“Spencer.” Paige grabs my wrist with her dainty fingers. They don’t even make it all the way around my wrist, but her grip is strong enough that I get the point and let go of my hair.
“Not for nothin’, you’re putting oil from your hands back onto your hair. And I think we both know how hard it was to rinse out the honey and oatmeal hair scrub. But it left your locks luscious, so hands off.”
“It was hard to remove because we left it on for almost an hour because you started to change for bed and—”
She stops me with a pointed look. I shut my mouth. “What is wrong?”
“Goat’s taking an extra practice with Zac, and I missed it,” I grumble, unable to hide my bad mood.
“That’s good, right?” she whispers.
“Good? No. It fucking sucks. I never miss a chance to get time with Goat. And—”
“And you keep telling me Zac’s been having a rough year, so it sounds like he needs the time more than you do. And, Spence, you’ve been drafted. You know you’re going to the NHL. Zac can have tonight, right?”
“Getting drafted is no guarantee I’ll play for the pros. Yes, that’s the plan, but—”
“Shhhhh!” The guy in front of us shoots a nasty glance our way.
I keep my voice low when I say, “I can’t take breaks, Paige. I have to be at my best, all the time.” I know my words hurt her, but they’re true.
“I get it. You can go to practice if you need to. Just leave through the back.”
“No, I didn’t—”
“I’m serious. I’m not being passive-aggressive here. I’m glad you came tonight, but if you have somewhere else to be, I will always respect that.”
God, what did I do to deserve her?
I pull her close and drop a kiss on the top of her head. “Nah, I’m right where I want to be. And you might be right. Zac could probably use a little one-on-one time with Goat.”
“You know what I could use?” says the shusher in front of us, “some freaking quiet!”
I zip my lips and enjoy the rest of the show. Ok, that’s a lie. I have no clue what’s happening. But I enjoy Paige, and that’s even better.
Paige
“Does this dress sayMeet the Parents?I ask Emma as I twirl in the navy lace dress I love, but haven’t worn yet.
“No...that dress says,your son is giving me the D on the regular and sometimes I like it rough.But, for what it’s worth, I love that dress on you. Wear it. There’s no shame in kink.”
“Oh my god, Emma! He’s going to be here to pick me up in half an hour and literally nothing I own looks good or fits the vibe of Sunday brunch. And I have more clothes than anyone.”
“The problem is not your wardrobe, Paige,” she says, looking up from where she’s painting her nails. “The problem is you. Settle down. They are going to love you because you’re amazing. And because their son loves you.”
“We haven’t said those words yet,” I tell her.
“Words schmerds. That boy is a smitten kitten. And you make him deliriously happy. That alone is reason enough for them to adore you.”
“But—”
“But nothing. You look great in that dress, so wear the hell out of it. And if the open back has you feeling anxious, grab a sweater. Get the cashmere one in my closet. It’s robin egg blue and it will look perfect on you. It’s also yours, so that’s a bonus.”
Spencer
“I told you they would love you, and I was right,” I brag as we head back to my place after brunch with my mom and Ted.
“They’re so nice. And it was so sweet of your mom to bring that photo album! Baby Spence is sooooo freaking cute.”
