Page 97 of Pucking Rebound
“I’m not going this year.” I ping-pong my gaze back and forth between my mom and Sienna. “I’ve already made plans.”
“With whom?” My mom clutches her pearls.
“With none of your business,” I reply. Her spine straightens as if I offended her. “I’m a grown-ass man, Mom. I do not need to attend everything you and Dad do anymore. And neither do Lucia and Sofia.”
I drop into the leather lounge chair and cross my legs, laying my ankle on top of my knee. I’m staying for ten more minutes, then I’m putting this fucking dreadful day I’ve had to spend with my ex-girlfriend behind me.
“Are you not returning to LA for New Year, Sienna?” I ask.
Wearing a black dress, revealing, well, everything she has to offer, Sienna looks like I offended her now too. “As you know, I go to the Archer’s every year, Jordan. This year will be no different.”
“Right.” I have nothing to say to her. What I have come to realize is that Sienna is extremely boring. I struggled to find anything to talk to her about through dinner. If I’m being honest, I find her dress and red lipstick a bit of a turn off and found myself wishing I was sitting next to a certain petite blonde who looks edible in a hoody, track pants, and a pair of the latest sneakers. Lola is always beautiful.
I used to think Sienna was too, which she is, but I don’t find myself attracted to her anymore. Not even in the slightest, whichis weird and fucking awesome, because it confirmed that I have moved on.
I did know this, of course I did, but today has given me clarity. I am completely over my ex.
“Sienna was telling me you didn’t buy her a Christmas present.” My mother smooths her hand over her perfectly slicked-back blonde hair that’s styled into a bun.
“Did you buy me one?” I ask deadpan, looking directly at Sienna. Is she trying to get me into trouble? That’s pathetic.
Sheepishly she replies, “No.”
“Which makes sense because we’re not together anymore.” I grin wide and watch my father do the same against the lip of his glass. The old fool knows Sienna and I are completely over and done with. My mother has yet to get the memo.
“Jordan.” My mother’s voice rises a few octaves. “Don’t be so rude.”
“I’m not being rude. I’m stating the facts. We split up months ago. I have an awesome hockey career ahead of me. Sienna is killing it in LA, doing the job she loves. We’ve both moved on.”
“I’m moving back to Canada,” Sienna blurts out.
As if she’s shot me with a Taser, I’m immobilized for a moment. “What?”
“They replaced me on the show.” She breathes in a shallow, quick breath.
“Why?” I feel bad for her. That was her dream job.
“Because they decided to go in a different direction.”
That makes no sense. She was perfect for the part. “Are you not staying in LA? Surely, you’ll be auditioning for other parts?”
“I don’t think acting is for me.”
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that, Sienna. I hope you find whatever makes you happy.”
“You made her happy,” Sienna’s mother, Sally, interjects.
Did I? “Are you sure about that?” The chill between us grows colder by the second. I can’t remember a time Sienna was ever satisfied. She returned every gift I ever gave her, and she much preferred the company of her parents than me.
“You did, Jordan,” Sienna speaks up, giving me puppy dog eyes that used to work on me, but no longer do.
Feeling awkward, I place my foot on the floor and push myself up, sitting straighter in my seat. This is a fucking ambush. “I’m sure you’ll find it again with someone who is meant for you.” I check the time on my new wristwatch and make an excuse to leave. “I have to go. I have plans.” I want to make a call. Desperately.
“You’re leaving already?” I stand up and Sienna mirrors me. Fumbling with her hands, she looks as if she’s about to cry.
“Yeah.” I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but when she left, I moved on. I thought she had to.
“But it’s Christmas,” my mother wails.
