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Winter looks flabbergasted. She raises her hand. “I have a question.”
“Okay.” Mom smiles and waits.
“You’re not upset with us?”
Mom tips her head, her expression softening. “Of course not. You two share a very real and obvious connection. You’re being safe. That’s what’s important. Is that why you brought your bags down? You thought we were going to be so upset that we’d ask you to leave?”
Winter bites her lips together and nods.
Mom reaches across the island and gives her hand a squeeze. “In this house, we talk things through. You’re not being irresponsible, or putting yourself at risk, and even if you were, it would be a discussion with a plan. Not us kicking you out, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you for being so understanding.”
“Of course, honey. Do you feel a little better?”
Winter nods.
“Great. Well, now that that’s handled.” Dad claps his hands. “Lily and I were talking about the housing situation come fall. We know there are options for both dorms and off-campus housing and apartments, and that the revised offer from the college comes with a housing stipend—”
“Kody’s room is still empty at our place,” I jump in. “Quinn hasn’t found anyone to take it yet. Winter can stay there. Then accommodations are covered, and Winter can use the housing stipend for something else.” It’s fucking genius, really. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it until now. Well, last night I was a little busy giving and getting orgasms, but now that my brain is mostly clear, I’m coming up with bomb-ass ideas.
Winter gives me a disbelieving look.
Mom arches a brow and fights a smile. “Originally that was our thought too. But considering recent developments, it would probably be best to make some adjustments.”
“Why? This is perfect. And it makes the most financial sense. Why should Winter waste money on rent when we have an open room?” I argue.
“We don’t—” Dad starts, but the front door opens, the alarm beeping once. A code is punched in, which tells me exactly who it is.
“Hello, second family! Rose and I are here to pick up our favorite hockey player!” Lovey calls.
They come traipsing down the hall and stop abruptly when they see the four of us gathered around the island. Lovey bites her lip, and Rose makes a face.
“I feel like we just walked in on something,” Rose says.
“We’re sorting out living arrangements for the fall,” I tell them. I turn back to my parents. “I don’t see what the big deal is. We’ll have separate rooms. Winter swapping with someone from River’s house isn’t going to change anything. Lavender and Kody had the same setup last year, and you gotta know that one of their rooms was always empty.”
“Are you talking about Kody Bowman? First-round pick for Philly?” Winter asks.
“Yeah. He’s dating my cousin. They’ve been in love with each other since…forever,” I explain. “Kody lived in the same house with Lavender for a while.”
“Because your kitchen caught on fire. And that was for three weeks,” Dad says.
Mom gives me a look. “Lavender and Kody have a very long history, and not all of it was smooth, as you well know. And I’m very aware of what this”—she motions between me and Winter—“will look like when you’re away from home and living on your own. However, there’s merit in you two living in separate houses. It’ll give you some space to navigate this new path you’re on, and you don’t want to make it awkward for Quinn.”
Rose crosses her arms. “I feel like we’re missing something.”
“That’s because you are,” I say.
“I fell asleep in BJ’s room last night, and his mom walked in on us this morning. You can fill in the blanks on your own.” Winter’s face grows redder with every word.
My dad looks like he’s trying not to laugh. I really love my parents.
I don’t know what my expression is, but Winter huffs and rolls her eyes. “They were going to find out anyway. And since it’s the house they’re living in that we’re talking about, we might as well not beat around the bush.” She addresses my mom. “I don’t disagree with you about the living in separate houses. It’s smart. But I don’t think it’s fair to anyone else to have to switch houses because of me. So as kind as the offer is, if living in one of the team houses would cause less disruption, I’d rather do that.”
Lovey raises her hand. “I could live with BJ and Quinn.”
Rose pulls Lovey’s hand back down to her side. “I’ll swap. I volunteer as tribute. I’ll live with BJ and Quinn, and Winter can have my room at the Waters’ house.”
