Page 22 of Final Score

“You know it’s not too late to re-consider signing up for the academy. As long as, I’m Capitan, you have a steady job lined up here after college anytime you want.” He said, his blue eyes holding my stare.

I knew he meant no ill will with the offer. Even though I had chosen a different path in life, my father had been nothing but supportive in my dreams of playing in the NHL after college. He made sure I knew that a backup plan was ready and waiting.

“I know, thanks Dad.” I responded, unwilling to say what we both knew. Becoming a firefighter was never in the cards for me. Even if I didn't get drafted into the NHL in a few years, which was unlikely, I lived and breathed hockey. I would figure something out.

“You let me know when the Championship game is this year, and I’ll be there.” He nodded proudly. “Your stats this year look great but watch the penalties. Scouts won’t take on someone who doesn’t play well with others.”

“Come on Dad, you of all people should know Jenner doesn’t play fair.” Trey teased, moving from his spot on the couch. “Besides, he’s got a new girlfriend to show off for.”

“Ahh, that’s right. It’d been so long since your last serious relationship I’d forgotten.” Dad joked, high fiving Trey as I glared at them both. “How is Katherine?”

“She is great. She goes by Kat now.” I answered carefully.

“And her mother?” Mom asked, tossing salad into a blue ceramic bowl.

“I don’t know. She doesn’t talk about her family or the past.”

“That’s understandable. Her father was a great man, and an even better firefighter. That family and ours suffered an incredible loss that day.” Dad answered, his voice soft. I knew he was referring to the station and their brotherhood. Losing a fellow first responder was an inevitable part of his job, but I knew from the action reports my father had done everything he could to save Kat’s dad that night.

“I’m not surprised you two are together. You cared for her, little brother. I remember when they moved. You moped around for weeks after she left. It was pitiful.” Trey laughed as I punched him in the arm.

“I found her again, and I am not letting her go. She’s perfect.” I answered. They didn’t need to know that the foundation of our relationship had been a lie. The instant Kat came back into my life, I had fallen hard. My feelings were continuing to grow, and I could tell hers were as well, even if she didn’t say it out loud. Now I just had to convince her it was safe to fall. I wasn’t going anywhere.

“Good, we’re happy for you, son.” Mom smiled as the oven chimed. “Ah, dinner is ready. Let’s eat!”

Trey and I began setting the table with plates and silverware as Dad pulled the honey glazed ham from the oven and Mom put the finishing touches on the sides. Looking around the room, I realized how much I had missed. No matter how crazy my family was, it felt nice to be home. A twinge of guilt and sadness cut through my chest as I realized Kat would never come back here to visit. For her, the memories this place held were still too fresh in her mind and that was a wound that may never close.

The holidays passed in a blur, and before I knew it, I was back in Seattle… at a shopping mall… the day before New Year’s Eve.

“I hate shopping malls.” I griped, dodging yet another group of people rushing to get the latest after holiday deals.

“It’s not all bad.” Oliver answered, swerving in the other direction, catching the eye of a pretty blonde a few feet away. To my surprise, he didn’t even give her a second glance. “So where to next?” He asked as we continue our trek through the chaos.

“Victoria’s Secret.” I answered as the pink and black awning come into view.

“Oh good. I need to pick up a few things as well.”

“What in the world do you need at a lingerie store?” I asked, eyebrows raised.

“Something for a new friend.” He responded suspiciously. I knew better than to press for answers that Oliver was unwilling to give at the moment. He would tell me when he was ready.

“You mean your newest puck bunny?” I laughed.

“Something like that.”

We were met with lace, rhinestones, sequins, bras, and every color thong imaginable as we walked into the store. I didn’t know where to look for what I wanted to find, and I was not about to ask the saleslady for help. Lord help me. Kat better be surprised.

Forty-five minutes later, we were out of the store, bags in hand. We almost came out unscathed... until we ran into the walking scumbag himself. Otherwise known as Noah O’Conor. He eyed the bags, interested in what laid inside.

“Victoria’s secret and Kays. Which girlfriend are you shopping for today?” He asked.

“Only one. Unlike some people, I don’t cheat, and it’s her birthday tomorrow.” I answered, glaring daggers into his stupid face.

“Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Her birthday isn’t for another week.” What a dumbass, four years of dating and he couldn’t be bothered to remember her birthday correctly.

“Right, which is also Kat’s birthday.”

“Whatever. You’re the one that’s going to look like an idiot, not me.” He laughed coldly, pushing past us and into the store.