending that conversation.

First period puts us ahead by two after Madden and Stiles score a goal apiece. Defense is playing tight, and Roman shuts out Tennessee, giving us the win. It feels good, like the extra practice is worth it. And not just because it means more time with Roman.

Fee, Callie, the girls, and Tally’s boyfriend come down to meet us while the team showers and changes. Callie is bleary-eyed, having fallen asleep during the third period. “I’m tired, and my tummy is sore.” She wraps her arms around my waist and buries her face against my stomach.

I stroke her hair. “Too much candy?”

“Maybe.”

Dred mouths,Sorry.

“Bet it seemed like a good idea at the time.” I rub her back. I can’t be angry at her for having a good time, or Fee and Dred for not noticing. At least she’s happy and had fun, even if the aftermath isn’t so pleasant.

“Some of the guys from res are at the Brass Taps, and Braydon is on the door, so we can get in no problem,” the boyfriend mutters to Tally.

---