Page 132 of For the Boys
“Did someone go shopping in the big-kid section again?” Lexie asked when she caught sight of Berkley’s outfit.
“No,” Berkley said, flipping her off. “Brent gave it to me. It’s game-worn.”
Lexie raised her eyebrows. “Really?” She took a step closer and sniffed. “Are you sure? It doesn’t smell like sweaty hockey equipment.”
Berkley rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure. He said he had it dry-cleaned.”
“Fair enough,” Lexie said. “Are you ready to go? We still have to walk to the People Mover station.”
“Well, we’re not exactly in a rush since we’re watching from the suite,” she said. “But, yes, I’m ready. Well, almost.”
Berkley walked into the kitchen and pulled a bottle of tequila from the freezer, holding it up to Lexie. “Want one?”
Lexie laughed. “When have I ever said no to tequila?”
Never. Lexie Monroe had never said no to tequila. Berkley poured two shots and held hers up to Lexie’s for a toast. “To surviving meeting the parents,” she said.
“Here, here,” Lexie said, and they downed the alcohol.
The line to get into the arena stretched halfway down the block, but Berkley and Lexie had passes that allowed them to skip it and immediately make their way up to the suite level.
“What do you think they’re going to be like?” Berkley asked Lexie as they rode the elevator up.
“His mother is probably going to hate you. You know, since you’re such a terrible person and all. His brother is probably a douchebag, and his dad is probably mean. But at least Mackenzie likes you!”
Berkley narrowed her eyes at Lexie. “Not helping, Lex.”
“They’re going to love you!” Lexie turned Berkley to face her and rested her hands on her shoulders. “You’re amazing, and there’s absolutely no reason why they won’t see that and adore you just like Brent does.”
“Well I hope not quite like Brent does,” Berkley said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Lexie groaned. “You’re gross.”
“You’re just jealous you’re not getting any.”
The elevator reached the suite level, and the two stepped out and made their way down the hallway to Brent’s suite.
“Actually,” Lexie said, “I am getting some.”
Berkley whirled on her. “We do not have time for this right now, but you better believe we will be having a conversation later, young lady.”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” Lexie said, mock-saluting her.
Berkley took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the suite. She was immediately enveloped in a crushing hug and a cloud of vanilla mixed with Chanel No. 5.
“Oh, Berkley!” a woman all but yelled in her ear. “It’s so great to finally meet you!”
The woman finally pulled away, allowing Berkley to get a good look at her. She was a few inches taller than Berkley, with full dark hair and small, delicate features. Her eyes were precisely the same shade of blue as her son’s.
“Hi, Mrs. Jean,” Berkley said. “It’s great to finally meet you as well!”
“Sorry if I startled you.” Mrs. Jean laughed. “And please, call me Sandra.”
“No, you didn’t startle me. Just nervous about tonight.”
“I hope about the game and not about meeting us,” Sandra said, grabbing her hand. “Who is your friend?”
Lexie stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Lexie Monroe.”
