Page 117 of Racking Up Penalties
“Exactly.” Ethan smiles, and I notice how it softens his features, adding a boyish charm to his athletic build.
“Your sister is good at this,” Ethan remarks to Tristan, nodding toward Emma, who’s now chatting with the instructor.
“Well, I taught her everything she knows,” Tristan says around laughter.
I elbow him. “Yeah right.”
“I doubt it. I’m surprised she can cook despite you,” Ethan adds playfully.
“Emma’s full of surprises,” I reply, my voice laced with affection. “Music, cooking… She’s got a lot of love to give.”
“So do you,” Liam adds, throwing me a knowing look that sends warmth flooding through me.
“So, Liam, you’re on scholarship here, right?” Emma asks, turning her attention towards him. She has always had a knack for drawing people out, for making them feel seen.
“Yep,” Liam confirms, rolling out his pasta dough with precision. His mom has clearly taught him how to cook. “Eastwood offered me a chance I couldn’t refuse. Hockey’s been my ticket to…well, everything.”
“Must be tough balancing everything,” Emma sympathizes, her expression thoughtful.
“Sometimes,” Liam admits, “but it’s worth it. Every drop of sweat, every late-night study session, it’s all part of the dream, you know?”
“Totally get that,” Emma agrees, smiling.
“Speaking of dreams, how’s the music going?” Ethan pipes up, genuinely interested. He leans against the counter, watching Emma.
“Good! My summer program was incredible,” Emma confesses, tucking a strand of her brown hair behind her ear. “And I have great support,” she adds, glancing lovingly at her boyfriends.
“Support makes all the difference,” Ethan says softly, and I feel his gaze on me, heavy with unspoken emotion.
“Absolutely,” I agree, feeling a surge of gratitude for these men in my life, for their unwavering presence.
“Look at us, getting all deep while making dinner,” Liam chuckles, breaking the momentary introspection. “Who knew cooking could be so philosophical?”
We make the pasta, sharing laughs between all of us. The cooking process has been fun but things are almost done and I am starving.
The rich aroma of simmering sauces and roasting vegetables fills the air, a scent that promises indulgence and comfort. The clink of wine glasses adds a musical note to the bustling kitchen as Liam pours the ruby-red liquid with practiced ease. Ethan, ever the charmer, hands me a glass with a wink, his earlier culinary mishaps now a playful memory between us.
I won’t be asking him to cook for me any time soon.
“Cheers to new experiences,” Tristan says, raising his own glass. His deep blue eyes sparkle with excitement, reflecting the ambient lighting.
“Cheers!” we all echo, the word a soft chime in the cozy space. I take a sip, the wine bold and smooth, a perfect complement to the laughter that soon bubbles around us like a fine champagne.
We gather around the long, wooden table—a patchwork of place settings and platters of food we’ve crafted together. Luka, who had been the star pupil of our impromptu cooking class, serves up a dish with the confidence of a seasoned chef. Alec and JD join in, their movements synchronized, an unspoken harmony existing among them that extends beyond the rink.
I feel like we are building that now.
Ethan hunches over his plate, eyebrows knitted in concentration as he attempts to recreate Luka’s artful presentation. “Not quite chef material,” he admits, but there’s no mistaking the boyish pride in his voice when he finally looks up.
“Your effort is what counts,” Emma says with a gentle smile, her green eyes dancing with mirth.
“Exactly,” I chime in, reaching across the table to squeeze Ethan’s hand. “Besides, it’s more about who you’re with than what you’re eating, right?”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Liam replies, his grin contagious. He shares a look with Tristan and Ethan that makes me giddy.
As we tuck into the feast before us, stories unfurl with each bite. We share tales from our lives. Laughter erupts frequently, a soundtrack to the connections deepening beneath the surface.
JD’s infectious laugh rings out as he recounts a particularly daring high school prank, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I listen, utterly captivated by the warmth that exudes from the group, a sense of belonging enveloping me.
