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“What do you mean, dear?” her mom asked, frowning.
“Mom, I’m already making things messy for both of them at work. I know that’s what the code is meant to avoid. I just never thought it would apply to me. But that fight at practice! That was caused by me.” Her chest ached. She didn’t want to not be with Luc, but she was making everything such a mess. This was exactly why she had stayed far away from hockey players.
Ali pointed at her with a fry from across the table. “Kassie, you aren’t the problem.”
“But the code and all that bullshit.”
“Kass, that code is more like a guideline than a rule. And even rules are made to be bent and sometimes broken. Just take a look around our own team. It happens all the time.”
“Maybe.” Kassie sighed, knowing her sister-in-law was right. But that just made her disappearing act this morning even worse. She had really messed up.
“What is going on in your head, Kass? I don’t like that look on your face.” Ali tilted her head and squinted at Kassie.
“I did something this morning.” She shook her head in distress. “I’m so stupid. I’ve made such a mess of everything.”
“What did you do, Kass?” Ali asked.
“I snuck out of my own apartment before Luc woke up. I didn’t leave a note or anything. I just left.”
“You ran out while cutie-pie Puck-Star lay in your bed? Why on Earth would you do that? Why would anyone do that?”
“I don’t know. I got nervous. I like him so much, but I can’t make him choose between me or the game.”
“Dear, who says he has to choose?” Her mother was obviously confused. Why wouldn’t she be? Kassie was just as confused herself.
“I will always be the problem between him and Kaden, and he will always be between me and Kaden. No one wins. It’s just a mess. Now I’ve run out on Luc without a word, and he’s probably wondering why I would do that, and without much thought I’ve created another mess. A mess on top of a mess.” Kassie sighed. She dropped her chin onto her fist and picked at her salad.
Ali shook her head. “Kass, you worry too much. Let’s try something. Tell me a little about Luc.”
“Tell you about Luc? Like what?” It seemed like an odd question.
“His personality, how he acts, anything.”
“Well, you know Luc.” Kassie shrugged. “He’s sweet. He really is. He’s protective, too. Before I gave in to my feelings for him, we hung out a few times as friends. But he always looked out for me. Taking me home when I was out drinking, keeping the creeps at bay when I was out dancing. He’s just always there. Even after what went down at practice yesterday, he took me out and treated me like a princess. In everything he does, he puts me first.”
“So, you’re saying that he’s a real gentleman?” Ali asked, as if she was doing research.
“Yes. Always. Kaden does nothing but talk about what a dog Luc is, or was, but I never see that side of him. It’s not like we jumped right into bed. And he certainly hasn’t bailed since we did. We spend any chance we get together. He texts me all the time when we’re not. He’s kind. He’s handsome, right down to that cute little dimple. He’s a caring person. I mean, he takes care of his dad the best he can.”
“You’ve met his dad?”
“Yes. Luc had me over for pizza and his father was there.”
“He’s already introduced you to his dad, Kassie. How many bunnies can say they’ve met Mr. Marcella?” Ali pointed out.
“Can we not talk about the bunnies? Please? I’m too old to be this jealous. And I’m regretting ever saying anything about it.”
“Okay, no bunnies. But he takes care of his dad the way Kaden tries to take care of you and me?” her mom asked.
“Well, I guess. Yeah.”
“And Kaden was okay with this guy before he started to date you?”
Ali spoke up. “Yep. I mean, they got along just fine. Being one of the younger guys, Kaden didn’t hang out with him a lot, but they got along. From what Trina has said, Luc and Sam are really good friends.” She adjusted the baby in her arms. A surprised smile filled her face. “And apparently he’s really good with Willow. He’s over at their house all the time playing tea party or watching cartoons with her.”
Kassie didn’t know he spent so much time with the Morris family. “That fits him, though. He’s fun, and kind, and cute. Why wouldn’t their daughter love him?”
“Hmm…” Her mom stared at her. “I knew it.”
