Page 85 of Pucking Grey

“Telling dad how this party is dad-appropriate because you’ve matured into an adult this year.”

Ryan laughs, pulling me into a deeper headlock. I tap on his forearm because Jesus, we are not teenagers anymore, and I’m trying to eat dinner, not choke on it. He sits next to me and sparks up a conversation, including Greyson in it, which I appreciate. Grey is a lot more of an introvert than I realized. My dad is easy going, but maybe I think that because he’s my dad and I’m used to his personality. I observe him for a moment. Yeah, never mind, he’s pretty scary. And he’s an NHL coach, so Grey is probably shaking in his boots.

When Grey grabs my empty plate and asks if he can throw it away, my dad watches him carefully as I thank him. As soon as Grey is out of earshot, my dad says, “I need to talk to you alone.”

Ryan gives me a knowing look and then my dad asks me to follow him. My dad summoning me into Ryan’s bedroom is understandable. He probably has questions, and this isn’t out of character. My dad is a need-to-know type of person.

My dad shuts the door behind him and says, “When were you going to tell me that you’re not with Matt anymore?”

I think I feel the skin burning off my face. Matt was the first boyfriend I’ve ever introduced to my dad, and he easily approved of him. Right now, I’m scared that he hates Greyson and I’m going to be lectured into dumping him. I’m looking around the room because I’m embarrassed. I take note that Addison’s shirt is in here. How weird. I turn back to my dad, still flustered by the confrontation.

“Sorry,” I mutter as my pulse quickens. “The breakup was abrupt and a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?” he questions. I glance at Addison’s shirt again, wondering why the hell it’s in my brother’s bedroom. There’s only one reason, but I can’t think about that right now.

I nod. “Yes,” I trail off, wondering what I should tell him. Maybe the truth is fine. “I thought he cheated on me, and then it turns out the rumor was something from before we got together. But when I learned that, I already moved on.” My cheeks are red again, maybe even magically sunburned because they are burning. Shit. I start stuttering now. “Not that I move on from guy to guy that quick, dad. You know I’m not like that. It was more of a convenience thing.”

He stops me with his hand in the air. He knows I’ll ramble on and won’t shut up if he doesn’t stop me now. “With that other boy on the team?”

I nod frantically.

He continues, “Matt’s stepbrother?”

I shut my mouth and gulp. Am I the only one that didn’t know? How the hell does he know this information?

My dad nods like he can read my mind. “Maddie, you need to be careful.”

I roll my eyes by accident.

My dad gets a hint of frustration in his voice and shakes his finger in the air. “Madison.”

“Dad,” I murmur. “It’s not what you think. I didn’t know that they were stepbrothers before tonight. All I knew was that Matt hated Greyson, so I asked Greyson to fake date me to keep Matt away. Grey is an amazing forward. Have you seen him on the ice?”

My dad nods. “I have and I’ve seen his demeanor. He’s shut off, not someone I pictured for my little girl, but if it’s fake to keep the cheater away, then I understand.”

I exhale, grabbing my chest. “Thank god.”

My dad laughs. “You’re not in trouble, Madlibs. Relax.”

I fake laugh nervously. “Come on, dad. You have always been strict about dating.”

He says, “I don’t think that boy knows you’re fake dating. I think he likes you, Maddie. That’s why I’m saying be careful.”

“You think he’s bad for me?” I ask, absentminded.

He takes a moment to think.

I blurt, “He’s going pro.”

My dad laughs.

“That’s a secret,” I backtrack. “You can’t tell anyone.”

“I know,” he nods. “For the Saints, right?”

I exhale. “You know? Of course, you do, Coach.”

He nods. “Yeah, I know. But remember that being a good athlete doesn’t mean he’s good with relationships.”

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