Page 99 of Pucking Rebound

“Of course. We’ll go to the Archer’s New Year party after. I’m not missing your last game of the year.”

“Lucia and Sofia will be there too,” I inform him. They texted me earlier, confirming their attendance because I needed final numbers for tickets. Reserving tickets for Mom and Dad was wishful thinking but I’m excited they will all be there. He releases me from his tight bear hug.

“You’ll have the whole family there cheering you on.” He shoves his hands in his pockets again. “And I bought us all foam hands with your number on.”

He doesn’t need to tell me he’s had them specially made. We don’t sell them with my number on. “Thanks, Dad.”

“I’m so proud of you, Jordan.”

I know he is. He tells me that all the time.

“I’m painting again.” I share my revelation with him. I’ve painted four new canvases in the last couple of days. It’s wild how fast my ideas are pouring out of me.

“Our very own Picasso. He was a hopeless romantic and notorious lover, you know?”

“I do know that.”

He asks, “And is thisphone call dateof yours the inspiration behind the new burst of creativity?”

“Might be.”

“When you’re ready, you know we will welcome her with open arms.”

“Thanks, Dad, but I don’t think?—”

“Hey, no son of mine ever said don’t, won’t, or can’t. You’re a champ, Jordan. When you want something, you go for it.”

I chuckle, running my hand over my jaw. “Thanks, Dad. And thank you for my watch.” I pull up my sleeve and flash him my Christmas present he and Mom gave me.

“Your grandfather would have wanted you to have that. Take care of it.”

Worth millions, my grandfather’s limited-edition Omega Speedmaster will be getting locked inside my safe and only worn on special occasions. “It’s in safe hands.”

“Right, shoo, go have fun.” My dad spins round and points in the direction of the drawing room. “I’m off to sink at least another five whiskeys to get me through tonight.”

I throw my head back, laughing. “I would apologize, but it’s technically mom’s fault for inviting my ex-girlfriend and her family.”

“I might threaten her with halting the build on the yacht if she pulls another stunt like this one again.”

“See you in a few days.”

Running down the front steps, I head over to my truck and jump inside quicker than a grasshopper.

My shoulders relax and I exhale deeply, relieved to be out of the house that felt suffocating.

Driving carefully down my parents’ long driveway towards the main road, I glance in the rearview mirror one last time and catch sight of Sienna’s figure standing on the front steps of my childhood home.

It feels like I’m finally closing the chapter on my past, and all I can think about is what I want my future to look like. And with who.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Lola

Piper and I have spent a lovely Christmas together.

We’ve eaten our weight in junk food while watching episodes of her favorite television series I secretly love too. We laughed, talked, and laughed some more.

It’s not the Christmas I would have planned, but it’s turned into the most perfect day. It’s been lovely spending the most magical day of the year with the person I love most in the world.

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