Page 63 of Lucky Mother Pucker

“I’m just trying to be a good person.”

My sister flashes a warm smile. “You’re just like Grandpa. He would have done the same thing.”

A comforting feeling swoops through me hearing her say that. “Yeah, he would have.”

“Remember how on Thanksgiving, he’d always make us volunteer with him at the soup kitchen?”

“That was fun. The people were nice.”

“And how he’d make the whole family donate to the toy drive for low-income kids every Christmas?”

“He was really generous. I’m trying to be like him.”

My sister gently scoots Wally’s head off her lap and onto the floor. Then she stands up and pats my shoulder. “He’d be really proud of you.” She checks the time. “I should get back to work.”

I walk with her out of the house and to her car.

“You’re going to the gala next weekend, right?” she asks.

I tug a hand through my hair. “I really don’t want to.”

She stops at her driver’s side door. “You know Dad will raise hell if you don’t.”

“I’d prefer that over having to pretend that we’re a happy family in front of a bunch of strangers.” I tug a hand through my hair. “Is Mom going?”

“Yeah. Even though she and Dad are separated, you know how important family stuff is for her.”

I don’t understand why my mom is willing to go out of her way for him. He hardly ever paid attention to her when they were married.

“Fine. I’ll go for her, not him.”

My sister hugs me and hops into her car. She drives off, and I head back into the house. When I check my phone and see a text from Coach Tremblay, my bad mood evaporates instantly.

Good news. I talked to the physios, and they agreed to meet with your friend. When is she free to come in for an interview?

Chapter 24

Lucy

When I unlock the front door of Leo’s house and walk inside, I’m greeted by three college-age women sitting on the couch, petting Wally.

“Oh. Hi,” I say, caught off guard.

“Hey. You’re Lucy from the diner, right?” The pretty brunette stands up and walks over to me. “I’m Anna. Nick’s twin sister. And Travis’s girlfriend.”

“Oh, it’s great to meet you.”

She pulls me into a hug. When she lets me go, the two blonde girls come over to me and introduce themselves.”

“I’m Briar. Blake’s girlfriend.”

“And I’m Poppy. Nick’s girlfriend.”

I stare at Poppy. “I love your YouTube channel,” I blurt out.

She beams. “Really?”

“Yeah. I’ve been a subscriber for almost a year.”