Pucking The Players: A Whychoose Hockey Romance by Jarica James

Author:Jarica James [James, Jarica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Elias

The bell over the gym door rang out and I glanced up, customer service smile in place to greet the customer. It fell quickly as two people walked in looking completely out of place. From his designer suit to her expensive dress and perfectly airbrushed face, it was obvious they didn't belong. Curious looks came from everyone nearby while I tried and failed to keep my face neutral.

"What are you doing here?"

My mother scoffed, looking down her nose at me.

"Is that any way to treat your mom?"

I simply blinked at her but went around the counter to give her the obligatory hug as she prepared to tear apart my life and every choice I've made.

"I see you haven't given up this little pipe dream?" she asked with a fake laugh. "We've come to talk business and have lunch. Come, come."

"I'm working," I pointed out. Was there someone I could grab to take my place? Yes, but she didn't need to know that. Her frown deepened and I bit back a comment about it leading to wrinkles. That was, after all, her greatest fear.

"Son," Dad warned in that tone of his that would bring lesser men to their knees.

"Look. If you want to make plans, you know my number. I take my work seriously. Would you leave your job unfinished at the drop of a hat?" I questioned. He met my glare head on before a begrudging nod was sent my way.

"When is your lunch?"

Great, it seemed they weren't giving up on this.

"Twelve-thirty," I relented, knowing I'd have to give in or there would be hell to pay. They barely forgave me for spending my trust on this place and keeping up with hockey. Law school wasn't for me and if he thought giving me an entry-level position would appease me he was severely mistaken. I was proud of this gym and the blood, sweat, and tears that went into making it a thriving business. We had more money than we knew what to do with and managed to keep our membership fees affordable. I'd call that a huge fucking win.

They wouldn't.

The silence they left behind was deafening. I barely had a chance to breathe before Brock was rushing in, eyes scanning the space before landing on me.

"They left already? I thought I'd have to save you," he noted as he came over and hopped up on the counter to stare down at me.

"I'm going to lunch with them," I admitted.

He narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

We had talked about cutting them out so many times but I had yet to bring myself to do it. They were still family and that little boy inside of me that craved their approval was still there, forcing me to try and win them back. This wasn't enough and I knew every hockey win we made was unnoticed. You'd think I'd take self-preservation more seriously.

"Macy is coming in for swim class with Tate and the old biddies at two," he said.

"That's great," I hedged, unsure what connection he was trying to make here.

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