Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“That would be a good idea,” Jackie says and then looks at me. “I’m so sorry.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing to be sorry about. I get to go home with him tonight.” I fold my arms over my chest, and I feel my family at my back. “If anything, I should have thanked her.”
“Everyone, this is Candace.” I look around. “This is my family.” I smile, and she just nods at them.
“If you will excuse us,” Jackie says, “I need a moment alone with my daughter.” She turns and grabs her arm to walk out of the lodge. I’m about to say something to Patrick, but I don’t because the arena goes crazy, and everyone jumps to their feet. I look on the ice and see that Evan is skating with his stick in the air.
“Woohoo,” Patrick says, clapping his hands, and they look at the replay, and even Matthew and Max agree it was a good play.
“I need a drink,” I tell the girls who are all around me.
“I think someone needs a kick in her vagina,” Zoe says.
I shake my head. “It is what it is. Nothing is going to make that whole thing better,” I tell them and walk to the bar and pour myself a shot of tequila.
I take the shot with shaky hands, then put the empty glass down on the counter. I close my eyes and let the liquid burn. “The things we do for love,” Jackie says from beside me, and I look over at her. She is wiping away a tear. “I’m so sorry that she did that.”
“It’s not your fault,” I tell her.
“She is really a nice living person,” she tries to tell me, wringing her hands.
“I’m sure she is.” I am not going to put her in the middle of this.
“He won’t forgive her for this,” Jackie says to me. “She was already walking a fine line.”
“Then we won’t tell him.” I smile at her. “He doesn’t have to know this happened.”
“You love him,” Jackie says. “That right there. Taking your pain and hurt and putting it aside to not have him know.” She comes to me and gives me a hug. “That makes you worth everything.”
“I really hope so,” I whisper to her, and then I turn to my mother who is watching me with my father behind her.
“What is Evan’s favorite meal?” I ask his mother.
“I think it has to be beef stroganoff,” she answers, and I look at my mom.
“Will you show me how to make it so I can make it for him?” I ask Jackie, and she smiles. “I mean, I won’t cook it, but I will watch and take notes.”
“Oh, thank God,” Zoe says.
“Why don’t we all meet at Evan’s place at noon, and we can all help?” my mother suggests, and Jackie just nods her head.
“That sounds like a wonderful plan,” Jackie says, and the rest of the game is uneventful. They end up winning four to one, and we all sit in the lodge chatting. Then the door opens, and I look over and see Evan walk in. He looks pissed, so pissed that no one says anything, and the talking stops. He looks around the room, and his eyes finally find mine.
“Are you okay?” he asks when he’s stand in front of me. I’m still sitting on the stool.
“What?” I ask shocked. “Of course, I’m okay.” I smile at him, but there is no smile on his face. “What’s the matter?”
“Candace texted me,” he says, turning to look at his parents now. “It was not okay.” His teeth clench when he says this.
“Hey.” I turn his face to mine. “It’s not a big deal,” I whisper and get up to stand in front of him. “Now, how about we take the goal scorer to get some food?”
“I’m dying to eat,” Matthew says, then looks at Evan. “Good game out there.”
“Thanks,” he mumbles, and everyone gets their things together. “Go ahead. We will meet you there.”
Everyone walks out, leaving us alone together. He cups my face and kisses me. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I tell him, trying not to feel sorry for myself. So what if his sister hates me.
“She was going to blindside you,” he says, and I look down, not sure of myself. I don’t think I can mask that hurt. “She said she wasn’t thinking.”
“Please don’t make it a big deal,” I whisper.
“It’s a big deal,” he says, getting loud. “It’s a huge fucking deal. You were nervous to meet my mother and father, and then she brings my ex-girlfriend.” He looks down. “I dated her for a month.”
I shake my head. “I honestly don’t even care,” I tell him. “Truthfully, I don’t care.” Then I look at him weirdly. “Wow, must be what it’s like to be mature and shit.” I laugh now. “I mean the old Zara would have been putting sugar in her gas tank.” I hold my stomach. “But now I just don’t want you to be bothered with it.”