Page 62 of Slap Shot at a Second Chance

“Nate!” he called out.

I looked at him, as I stopped defending Andy from scoring.

“Is it your first time or are you distracted by something? If you want to defend, do it right,” he said and the last thread of sanity I had left was slowly letting go and I really wanted to just leave practice right now.

However, he was just angry with me.After practice, we will have a civil adult conversation and sort out our differences.

“Sorry, I’m a bit distracted.” I smiled as I scratched the back of my neck, not wanting the other guys to notice the tension between us, but judging from the silence they possibly had figured it out already.

“Come to practice early tomorrow,” he said as he left the ice and the other guys followed after him, and I sighed as I leaned against the stick.

Shit, when was the last time practice was so stressful and intense for me?I feel like I’m a newbie at this.

I sat in the changing room and waited for Brian to finish up, hoping we could finally have a conversation. I didn’t want him to go home angry at Avery. I didn’t mind if he was mad at me, but I just wished he wouldn’t hold a grudge against his sister.

When he came out, I stood up and he looked at me out of the corner of his eyes, opening his locker.

“Brian. Look, I pursued Avery and if there’s anyone you should be angry with, it’s me,” I said.

He slammed his locker closed as he pulled his bag up his shoulder. His eyes looked me up and down and he walked away without saying anything. I dropped my hands disappointed.

“He found out?” It didn’t sound like a question and I nodded as I looked at Andy. “You should’ve been careful, Nate.”

“I know, Andy,” I mumbled, my mood being sour as well. “I fucking know.”

Chapter 26

Avery

“Just relax and unwind today, Angel,” Nate said as he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it softly. “We’re here to have fun.”

I smiled as I looked at him with a nod, but I still couldn’t help but be worried because Brian had not talked to me since the time he caught us in my office, and he didn’t even show up for our Sunday brunch at our parent’s place last week.

“I’m nervous,” I whispered as I rubbed my hands against my jeans and he chuckled as he looked at me. I could tell he was just as worried about Brian, but he didn’t want to show it. Apparently, things weren’t as great between them as well during practice and Brian had been extra difficult.

“To see my nana? She’s a sweetheart!” he exclaimed and I giggled, he did seem excited to see his grandmother, and maybe that was just the comfort he needed today.

“I’m sure she is,” I said as I rubbed his hand, while he pulled into the driveway of the house, my eyes widened as I leaned closer to the dashboard. “Wow, it’s beautiful,” I whispered as I stared at the navy blue painted two-story home with a beautiful lawn.

It was a bit sunny today, but still cold enough for us to wear jackets; however, the weather was bearable.

“Is your grandmother rich as well?” I asked as I looked at the size of the porch that was in front of the house. Nate smiled shyly and shrugged.

“She’s well off, I guess.”

What a way to play it down.

“She refuses to move in with me because her husband bought her this house,” he said as he got out of the car and I did as well while he took Niel out of his car seat.

He slowly woke up from his sleep and squinted his eyes as he looked at the house. Nate didn’t put him down but carried him in his arms as he directed us to the entrance of the house.

“Really? I hope my husband buys me a house as well, that’s so sweet,” I gushed as I touched my cheeks. The sun was deceiving, why the fuck was it so cold?

“Hmm? Maybe he’ll build you a house instead,” he said and I giggled as I hugged his arm.

“That would be sweet as well.” The door swung open and an older woman stood there with her eyes wide as saucers as she stared at us.

“Nana!” Nate expressed excitedly as he pulled her in his arms, while still carrying Niel in his arms. He leaned down and kissed her cheek and she kissed her teeth as she pushed him away.

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