Page 71 of For the Win

“You’re the most superstitious of my kids,” Dad says, shaking his head.“Make sure you wear your lucky cup.”

Jesus.That was when I was eight years old.Now I wear lucky socks.“Okay, Dad.”I turn to the door.“I’ll see you guys later.”They’ll both be at the game tonight and Thursday’s season finale.

Instead of looking for Mom, I go to Everly’s office.I find her and Bellsy all snuggled up there.Well, not literally.He’s there and they’re talking in low voices, heads together.

“Hi.”

Everly lifts her head and smiles.“Hey, guy.What’s up?”

“I just checked in on Dad.What’s happening?”

Her smile fades but doesn’t totally disappear.Bellsy watches her with a look on his face that’s sympathetic and protective.He rubs her back.

It’s weird seeing him with my sister like this, but I have to say I’m really happy for her.She’s always been so perfect, so on top of things, I always wondered what guy would ever take her on.I never thought it would be a party animal like Bellsy who grooves through life without a care.Yet he seems different too, more settled and less...frantic.Not that I know him that well.

“They still haven’t talked to Mark and Matthew.”

Mom and Dad asked us not to say anything to others until that happened.Then we’d all figure out how we’re going to deal with it.Obviously, we want to maintain Dad’s privacy.

“Damn.”

“Yeah.”

“What’s the holdup?”

“Honestly, I think it’s just the season.”She runs a hand through her hair.“Everyone’s so focused on hockey and the playoffs right now.”

“True.And that’s not going to end for a while.”

“Yes.It’s fine, I guess.It’s not like...”She swallows.“Like Dad’s going to die tomorrow.”

I nod.“Yeah.But...there are serious things we need to figure out.”

She bites her lip.“Do you think we need to talk about it sooner?”

“I don’t know.”I blow out a frustrated breath.“We don’t need any more shit hitting the news.”

“I’ll talk to Mom.”

“Dad says she’s here again.”

Everly nods.“She’s here almost every day now.”

“People are going to wonder why.”

“I think most people here have figured things out.People that deal with Dad all the time.Théo’s been really good at stepping in, though, and he’s good with handling Dad.”

I mention the birthday party.

Everly sighs.“Yes.But Mom’s keeping it small.Just immediate family.”

“Okay.Dad wants me to bring Arya.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Everyone has to meet her sometime.”

She gives me a weird look.“Things can’t be that serious between you two already.”

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