Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“I just assumed you two had agreed to tell people,” Lexi says softly, apologetically.
Did we? I know we talked this weekend about letting the cat out of the bag to some select people. I anticipated it would be a small group, not an entire hockey organization along with their significant others.
“Are you okay?” Jules asks gently.
I nod my head and clear my throat. “Yeah…sure. I just didn’t realize that Lucas was going to run right out and tell the entire team. I thought it would be just family and maybe a few close friends. Maybe his roommate, Van.”
“But the team is his family,” Jules points out. “You’ve not been involved with the organization very much yet, but every one of those people who make up the Carolina Cold Fury are like family to each other. And frankly, they’d need to know, because although you’re doing the heavy lifting, the pregnancy affects Lucas as well.”
Jesus. My gaze slides left and I look out the window to the city street. I hadn’t thought of that when we’d talked about it this weekend. I just didn’t consider that Lucas has a lot more going on outside of the little bubble he’s been cocooned in with me lately. And that means I may have to step outside that bubble.
“Is this a problem?” Jules murmurs.
I turn back to her, cut a quick glance to Lexi, and say with a completely forced smile that I hope to God looks genuine so they don’t feel awkward, “It’s not a problem. Just took me by surprise is all.”
Jules isn’t buying it, so she looks at Lexi. “Do you mind giving us a few minutes?”
Lexi jumps up and says, “Not at all,” while I hold up my hand and insist, “No. Stay. Nothing private to talk about.”
But Lexi abides by Jules’s wishes and not mine, and she’s gone before I can even shut my mouth again. I turn back slowly to Jules and brace myself for her to ingratiate herself into my life.
“You don’t have to talk about Lucas or your relationship or lack thereof at all,” she says earnestly, but I don’t relax one bit. Those are the right words but surely she doesn’t mean them. “Now, what about us arranging a visit for Annabelle’s class to Sweetbrier. It won’t take much effort. I’ll do all the legwork since you’re working full time still, and if anything it will just be something fun to do because I know it once brought you joy. I think it will—”
“Wait a minute,” I say as I hold my hand up, cutting her off. “You’re just going to drop the whole Lucas-slash-relationship thing?”
“Well, yeah,” she says slowly. “That’s what you wanted, right?”
Hell yes, I wanted that.
Except…I could use some advice on how to handle this.
But no, I don’t need advice. I can figure this out on my own, just the way I always have.
Definitely can handle this on my own.
I give her an abashed smile. “I’m sorry…let’s talk about something other than Lucas and me.”
Jules just gives me a completely accepting nod and I exhale with relief.
“Are you up for helping me with Annabelle’s class trip to Sweetbrier?” she asks.
“Yes, of course,” I assure her. “It will be totally fun. And call Lexi back over here. She really didn’t have to go.”
Jules waves across the cafe and I assume gets Lexi’s attention, because then she starts talking about the logistics of putting a group of toddlers with a group of folks in wheelchairs. Lexi joins us and offers ideas, volunteering to help as well. I listen with half an ear, make appropriate comments, and keep a smile plastered to my face.
I try not to think about the fact that I was just on the verge of spilling all my secrets and insecurities to Jules. I can’t even believe she could inspire that within me, and I’ll even admit I’m slightly disappointed in myself that I pussed out and clammed up.
Maybe another time we can talk.
If I can get up the courage to just let the fuck go of all of my hang-ups.
I’m a fucking work in progress, that’s for sure.
Chapter 17
Lucas
“Fuck,” I snarl as I dig through my drawers.
“What is it this time?” Stephanie asks as she leans up against the wall, arm across her stomach, the other hand hovering near her mouth so she can nibble on her nails as she watches me freak out before the game.
The game.
The first play-off is game tonight, and admittedly, I’ve transformed into a bit of an asshole. In fairness to her, I sort of warned her it was coming.
“My goddamn lucky underwear,” I grit out as I pull more clothes out and drop them to the floor. I figure I get a pass on being cranky since it’s the play-offs and a completely stressful time.