Page 30 of The Sweetest Risk

“Good. And okay, I have one question for you and you have to promise you won’t be mad or annoyed that I asked this.”

“Tess, when have you ever held back on anything you’ve ever asked me? I promise.”

“Tell me again why you can’t ask your brother to spot you for this? Knowing Bradley, I am certain he would help you.”

I take a very deep breath. Of course this is something that has crossed my mind countless times. But deep down, I don’t want to ask my brother because Tess is right: he would help me in a heartbeat. Call me stubborn, but I want to do this all on my own. I don’t want to owe anyone anything. I want to prove to myself – myself more than anyone – that I can achieve my dreams just as much as my uber-successful pro athlete older brother. I know it’s not a competition, but I’ve always been known as Bradley’s younger sister instead of just Brooke. And it does wear on a person the longer that lasts. I love my brother and the fact that he wouldn’t skip a beat in helping me with this venture. But I don’t want to have to ask him for help.

Another factor is my mother. My mom would constantly treat this as another reason to remind me how great Bradley is and the only reason I was able to achieve my dreams was because of him. I don’t want that. Hell no.

“Because I just want to do this on my own. I don’t want to owe my brother anything. He also has a big wedding coming up and I know that they want kids. He is starting his life and just because I am his sister, doesn’t mean that I am entitled to whatever money he makes. I could never ask him to do this for me.”

Tess reaches into her purse for her keys and fiddles with them, “Okay, I understand where you are coming from. Just remember, B: it’s ok to accept help from others. You don’t have to pursue your dreams alone.”

“I know, Tess. Thank you.”

She opens her back door and lets Pippa in the back seat. She shuts the door and walks around her car to give me a hug, “Promise me that you will call them.” Then she pulls back and gives me a stern look. “Don’t be afraid of telling the world all that you are, B. You aren’t just a teacher. You aren’t just Bradley Beckett’s kid sister. The more you acknowledge that you are a baker and own that identity, the universe will help guide you toward the right opportunities and people.”

“I promise.”

She finally lets go of my arms and walks back toward the driver’s side, “Now, you’re sure you don’t need a ride back to your apartment?”

“I’m sure. I need to get more fresh air since I was cooped up in my apartment for a few days.” I blow her a kiss. “Love you! See you at work!”

“Love you!” She climbs in, starts her car and drives away.

I start walking toward my apartment, feeling this mixture of excitement and anticipation about the future. Change is coming and for the first time in my life, I want to welcome it with open arms.

15

My car beeps behind me as I walk into the venue. I button my black suit jacket, adjust my sleeves over my watch and pull open the doors. I am glad that my face has healed completely since my altercation with Hastings last month. This is not the night for my face to look beat up. Casino Night has always been one of my favorite nights of the year. I love anything that our foundation does to give back to the community. They always put on a great event for the community and I like how we have some time to be the dealers and interact with our fans.

The only thing different about tonight is that I wish I had someone by my side. I am sick of going to these things alone. But I don’t want to take just anyone with me–that would definitely send the wrong message, and I don’t want one of the many ice girls I’ve hooked up with to get any funny ideas.

Speaking of ice girls, I was so pissed the other night when Alison just stopped by. I had no idea she was coming over. I mean, I guess I am not surprised. That’s always been our arrangement. Just show up if we wanted to hook up. Brooke looked so pissed-off and the scary thing about Brooke being pissed-off this time around was that I actuallycaredthat she was pissed-off at me. Something definitely shifted inside of me that night in Brooke’s kitchen. The feeling that occupied my body took me back to the day we first met. The tension between us has changed. There’s still tension, but not out of hate. It’s something else.

The venue looks great with all the tables set up. Pop-up bars are set up around the room. There are tables lined up along one of the back walls with all the prizes and giveaways. I decided to anonymously offer up my property in Telluride for a weekend within the next month or so. I have been meaning to go back soon. Maybe after the season ends, which hopefully isn’t until mid-June. I want that Stanley Cup so bad. I haven’t had my hands on that trophy in almost a decade. I lucked out and won with Boston my rookie year and a couple years ago with the Storm and honestly took it for granted. I was young and foolish and didn’t realize how rare it is to be a champion. It’s the hardest trophy to win. I have a feeling that this is our year. We have a good mix of veteran guys and young players who keep us on our toes, so I think we have a legit shot.

Unfortunately, the only teammate that I cannot stand walks in right behind me. He stands next to me and nods. “Lawson.”

“Hastings,” I respond curtly. If Brooke does end up coming tonight with Tess, he isn’t coming anywhere near Brooke. I am getting an overwhelming sense of protectiveness toward her. “What, couldn’t lock down a date to this thing? Women found out what an asshole you are?”

“I could say the same thing about you. I guess Alison didn’t want to be seen with the team’s playboy in public.”

I shoot him a glare. Fucking Alison. I knew she would talk to everyone about our hookups.

“That’s right, Lawson. Everyone knows that you two are fuck buddies.”

“At least I’m getting some, man.” I don’t tell him that five minutes after Brooke ran off, I turned Alison down and told her I don’t want this kind of relationship with her. I don’t want to do random hookups anymore. It is getting old and I am honestly getting tired of the playboy reputation. Sure, it’s helped me a little in my endorsement deals and various photoshoots, but personally, I always felt a little ashamed that my family would see those headlines and think I treated women poorly, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

People are starting to trickle in, including Bradley and Jen. “Hey did you know that Brooke is coming?”

My heart starts to race at the mention of Brooke’s name. I try my best to play it off as smoothly as possible.

“Um, I think she said that she was coming with her friend, Tess.”

“I’m glad that she’s getting out of the house,” Jen says. “She would probably be at home watching the latest episode of theSpring Baking Championship– which, don’t get me wrong, I love watching that and recapping it with her, but she needs to dress up and come out to events like this every once in a while.”

“Do you know when she is coming?” I say, almost with a panicked voice.

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