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“Sorry, the question is, who hasn’t heard about it? But you’re in a good mood today. That puts my mind at ease. We have a real shot at the Cup this year. Katleen may be joking, but I’m running out of time.” He sits up abruptly. “I don’t mean to put pressure on you.”

I tilt my head. “That’s supposed to be a joke, right? I’m thinking of nothing but the playoffs.” Well, since this morning, almost nothing else.

“I know, sorry.” Blake keeps watching me intently. “If there’s anything you want to talk about?”

“There’s nothing. Except that you’re an old fart who should be worried about losing his captaincy,” I retort quickly. I stand up, taking my plate and glass with me to the sink.

Behind me, Blake follows me and puts his hand on my shoulder. Just like Derek did earlier today, but this isn’t threatening. More a brotherly gesture. “As long as I’m here, I’m here to listen, okay?”

Without turning around, I nod.

“Are you guys coming?” Sid is standing in the doorway, grinning at us.

“Let’s get going.”

After an extra hour of game analysis, I’m exhausted. The day is taking its toll.

Sid stretches out next to me on the couch, too.

As I’m about to suggest we leave, the doorbell rings.

I hear Katleen rushing down the hall, followed by people speaking Flemish. I assume it’s Flemish, since Katleen is from Belgium and I don’t understand a single word.

Blake stands up. “Ah, I’ll have to pause this for a moment. Katleen is going out tonight with her sister, who’s visiting.”

In that moment, Katleen and two women walk into the living room.

Blake throws his arms wide open. “Emma. My favorite sister-in-law.” The two hug each other, laughing, and Blake plants a kiss on her cheek. “Yeah, yeah, flattery will only get you so far. I know exactly what’s coming next.”

With sparkling eyes, she lets go of Blake and pulls the other woman close. “Olivia. My favorite sister-in-law, too.”

Olivia playfully pats him on the back. “You’re incorrigible.”

While the three of them greet each other, Katleen takes over the introductions. “Evan, Sid, this is my sister Emma and her wife Olivia. They’re visiting New York right now and are going to take me out. Which means the three of you are on babysitting duty beginning right now.” She sings out the last words. Blake grabs her and plants a kiss on her lips. She turns to her sister. “This is Evan and Sid. Blake’s teammates.”

Her sister nods. “Nice to meet you.”

Sid stands up and shakes the women’s hands. “Me too, but honestly. We’re done anyway. I’m unsuited for babysitting.”

“Traitor.” Blake growls under his breath. “Evan? I can count on you, right?”

I stand up too and shake my head. “We’re done here. And you can handle this just fine on your own. After all, they’re your kids.”

“That’s about it for calling what you are about to do babysitting,” Emma mutters. “You get to enjoy the joys of being a father today.”

“Oh, really,” Blake retorts. “And I know who’s going to be enjoying tickets to the game tomorrow.”

Emma hugs Blake one more time. “And that’s exactly why you’re the best brother-in-law in the whole world.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles, but a broad smile spreads across his face.

Only now do I notice that Katleen is all glammed up and ready for a night out.

Together, we all head for the front door.

“Where are you guys going tonight?” Blake asks.

“To the Village. First, we’ll grab a bite at that Thai restaurant I told you about, later we’re going to Henrietta Hudson,” Katleen explains.