Page 80 of XOXO, Summer
“That must have beensomegetaway,” Spring says. All three hold up their phones with a different gossip page on each screen. Oh that . . . Not so much a secret since I knew we’d make headlines, but I can see how it might have come as a surprise to someone not in the loop. Or three specific someones used to being all in their oldest sister’s business all the time.
Winter’s looking at me when she asks, “Want to fill us in?”
Our bags in my hands, I give the firing squad my best paparazzi grin, hoping I live to kiss Summer again. “Did I mention I play hockey?”
“Nope,” Spring replies, sitting down as she shoots Summer a fire-fueled look. “Neither did our sister.”
Summer takes the first step. “I thought you already knew.” Defensively, jabbing her chest, she says, “I was the only one in complete darkness when it came to Daniel.”
Winter shifts, sets her hat on the steps, and moves to stand near Autumn. “We knew because we use this thing called the internet.” Her sarcasm is on point.
I shrug, glancing at Summer. “She has a point. It is odd you didn’t know who I was.”
“Wow.” She’s shaking her head as she ascends the steps. “They turn on you so quickly.” When she reaches the top, she turns back with a big grin on her face. “As fun as this isto tease me, the event was at the last minute. I have to tell you about the princess treatment.”
Autumn sweeps in and takes the garment bag off Summer’s hands. “Can I borrow this dress? It will be perfect for a charity event that the hospital has coming up.” I’m assuming the question is rhetorical since she’s already walking away.
Standing up, Spring dusts her backside off. “I’ll admit,” she starts, looking at her phone again, “you look beautiful, sis.” When she glances between us, her expression morphs into her usually sunnier disposition. “You guys really do make a stunning couple.” Coming down the steps, she shoots me a doe-eyed look as she passes. “And if you have any teammates that like small-town girls, you know where to find me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind next time I see the team.”
She says, “Oh, especially that number twenty-four. He’s hot.”
Twenty-four? “Dave Mackley?” Summer and I look over our shoulders at her. I say, “He’s engaged.”
Spinning, she laughs. “He’s not married yet.”
“Spring Lily!” Summer snaps. “That’s terrible.” Annoyance tugs her brows together, and she rolls her eyes.
“Double-naming me? I really struck a nerve. Anyway, I’m just kidding,” Spring starts laughing again. “I’d be okay with thirty-seven.” Apparently, she’s memorized the entire Breakaways roster. “And I already confirmed he’s single.”
“LeBeaux is an asshole. No way would I do that to you.”
Her arms fly from her sides with car keys in one hand. “Maybe I’ll just stick to guys in the tri-county area. Gotta run.” Walking backward, she smiles. “And welcome back, lovebirds.”
Summer says, “I’m starving, unless you two want to havefun at our expense?” Her tone is light, and I love seeing her so happy.
Autumn says, “I’m good.”
With her hands up in surrender, Winter adds, “I’m good as well. Jealous, but good.” Hooking her arm with Summer, she starts dragging her inside. “Now tell me everything. Do they shout your name on the red carpet? Did you meet any celebrities?”
“Oh my God, I met Brad Pitt . . .” she replies before the screen door closes. The man could be my father, and she’s drooling over him like he’s, well, like he’s me.
The screech of the door opening again has me looking up. “I forgot to tell you something, Daniel.”
“How you picture Brad Pitt in your head when we’re making love?” I deadpan. “That’s why you come so fast?”
She laughs as she crosses the porch to me. “You know none of that is true. Why would I have to imagine him when I have my very own heartthrob?” Wrapping her arms around my neck, she hugs me. “But I did forget to tell you what an amazing time I had in New York with you.”
Having an apartment to ourselves, having her to myself spoiled me in ways I didn’t expect. “I did too.” She fits so perfectly into my world like a puzzle piece that’s been missing. She’s exposed the cracks in a world I thought I had built of steel, that was supposed to be impenetrable. The dad, the player, the man—she’s exposed that I’m also human and need more than air, water, and hockey to survive.I need her.“It was nice being just the two of us.”
She’s brought parts of me back to life that have been dormant for years.
This place and her family bring her to life.
Bridging our lives won’t be simple, but it will be a masterpiece when it’s done.
Rising onto her toes, she kisses me, but holds my face in her hands afterward while her eyes search mine. “And I love you. Three words Brad Pitt will never hear from me.”
