Page 31 of The Love Penalty

“I’m not going to accost her, Roro, don’t worry. I’m just excited, you haven’t brought a woman home since Diana, and that was like a billion years ago.”

“It’s been six years, and that was different.”

“How so?”

Well, for one, I don’t think I was in love with Diana. I liked her a lot, and she was my first and only serious girlfriend, but she wanted to get married and start a family right away. I was 26 and still hoping to make it back to the NHL, so settling down at that age was the furthest thing from my mind. She all but told me she wanted me to eventually quit hockey.

We broke up amicably after having some heart-to-hearts about what we both wanted our futures to look like. And the fact that I wasn’t completely, madly in love with her made it easy enough to move on from that relationship. Funny how six years can change a person. Because I think I am ready to settle down now, but the only difference is, I wouldneverask my partner to give up their dream for me.

“It just is. Olivia means a lot to me, okay?”

“Okay, I won’t push. Just know I’m happy for you, big brother. You deserve to be happy, and from what you’ve told me, she’s at least one source of that happiness. So, I’m teamRolivia.”

“That sounds like a type of medicine you see advertised on TV,” I deadpan.

“Ha! Good one.”

“Alright, I gotta head out now.”

“Oh, one more thing—“ I wait but there’s silence on her end.

“Spit it out...”

“Is Jordan going to bring anyone to Thanksgiving?” That’s a weird question. Jordan isn’t seeing anyone that I’m aware of, so why would he? And why is my little sister asking about it?

“Not that I know of, why?”

“No reason,” she says quickly. Strange.

I sigh and say, “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. Make sure everyone is on their best behavior, yeah?”

“Aye aye captain!” she says and hangs up and I head for the airport.

I’m waitingby the baggage claim area, pacing back and forth in anticipation. Olivia’s flight landed 15 minutes ago and with how small this airport is, she should be coming out any moment now. My phone buzzes and I quickly take it out of my jacket pocket. It’s a text from Olivia.

Nervous to see me, Bobbert? :)

If she only knew. I look up and around and I finally spot her. She’s wearing leggings and one of those old, faded hockey sweatshirts that I know she loves. Her hair is down, but it looks different. Shorter. While it used to go down to the top of her breasts, it now only reaches her shoulders. She looks at me with a big smile and starts walking a bit faster, dragging her carry-on behind her. She looks breathtaking.

I start walking towards her and we end up meeting in the middle. My hands immediately reach around her to give her a hug. I know she loves them because every time I hug her, she practically melts in my arms. Her head rests in that perfect spot under my chin, and for a moment we just stand there like that. Breathing each other in. Everything is right in the world again because she’s here. In my arms.

“How was your flight?” I ask, eager to hear her voice.

“It was good, a little disappointing I couldn’t find one that was nonstop. I could have been here two hours sooner if I did.”

“That’s okay, you’re here now,” I say cheerfully, grabbing her carry-on and leading her to the baggage carousel. “What does your other suitcase look like?”

“It’s just plain black, but it has a pink tag on it.”

“Grams?” I ask at the same time she huffs out, “Grams.” We both laugh, and I throw an arm around her shoulders, keeping her close to me.

After we grab her bag and make our way to the car, Olivia asks, “Do we have any plans tonight?”

“Not really, I planned on making us dinner while you unpack. Afterwards we can watch a movie if you’d like.”

“Ooh, what are you making for dinner? And also, are your cats cuddly?” she asks excitedly.

“Chicken parm. And no, not really. Since I’m not home all the time, they’ve learned to be pretty independent. They love to play though and have lots of toys.”

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