Page 89 of Forbidden Puck
“I am, Lance.”
He took a deep breath. “Okay, man. Then fuck the trade.”
A thousand tons dropped from my shoulders. “You're serious?”
“I'm serious, as long as you agree to a couple things,” Lance said. “Don't forget we still live together—and that's not going to change, either. In other words, if you cheat on her, Iwillfind out about it. And not onlywill I rat you out, I will then proceed to cut your fucking nuts off in your sleep. Understand?”
I laughed. “Understood.”
“Second, I never, ever,everwant to hear you two having sex when she visits. So take her to a hotel, or invest in some quality sound-proofing, or better yet, just don't ever bang when I'm home. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“Good.” He wrapped his arms around me and we hugged. “Then welcome to the family, bud.”
“Thanks, Lance. That means a lot to me.”
The two of us went back into Mr. Tremblay's office. Everyone's eyes were glued to us as we entered, with nervous expressions all around.
“Well?” Shea asked.
“Ah, what the hell,” Lance bellowed. “So Radar wants to date my sister. What's the big deal? Vancouver's offersucks,anyway.”
“Lance!” Ella cheered. She jumped up and hugged him. He quietly gave her some brotherly words of wisdom, how he would always be there for her, and if I ever treat her wrong, she needed to let him know.
Smiling from ear to ear, Shea shook my hand, and Mr. Tremblay did, too, and both men let me know how happy they were that this whole thing could be peacefully worked out.
And then the room hushed as Ella and I gravitated towards each other. She leaped into my arms and I scooped her off her feet, squeezing her tight in my arms.
I won't lie, part of me was afraid that, even though Lance had just given us his blessing, the sight of me embracing his sister might trigger some hidden rage and send him rushing at me. Thankfully, that didn't happen. Ella stayed right by my side and we clasped each other's hands.
And then we all watched as Mr. Tremblay picked up the phone and made a call. “Hey Jim. Jean-Paul here. Deal fell through on my end. Thanks, catch you later.”
Click.
And a collective sigh of relief went around the room.
“So now what?” Lance asked.
“I gotta get this girl to the airport,” I said with a frown. “You wanna come with us, Lance?”
He looked at his watch. “Argh. Can't.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “Lemme guess: you're meeting Lindsay?”
“Yeah, actually.”
“Next time I visit, you're introducing me to her, okay?”
“Sure.”
Lance and Ella hugged one last time, we hurried through our goodbyes, and then I rushed Ella out to my car to make her flight.
Chapter 32
Goodbye
Ella
