Page 115 of Fake Shot

“Just think how much older than us Jameson is, and we’re still all close.”

“That was different.”

We’ve talked a lot over the years about how we were still little kids when Jameson left for college, and even though hecame back to Boston four years later to play for the Rebels, he was busy living his life. When Mom died, and Dad left, the three of us were all each other had. Our relationships with each other would undoubtedly be different if it weren’t for our shared tragedy.

“I know. And I’m sure you and Drew will know when it’s the right time,” I assure her. “But please, aside from Drew, promise me I’ll be the first person you tell.”

She gives me a kiss on the cheek. “You’re my person, Jules. Of course you’ll be the first one to know.”

It hits me then that, until Colt was in my life, I’d kind of felt like I’d lost Audrey to Drew. I couldn’t be happier that my sister had found the love of her life, but I missed havingmy personaround all the time. But now that I have Colt, I get it. I get how she feels about Drew. I get why there’s someone she goes to now before she comes to me. Because that’s exactly how I feel about Colt.

There are things Colt knows about me—like my panic attacks, and the fact that Dad still comes around sometimes—that even Audrey doesn’t know.

So after Audrey leaves, I pull out my laptop and look at the project management software I use to keep track of all the work Our House is doing. Right now, we only have one project going on, and everything is set up for the next one already. I could put someone else in charge and take two days to be there for Game 4. With Boston up 3-0 in the series, it’s entirely possible that tomorrow night’s game could be the one that clinches the series for them...and I don’t want to miss that if I don’t have to.

I pull out my phone and shoot off a message to AJ.

Jules

Can I take you up on the ticket offer?

AJ

Of course.

Jules

Let’s not tell Colt. I’d like it to be a surprise.

AJ

I love surprises!

Jules

That’s shocking, actually. You don’t seem like the type that would want to be caught off guard.

AJ

I love surprises for OTHER people. Most importantly, Colt’s going to love this surprise.

She sends me the details for where to meet her tomorrow night, and I set about booking a flight down there, making sure I get in early enough that if there are any delays, it won’t cause me to miss the game.

Chapter Forty-Three

COLT

“Looking good, Lester!” I call out to him where he’s stretching just on the other side of center ice. “The cage is a nice addition. Helps block out the sight of your ugly face.”

Unlike Games 2 and 3, he’s suited up tonight, but he has two black eyes and his nose is taped under the metal face cage he’s sporting. Hopefully, the cameras have zoomed in on him at some point, and Jules is watching at home so she can see firsthand the condition he’s in now.

I’m hoping he gets some ice time tonight, because we don’t plan on there being a Game 5 and half my team now wants their shot at him. When they asked why I’d pulled him down and beat the shit out of him, I only gave them a three-word answer: “He hurt Jules.”

Doesn’t matter how or when, because if there’s one thing I’m more certain of now than ever, it’s that karma does come back to you in the end—and he deserved this. I’m not aviolent guy by nature, but if you hurt someone I love, there’s no way I’m not getting involved.

I skate over to the visitor’s goal to rough up the crease, then sink to the ice to get some stretches in before my teammates start taking shots at me. I can hear the fans behind me, banging on the glass to get my attention. It’s not like when we play at home, but there are definitely fans that have traveled here for the game. I focus on my stretches, tuning them out as I lean from one side to the other to make sure my abductor and adductor muscles are well stretched.

A few minutes later, my teammates are waiting to practice some shots, so I grab my stick and get into position in front of the net. But despite the pucks all around and the fact that I’m ready, no one skates forward to take a shot. They’re too focused on something behind me.

---