Chapter 53
TYLER
Interesting development with Daphne—thewoman was deported back to wherever she came from, somewhere in Eastern Europe. Turns out the team pressed charges that she unlawfully entered the player area of the arena on several occasions to stalk Chuck. Poor guy, he never saw it coming and then she got her hooks in him but good.
My sister is thrilled that things are going well with Lucy. I swear, she likes her better than she does me now, making all kinds of plans for the two of them to hang out and do things together without even thinking of including me.
I don’t mind though. Lucy can be the sister Ruby never had.
Speaking of Ruby, my cookie-baking habit is no longer a secret. She entered me in some kind of charity baking contest and I freaking won. I’m now the hockey-playing baker, and the organization is putting out a fundraising cookbook with me on the cover, titled Mom’s. They’re even going to put a photo of Mom in it to celebrate her recipes. To be honest, while I’m now tickled, I was at first opposed to the idea. But the team thinks such wholesome activities are good for our image, even though the guys have been giving me no end of grief. I did bring a bag of cookies to our last practice, and while a couple folks ribbed me, once they started wolfing down my goodies, they shut right up.
My secret is out, but it could be worse, right?
Ruby, being the pushy little sister that she is, has mentioned on more than one occasion that I should propose to Lucy. I’m not opposed, of course, but Jesus, give a guy some time. Ruby even gave me our mother’s ring to propose with. It was supposed to be her’s, but she wants Lucy to have it.
I’m so honored to have that pipsqueak for a sister.
I tried to tell her to keep it for herself, but she likes the idea of Lucy wearing it. She says it may bring us the kind of good marriage our own parents had. I’m not superstitious like that, but if the ring conveys some sort of good luck or blessings, who am I to say no? Ruby’s holding onto it for safe-keeping because she apparently thinks I’m some kind of idiot who loses valuables, but I’m fine with that. She’ll fork it over when I’m ready to pop the question.
Lucy’s apartment is still sublet to the guy who took it when she left for France. She told him he could stay as long as he wants since she’s crashing at my place.
Well, I shouldn’t say crashing at my place. That sounds like a temporary arrangement.
This shit is permanent. As in, forever.