Page 14 of Scoring Destiny

“A million things,” I admit. “It’s exciting but sometimes it’s a little much.”

“You’re kicking ass and taking names,” he says softly. “I’m proud of you, sis.”

I smile. “Thank you. I’m proud of you too.”

“If only Mom and Dad were proud of us.”

We both sigh a little. Our parents have always been a source of frustration for us. We’re only fourteen months apart, and we grew up close. Almost like twins. We did everything together. Hockey. Theater. College. Until we couldn’t. He went to play in the NHL and I went to work on a movie.

Our parents, however, have always been focused on our youngest brother, Nolan. He’s only fourteen, born when I was twelve and Reid was thirteen. From that moment on, it was like Reid and I didn’t exist. We had a roof over our heads and the basics, like clothes and food, but attention? It was all about the baby. They were late to my high school graduation because Nolan had baseball tryouts—and he was only six.

I could list dozens of situations like that, and eventually, Reid and I turned to each other for what we needed. Even when he got drafted to the NHL, the first thing out of my father’s mouth was something about how now they wouldn’t have to worry about putting Nolan through college. Like it was automatically Reid’s job to pay for it.

Obviously, this isn’t Nolan’s fault. He’s not a bad kid. A little entitled but he’s sweet whenever I talk to him, and Reid and I usually take him for a week or two in the summer so Mom and Dad can go on a solo vacation. Actually, it’s nice. This year, Reid brought him to New York City, and we did all the touristy things—Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial. It was a great time. And of course, our parents had to ruin it by being upset that we showed him New York for the first time without them.

There’s no pleasing them.

We’ve both long since stopped trying.

“There’s a party Saturday,” he says after a beat, changing the subject. “Pre-season party at Coach Teller’s house. The whole team will be there with their families. I think it’ll be fun. Can you get away?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’d like to meet your new friends and teammates.”

“You already know Serena Everhart, right? She’s married to our team captain, West McGregor.”

“Oh, that’s right! I met her briefly and I thought someone said her husband was a hockey player but I don’t think I put two and two together. Now that I’m here for a couple of months, I’m sure I’ll get to know her.”

“Yeah, the team is pretty chill and Coach Teller is awesome. You’ll like him.”

“Is he hot?”

He chuckles. “I mean, maybe to you? But bad news—not only is he married, he’s married to a man, so I don’t think you’re his type.”

“Dammit.” I pretend to be exasperated and we both laugh.

“I think you’d like Ashton Knight but he’s a little young for you.”

“How young?”

“Twenty-three.”

“Eh, I’d rather someone a little older.”

“Simon LaCroix is single. Divorced. I like him. I don’t know if you will.”

“I guess we’ll find out Saturday.” I pause. “To be honest, I’m too busy for a man. I’d love to find a guy, fall in love, all the things, but when would I do it? I go between New York and L.A. all the time, and now I’ve added Atlanta to the mix. It may not be the right time for me.”

“That makes sense. I don’t think love has a schedule, though. It’s going to happen when it happens, and you won’t have a lot to say about it.”

“And now that you’re single again—what’s the plan?”

“I’m in no hurry to replace Tracy. It has to happen organically.”

“Well, there will be some beautiful ladies working on the show. I’ll get the scoop, make sure they’re good enough for you, and then maybe introduce you.”

He gives me the side eye. “I’m sorry, did you notice that I did not say anything about deciding who you should date? Only offering you opportunities to meet people.”

“I’m meaner than you,” I say with a laugh. “And probably more overprotective.”