Page 75 of Off The Rush
“Emma came over looking to tell us something but only I was home,” JD explains.
“What’s up?” Alec asks.
I explain Rachel’s threat and all my concerns for their futures. They’re both visibly angry when I finish.
“No way you are giving up your spot!” Luka says passionately.
“But-” I try.
“No. No way, Emma. This couldn’t stay a secret forever. I would have preferred it became public knowledge after college, when we wouldn’t have Coach breathing down our backs but I’m not giving this up,” Alec says, breathing heavily.
Luka and JD both look at Alec with raised eyebrows.
“So, you’re in this for the long run?” Luka asks carefully.
“Yeah. I’m sure now. We’re better together and I can see that. I don’t want to give this family up. My dad has always been an unsupportive fuck who wants to control my life. Now, I know what a real family is. So fuck Rachel and fuck anyone else who wants to come between us.”
I hop into Alec’s arms and strangle him with my tight grip. His lips eagerly meet mine in a passionate kiss.
I lean back and meet his eyes before whispering against his lips, “Thank you.”
I climb down and look at Luka and JD. “You two feel the same?”
Luka’s smile is contagious. “Absolutely. This is the future I want.”
“Me too. You’re our girl. Rachel probably won’t even act on it. It’s an empty threat,” JD adds.
“So, the four of us are planning a future together?” I ask with a huge grin.
“Yup!” Luka pulls us all into a group hug.
I throw my head back laughing.
Life is good.
“Hey, speaking of our future together, winter break is next week. I’m going to be here and my brother Tristan is coming to visit. Will any of you be around to meet him?” I ask.
If this is serious then I need to explain my relationship to Tristan and get him on board so I can tell the rest of my family.
“We will all be here. We only get two days off from hockey, it isn’t enough to go home so we usually spend it together. We would love to have you and your brother join us too,” Alec explains.
“And Tessa? She’ll be here too,” I say hopefully.
“Yes!” Luka wraps his arm around me and kisses the side of my head.
I’m already planning how to tell Tristan about this. I don’t think he will lose his mind too completely. Not like my other brothers would.
“What about your families?” I ask.
“My mom and dad will miss me but they understand,” JD says.
Luka shrugs. “Mine too.”
“My dad couldn’t care less if I came home,” Alec adds.
I hate the despondent note to his voice whenever he talks about his shitty father.
“Then let’s get through finals and then enjoy break together,” I say.
