Page 20 of Big Rucking Disaster

All that said, I could honestly say each kid’s skills had improved at the end of the session, and each of my teammates beamed with pride as they handed out the jerseys. We’d split the cost between the seven of us, which helped a lot. Professional rugby players in Canada didn’t make much money—hence us all having to supplement our incomes with side gigs.

As the kids were dispersing, a stunning Black woman approached the group. She wore burgundy leather boots, a dark-blue wool skirt, and an expensive wool coat. She high-fived Kolson, so I made the leap this was Yardley’s sister, Jamilla.

And ouch, she wasn’t just older. Even without the heels on the boots, she was a couple of inches taller than her brother.

“Mom, I want you to meet Johnnie.” Kolson encouraged her to move toward me.

I managed a wave.

She pushed her black, curly hair from her face. “So, you’re the famous Johnnie.”

I cocked my head.

“Oh, Yardley’s been talking about you—how this was all your idea. Moreover, Kolson wants a spot on your squad. I think he’s aiming for yours.” She grinned.

“Hooker, eh?” I grinned. Kolson had already mentioned that. He certainly had the build for it. Even at sixteen, he had some bulk. And decent height—which he clearly got from his mother, although perhaps his father was tall as well.

“Hey, Jamilla.” Yardley pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Glad you could make it.”

“To see my baby get beat up? I’ll always make the time.” She caught my gaze. “Divorce attorney. One of the best in Vancouver.” She grinned. “I’m looking at buying my rival’spractice. Silly man wants to move to a small-town and take it easy.” She rolled her eyes.

Kolson groaned.

I chuckled. “Well, I’ve never gotten married, so I don’t have to worry about needing your services.”

“Well, if you ever do, I give discounts to Yardley’s friends.”

Yardley’s friend.What exactly had he said about me?

Her smile continued. “Why don’t you come to dinner tomorrow night? You can talk Kolson out of playing.”

I started to open my mouth.

“Just kidding. You should see the look on your face. Priceless.” She touched her son’s shoulder. “If this is the path he’s set on, far be it from me to dissuade him. I might be a protective mama bear, but I want my kids to be happy.”

“Can we invite Kenji too?” Kolson’s eyes lit with excitement.

“Sure.”

“Great.” He pressed a kiss to his mom’s cheek, then shouted, “Hey, Kenji! Wait up!”

His affection toward his mother was heartening. His volume left my ears ringing.

“I guess I’d better show up.” I laughed ruefully.

She eyed me with a way-too-knowing look. “You’re a good guy, Johnnie. I’ll thank you in advance and warn you about being railroaded by Morrisons. I might be a Smith, now—and oh God, isn’t that just the most boring last name ever—but I’ll always be Yardley’s big sister at heart. Later.” She waved as she headed over to where Kenji, Kolson, and Isaiah stood.

“Isaiah would be a much-better choice for dinner—especially since Kenji wants to be a fullback.” Not that I didn’t want to go. Kolson had expressed an interest in being a hooker, but, of course, all that might change as he matured and he tried positions that might better fit his body type and abilities.

“My sister’s taken a shining to you.” Yardley cocked his head. “She knows you organized today, and this is her way of paying you back.” Then he muttered, “At least I hope those are her intentions.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Do you want me to drive you tomorrow night? Kerrisdale’s a bit out of your way.”

I squinted. “How is coming from Kensington to Gastown and then back out to Kerrisdaleonyour way? That’s a massive triangle. Your house to your sister’s is almost a straight shot. How’s the head? I forgot to ask.”

“Better by the next morning. As Jamilla would say, I’ve got a hard noggin.”

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