Page 38 of Her Goal
P.S. I hopethe next banana you get is perfectly ripe.
I checkmy email once more before hitting the sack, but I remain at inbox zero. Can’t deny that I’m slightly disappointed.
The rest of the week has me begging for mercy as Vohn leads us through intense dryland training and ice time ahead of the start of the season.
When the weekend comes, I anticipate a break but don’t get one until Saturday night when I roll up to Casa Smith for the anniversary party with Pierre, Cara, Jack, and Ella—feeling very much like a fifth wheel.
They’re all, “Couple this, couple that. La la la la la, aren’t we all so cute?” I mean, it is, but not when you’re the only single guy.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love a love life, but I’m barely holding onto my career and can’t afford distractions. I have to work hard while I’m here and get traded to a team in a place with a little more action. That’s the plan and I’m sticking to it.
It shouldn’t surprise me that Mrs. Smith invited half the team because when I get to the back patio, strung with lights and aglow with the pool LEDs changing colors, Margo and Beau are here too.
Jack gets me a drink from an fridge that’s part of the outdoor kitchen. This is quite a step up from the duplex with the chipped paint on the rotting back deck, the sprinkler and slip-and-slide Mr. Smith used to set up in the summer, and the rusty charcoal grill. If anyone deserved an upgrade, it’s this family. Mr. Smith was a classical guitarist, but he worked as a lineman for the power company for as long as I lived next door to them and they had one car, so it seemed as if things were financially tight.
Jack taps his bottle against mine. “Cheers.”
Chuck rushes over. “Jack, bro, I keep telling them that they don’t have to invite you to every single event. You probably have stuff to do, but thanks for—” He cuts himself off and gives me a searching look.
“Hudson,” I supply.
“I know who you are, Robo. I just can’t believe you’re here.”
I hold up my hands. “Your parents invited me.”
“I know, but honestly, it’s a surprise since you always thought you were too good for our fiestas.”
I balk. “I never thought that.” It would be too much to explain that Hunter forbade me from joining in the festivities.
“Where’s your brother, anyway?”
I shrug. “Don’t know.” Don’t care.
“He broke my sister’s heart. If I ever see him again, I’ll break his legs. I’d do yours as proxy, but we kind of need you for the team.”
I think he’s joking. Hope he’s joking, but also glad he has Leah’s back. She could always handle herself, except when it came to my brother.
“You have Beau as goalie,” I supply because, on his worst day, he’s me at my best, at least lately.
Chuck glances at my legs. “Are you volunteering? I’ll do it.”
“Am I here to atone for my brother’s sins?” I realize I’ve said this out loud.
A long silence stretches between us. That’s a good question. One I never really thought about.
I shake my head. “If you see my brother, after breaking his legs, do his arms too.”
Chuck’s eyes widen. “Bad blood?”
I take a sip of my drink. “You could say that.”
“What about family?” he asks, glancing around at his.
I snort. Not sure I have one of those anymore. “Thanks for welcoming me to celebrate with yours.”
Chuck studies me for a long moment. “You look a lot like him.” He shakes his head. “But I can tell you’re not alike at all.”
“Thank goodness.”
