Page 27 of Tricky Puck

“It means we’re going along with the matchmaking until Christmas.”

“And then?”

I ignore the tightening in my chest—and his question. “It’s the perfect plan. Grandma will be happy, and I’ll enjoy Delaney’s company on occasion when I see her.”

“Sure. Lying to your family sounds like a great plan.”

“Okay, that part isn’t cool, but it’s only a partial lie. Technically, we’ll be dating.”

“Sure.”

“I’m in a tough spot.”

“I won’t argue that point, especially since your spot is going to get a lot tougher when you get here so late you miss half the first day, and Coach Nash drills you a new⁠—”

“I can take Coach Nash.” As Assistant Coach, he’s in charge of leaning on us if we get out of line. “It’s my first—and last—transgression. I’ll be fine with the team. I can’t wait for this season to play some real games.” I keep to myself that I feel like I’ve been in some alternate universe since I met Delaney and that I need to get back to hockey for sheer normalcy. “Dinner tonight after practice?”

“I’m there. Unless Coach wants us to have a team dinner. He’s all about team bonding this season. Something about making the glue stronger than ever.”

“Then out for a beer afterward?”

I end the call and find Grandma standing in my open doorway, and I go to her for a hug.

“I’m going to miss you, old lady.”

“Don’t try and sweet-talk me. What about Delaney? Aren’t you bringing her with you?”

“Now?” I chuckle because she knows that’s crazy.

She folds her arms across her chest and stares at me.

“Grandma, this is all…sudden.” I would have said fucked up if I were being honest. I’ve always been honest with her, so this is killing me. She stares, knowing I’m holding back. “We need time to plan, to make arrangements.” I heave a breath. “It’s too fast.”

“You like her enough that you spent the night, and I know what that means, young man.”

I pause, looking for where she’s going with this, but it doesn’t matter, does it? Because I have to answer her honestly. “Yes, I like her.” I refrain from adding the big loud but that shouts inside my head.

“She likes you, too. I spoke with the matchmaker, Sylvia Greenberg.”

“What the⁠—”

She puts up her hands. “Part of the deal is checking in and following up until the match is finalized.”

“Finalized?”

“Until you’re married.”

Shit.

“Grandma—” I don’t know what to say, but she interrupts me anyway.

“I think she should move in with you. It’s a good idea⁠—”

“Move in—what the hell are you talking about? Sorry for the language.”

“The matchmaker says she’s left her job and taking a few months to write songs, and we both agreed that it would be perfect if she goes to live with you in Portsmouth so you can get to know each other better.”

“You all agreed? Delaney agreed?” No way. I didn’t get any hint from her that she might agree to a plan like this. “I don’t know, Grandma. We didn’t discuss⁠—”