Page 102 of Home Ice

“Amelia would kill me.”

“What about my eyebrow?”

“Why don’t we get through one visit where I prove she can trust me before I send you home with body modifications.”

His grin widens until it’s almost a real smile. “So you’re saying a split tongue is a definite possibility.”

“Sure. If you never want to be allowed to see me again.”

Something in his eyes dims, but he shakes it off before I can ask. “Don’t we need to leave?”

“Barrett’s waiting downstairs.”

We head down, and just before we reach the foyer, Kasen asks, “So do I have to call him Coach while we’re here?”

It does seem weirdly formal while we’re hanging out. “Nah, Watesburg rules don’t apply in St. Louis.”

“Cool.” He raises his voice. “Yo, Barrett, I’ve got shotgun.”

My best friend turns to me as Kasen heads toward my garage. “Should I be worried by how fast he’s becoming like you?”

“Nope. Two Jensen Hawkes is exactly what this world needs.”

And I wonder how much more like me another day can make him.

Barrett almost cries during the ceremony, and Kasen and I haven’t shut up about it since. He doesn’t even know my friends, and while it’s all very sweet and romantic and whatever, I once saw Zemidov do the Macarena in his jockstrap, which has killed all past and future vibes when it comes to him.

He’s a good friend though, and he didn’t hesitate when I asked if I could have another plus-one at short notice. With half of our team spread out in all areas of the globe and not able to make it, he assured me that it was no issue to add one more.

Plus, he knows I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t important.

We go from the outside ceremony inside to the reception, and while photos are happening, I introduce Barrett and Kasen around.

It’s no surprise to me that Barrett fits in seamlessly. He’s always been one of those guys who can talk to anyone and who people genuinely like. With all the options he had, it’s still so weird to me that I’m the one who got to be his best friend.

What does surprise me, though, is how easily Kasen fits in with the team. He knows his hockey stats, and apparently, when it’s not me, he has no issues telling people what his goals are. I try not to let it get to me and enjoy that he’s having a good time.

My teammate Derk approaches me from the side and lowers his voice. “He really your son?”

“Yep.”

“Shit, Hawke. Why is this the first we’re hearing about him?”

“Because I’ve only known for a month or so.”

He exhales heavily and takes a sip of his drink. “And you’re sure it’s legit?”

“Look at him. You think it isn’t?”

“Yeah … it’s sort of freaky.”

“You’re telling me.” I turn so we’re face on. “The whole thing is a complicated mess at the moment though, so we’re keeping it on the down-low. Don’t spread it around.”

“Course not.”

“Thanks, man.”

With any other group, maybe I’d worry that the story would get out there, but our team are like brothers. We’ve been through the trenches together. As much as I don’t want Kasen to be a secret, I also know that it’s best for him right now if we don’t bring extra attention into his life. Amelia and I still have a lot to work out, and until I completely win Kasen over, I don’t want anything to impact that.