Page 54 of The Love Penalty

Dinner at Gramswas even better than I expected, considering I was bringing a surprise guest. Grams was ecstatic to have Robbie back and to tell him more embarrassing stories of my childhood. Her roommates joined us for dinner as well and we had a pleasant time. Robbie was quieter than usual, but looking at him I can tell it’s just exhaustion catching up with him. Grams and I exchanged our presents like we always do at midnight, then Robbie and I headed back to my house where we both crashed as soon as our heads hit the pillows.

Christmas Day passes too quickly as we wake up late and have brunch at Gram’s again. After we’re done, we go ice skating at the outdoor rink downtown and head back to my place where Robbie insists on making us lunch. However, as soon as we get through the door, we never make it to the kitchen. We end up naked on the couch instead. As we lay there together I realize I don’t want him to leave. Even though it’s silly and I know I’ll see him in exactly one week, I can’t help but wonder what sort of couple we’d be if we didn’t have these crazy jobs.

“What would you be doing if you weren’t playing hockey for a living?” I ask him.

Robbie and I are tangled up on the couch and he’s lazily drawing circles on my back. “Hmm. That’s a tough question.” He thinks for a moment and says, “When I was 8 or 10, I wanted to be a cashier.”

I laugh. “What? No way.”

“I’m dead serious.”

“Why a cashier?”

“Well, every time my mom would take me grocery shopping, we always went to this local place. The kind of place that was in the same family for generations, you know? And it was the same cashier every time and she was so nice and kind to everyone. She’d always give me a free piece of candy, telling me I was her favorite customer. And I think that kindness really stuck with me. To me, she was helping people and making their day better. And that’s what I wanted to do.”

“That’s really sweet, Robbie. You do help people, you know. You are a great leader to your team, they respect you and listen to you. Especially Ash. And you make every day better for me,” I say and kiss his cheek.

He laughs and says, “Thank you, love. Although to answer your question properly, I would probably do something involving food. Michael owns a restaurant in downtown Grand Marquee and I would probably be his chef or something. Keep it in the family.”

I gasp. “God, you would make an amazing chef. A sexy one too,” I say and nibble at his earlobe.

“Don’t start something we can’t finish. I need to head to the airport soon,” he sighs in defeat. “What about you? What would you be doing if you weren’t married to hockey?”

I smile against his chest before responding. “Realistically I’d be a waitress somewhere nearby. But if I had a choice, I wouldmaybe coach. There aren’t enough women in hockey, so I would work on changing that. Maybe start small, coach at the little league level, then move up the ranks.”

“You’d be a wonderful coach. I know you say you don’t like people, but I saw you with my nieces, and you are great with kids. You’re patient and always have ways to explain things to them in terms they will understand. Have you given this more thought?”

“Not too much. Just—I guess if the next four years don’t work out for me as a referee and I don’t make it to the NHL, maybe I need to reevaluate some life choices.”

“Well, no matter what you end up doing, you have my full support. I love seeing you kick ass.” He smiles down at me and his words are like one of his bear hugs. He makes me feel safe and seen.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Olive.”

The weekbetween Christmas and New Year’s is a bit of a blur. Both Robbie and I are busy with road games but at least we’re in the same timezone so we get to have our nightly chat before bed. Keeping busy on the days off has been a challenge but I’ve been reading more books that Alice recommended to me. She and I have started to become really close. I never felt like I missed out on not having siblings until I met Robbie’s family. The way they tease each other while also caring for one another is something I long for.

Robbie is at morning skate practice when I land in Grand Marquee the day before New Year’s Eve, so Alice picks me up from the airport, all bright-eyed and happy.

“I’m so happy you’re here! We truly need more women to join our family hangouts. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt if Eli and Ash would bring a date every now and then. Make it more interesting for us, you know?”

“What about Jordan?” I say casually, looking for a reaction. Her cheeks go red instantly and her eyes are wide.

She sputters, “Yeah—I mean, of course—Jordan can bring whoever he wants. Why wouldn’t he?” She chuckles awkwardly and I put my arm around her, giving her a side hug.

“I’m just messing with you. But you do realize we know, right?” The other night Robbie told me how he and Jordan met up with Alice to shop for party supplies and groceries. The New Year’s party tomorrow is taking place at Robbie’s house and a few more of his teammates are invited. Alice and Jordan were apparently stealing glances and being shy around each other.

“Know what?” she feigns ignorance.

“For all the romance books you read, I thought you’d realize by now that you and Jordan are totally a book trope.”

“I have no idea what you mean.”

“Come on! Brother’s best friend? Friends to lovers? The last three books you recommended had those exact tropes. I know it’s been on your mind. Besides, it’s super obvious you two are crushing on each other.”

She chews on her lip as she contemplates it. “Do you think he likes me back?”

“Are you kidding me? He’s totally into you.” She nods but changes the topic as she drives me to Robbie’s place.

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