Page 38 of Racking Up Penalties
Sliding into the familiar embrace of my seat at the back of the fashion history lecture hall, I rest my sketchpad and pens on the small wooden desk—a ritual before each class. The cool surface under my fingertips grounds me, a silent reminder that there’s a world outside the tangle of emotions threatening to consume me.
The projector hums to life, splashing a slide deck on the wall.
My thoughts churn with the images of Liam’s strained smile, Tristan’s calm reassurance, and Ethan’s sharp jibe.
“Let’s begin,” Professor Adler announces, her voice slicing through my reverie. I straighten, forcing my attention onto the slides.
The determination that surged within me earlier solidifies into resolve. I will find a way to make these men get along.
Chapter 18
The buzz of my phone against the wooden nightstand pulls me from the clutches of a daydream. I grab it, expecting something from one of my guys, but instead, it’s a text from Mom. My heart sinks as her words flash across the screen.
Honey, Dad and I have to cancel our ski trip. Work emergency. So sorry.
“Seriously?” I mutter, thumbing the call button before I even consider a text response. I need to hear their voices.
“Hey, sweetie,” Mom’s voice crackles through the speaker, apologetic and tired. “I’m so sorry about this, you know we were looking forward to it. Coming to see you.”
I flop back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling fan as it lazily spins circles above me. “Yeah, I was too,” I say, trying to mask my disappointment. The idea of fresh snow and the crisp mountain air had been the perfect escape from the tangle of emotions here.
It’s the very beginning of ski season and my parents thought it would be a good idea to come to the resort near Eastwood and see me. We planned it over Tristan’s off week since they knew I wouldn’t want to miss one of his games.
I wonder if they knew how I felt about him all this time?
Dad chimes in now, his tone practical yet warm. “You should still go, Tessa. The ski house is all yours if you want it. It’s only a couple hours’ drive. Take Emma.”
My mind races at the thought, possibilities blooming like flowers in fast-forward. An image of Tristan’s smile, Ethan’s competitive glint, and Liam’s shy intensity flood my thoughts. Could I? Should I?
“Are you sure?” My voice hitches with a mix of excitement and nerves.
“Absolutely,” Mom assures me. “Have fun, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom, Dad. Love you both.” I hang up, the seed of an idea firmly planted. This could be the chance I’ve been waiting for, to have them all together, without having to choose just one.
I’ll make them get along.
Taking a deep breath, I start a group chat with the three of them, typing quickly before I lose my nerve.
My parents just canceled our ski trip next weekend but I still have the house. The three of you should come with me. We can spend time together and see if this can work.
I hit send, the message flying into the digital void, my heart hitching with each passing second. This could either be the best decision I’ve ever made or an absolute disaster. But I guess there’s only one way to find out.
The silence in my room feels as heavy as the first snow of the season blankets the grounds outside, each flake settling like the weight of my decision. My phone lights up, shattering the stillness, and my heart leaps into my throat.
Hey Tessa, count me in! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Tristan’s text pops up, his excitement practically vibrating through the screen. The familiar warmth that his words always stir within me spreads through my chest.
I clutch my phone tight, realizing this is really happening. Tristan will be there, with his sandy hair and those eyes that make me feel like I’m the only person in the room.
Before I can sink further into thoughts of Tristan, another buzz snatches my attention. It’s Ethan.
I’ll bring the heat.
I chuckle, shaking my head at the audacity. That’s Ethan, always making everything a game he intends to win. But beneath the playful banter, I sense his eagerness, and it sparks a thrill inside me.
I lean back against my pillows, a mix of relief and anticipation coursing through me. Tristan and Ethan are in.
