Page 68 of No Pucks

She tilts her head. “I know he’s frustrated about the hockey situation, and I keep trying to tell him it doesn’t matter where you play. It should be about where you’re happy, and you’ve always been happiest in the city.”

I bring my cup to my lips, buying myself time. “He’s never going to accept it or, for that matter, what Evander decides. Look at how he’s acting over the damn boarding school.”

She nods thoughtfully. “I don’t know how to make him get over it.”

“Why are you dealing with it?” I ask, finding it hard suddenly to keep all my frustration over her forgiving him in check.

She presses her lips together. “What else would you like me to do?”

“You don’t have to back him up when he’s wrong.”

Why the fuck am I getting into this?

“I don’t when it comes to you,” she hedges.

“You do with Vander.” I realize I’m angrier about this than I thought. I got lucky as not-the-favorite.

“I know. I don’t know why your father acts like he does with your brother.” She exhales, not meeting my eyes. “Is that why you’re here? Your grandfather called me…”

“Kind of.” I set my cup down, shoving a hand into my hair. “There’s no good way to say this, but Dad is cheating again.”

Her gaze snaps to mine, searching my face. “Is it public?”

I shake my head. “Evander figured it out. I think Dad being so hard on him made him suspicious, but he couldn’t tell you.”

She puts her face into her hands.

I sit awkwardly, not sure if I should be comforting her or leaving. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” she says with a strained voice. “I’m sorry you felt you had to tell me.” Her tone changes, but I can’t read it.

“I didn’t want you to find out some other way.”

She nods, sitting up and wiping her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Are you okay?” I ask carefully, because she appears to have snapped. I flip from wanting to confront her to hoping we don’t own any weapons.

“I’m perfect.” She picks up the delicate tea cup and sips.

What do I do? I can’t leave her like this. She’s going to kill him.

“I’m going to level with you. I’m a little terrified.”

“Why, darling?” She smiles sinisterly.

“Because you…” How can I say this without sounding mean? Fuck. “Are you going to kill him?”

She laughs. “No, that would allow him to get off too easy.”

I cough. “Excuse me?”

She squares her shoulders. “I told him if he made me a fool again, I’d destroy him. And I’m going to do just that.”

Oh shit.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to start with barring him from Daddy’s team.” She checks her watch. “The game starts in a couple of hours, and I’m sure he’ll show up to sit in the owner’s box.”

---