Page 47 of Pucking Rebound
“I have two and trust me, they love ice cream, especially during breakups.”
“Lucia and Sofia still eating you out of house and home?” he chuckles.
“Almost every fucking night.” Except for last night, because I double-locked the door, something I never do, but the last thing I wanted was my sisters walking in while I was eating Lola out on the kitchen island. I need to remember to do the same tonight.
“Well, if that’s what they do, I’m kind of glad I don’t have a sister.”
“Yeah, you’re lucky,” I say, not meaning a word of it.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Lola
Nerves make me wiggle in my seat when I spy Kali walking in my direction.
I haven’t seen her since the night I told her who I was and my connection to Wade.
All I ever wanted Kali to know is that I have good intentions and that I’m trustworthy. I would never do anything to jeopardize Wade’s career. Having grown closer to her, I know she wants the best for Wade too, and would do anything to protect him. If she didn’t believe me I know I wouldn’t still be Wade’s assistant.
Flanked by two security guards, Kali waves to me, wearing the biggest smile, unaware of the effect she has on the crowd who are wolf-whistling and congratulating her about dating Wade.
It’s fascinating watching Kali sign autographs, talking to the fans, and taking selfies. Being an ex-supermodel, she’s accustomed to the limelight.
When she finishes up, she walks, arms outstretched before she gets to me. I stand to greet her. In comparison to herfive-foot-ten height, I must look tinier than ever tonight in my sneakers.
While she’s dark, I’m blonde, and in comparison, her hair length falls way below her ass, while mine is shoulder length. We couldn’t be more different if we tried.
The only thing we do have in common is the hockey jerseys we’re wearing with Wade’s name and number on them: Collins, 18.
“I’ve been so worried about you. I would ask if you’re okay, but it’s such a stupid question.” She breaks out of our embrace and drops into her seat, patting mine to tell me to sit. “I’m sorry he cheated on you, Lola.” Kali grabs my hand when I plonk myself down beside her. “You have such a lot going on. Are you okay?”
I love that Kali has only known me for a few months but here she is acting like the mother I never had.
When my dad told me who my biological mother was, I knew why he kept it from me for so long. She’s well-known to everyone because she’s never out of the tabloids and is a truly dreadful human being. Shallow and selfish, the very thought of her makes my stomach coil like a nest of angry vipers.
“I’m actually okay.” I bite my bottom lip, toying with telling her what I discovered this afternoon. “But I have something else to tell you.” I look around, checking none of the fans are within earshot and then I update her on everything about Graham and what he’s been doing.
“Lola.” The sound of my name on her lips sounds a lot like sympathy which makes me feel slightly irritated. It’s my fault for not paying attention, I don’t want or need anyone to feel sorry for me.
“The police informed me that I probably won’t see the money again.”
“Please tell me you changed your passwords and cut him off.”
“Done. I canceled the monthly payment on the rental too.”
Kali throws her hand to her heart. “Thank God, and you can stay at Wade’s indefinitely, Lola. But I think once Wade finds out,” she leans closer and whispers, “that you’re his, you know… he won’t want you to move out.”
If Wade hates me for applying for a job with the Eagles to get closer to him, I may end up alone. I hope that doesn’t happen.
It was like fate when the temporary job I applied for in the administration office turned into being Wade’s assistant.
A dream come true and the perfect opportunity for me to find out what type of person my long-lost brother was. Turns out I had nothing to worry about because Wade is amazing, and someone I wish had been in my life forever.
Kali turns in her seat to face the rink and slings her arm around my shoulder, pulling me into her side. “I know how it feels to be cheated on, so if you ever need to talk to anyone, I’m here for you. Just don’t keep it all in, or it will hurt like hell.”
“I will.” I pat her thigh and thank her. Her ex-husband was a fool to cheat on her, although she’s with Wade now and I’m glad he did or they never would have gotten together.
Fate works in peculiar ways.
