He texted her first.~Hey, I filled the seat next to you with a hot young hockey player, minor leaguer. Not your type, though.It would be beyond weird if his sister tried to hit on his boyfriend. He thought about adding, “He’s gay,” but even though Rusty was out, that felt like exposing him without permission.
She texted back right away, to his surprise.~I can ask him for tips about the game.
That had not been his intention, to encourage her to interact. Marie had gone to enough of his games over the years to build up some decent hockey knowledge.~You shouldn’t need tips by now.
~Always something to learn, especially out of the mouths of experts. That’s my philosophy.
It was, too. Not usually about sports, but Marie had inherited Dad’s brains and knew a lot about a lot of things. He decided harping on “don’t do that” would only make things worse.~Looking forward to seeing you. You can come down to the dressing room area and meet some of the guys after. Or go back to my place and I’ll meet you there.
~Your place, I think. I’m a bit jet lagged.
~I have the yellow room stocked with Lindor truffles.Marie usually used the sunshine-themed guest room.
~You’re my favorite brother.
~I’m your only brother.
She sent a grin emoji.~Aren’t you supposed to be napping? Good luck with the game.
He liked that Marie knew his routine well enough to say that. God, he didn’t make enough effort to stay in touch.~Thanks. And thanks for coming.
He got back a heart emoji.
When he was sure the conversation was done, he texted Rusty.~So I have a confession.
He thought Rusty might still be in practice, but he got a quick reply of~???
~My sister’s also coming to the game and she’ll be sitting next to you.
~Oh shit. Are you sure you want me to come?
~Yes!
~Does she know about us?
~No. Not really. I hinted I was seeing someone. She figured it was a woman.
~Should I cheer for one of the other guys? Throw her off the scent? Bozie’s kind of hot.
~No.The word leaped from his fingertips. Cross figured he was lucky he hadn’t put an exclamation after that. He didn’t need to be ridiculous, but he didn’t want Rusty pretending to like someone else.~You’re just watching the game. It shouldn’t be a big deal. It’s not like you’re going to blow me a kiss or something.
~I might.
For just a moment, Cross was struck by that image— him down on the ice, looking up in the stands and seeing Rusty there, big and blond and stupidly handsome, and Rusty catching his gaze and throwing a kiss…
He must’ve hesitated too long to reply because Rusty added,~I was joking.
~I figured. Listen, you should come down to the locker room after. You know half the guys already, we can hang out for a bit before I have to head home.
~What about your sister?
~She’s going straight back to my place. She was in Tokyo or somewhere for work. Jet lag.
~Then yeah. A chance to meet Bozie? Absolutely
~Har. Har.
~I guess if your sister’s at your place you don’t want me around, huh?
