“Details, baby, shh,” he says, pressing a finger to her lips that she promptly smacks away. “Anyway, since I’m the one with the biggest contract at this table, I will fork out for everyone to attend. So I expect you to clear your schedule to come and watch, learn the ropes in case you make it into the NHL.”
“I will make it,” Jace says, and Jude holds his hands up.
“Of course, you will,” Jude says condescendingly, but he doesn’t mean it in a hateful way. I may have only just met him, but there is nothing but love and respect in his eyes for his baby brother.
“You know, Jace,” Jayden starts. “We both went first in the draft, so you have some big footsteps to follow in.”
“Don’t listen to him. We will be proud, no matter what,” his mom says and Lucy nods.
“I’ll go first,” Jace declares confidently, and they all grin while my heart bursts with pride. I smile as Jayden and Baylor both roll their eyes. The dynamic in this family is hilarious. They tease each other relentlessly, but in the end, they are so proud of each other. It’s crazy awesome.
Jude nods before looking over at me. “Avery, you’re invited, so you better be there.”
Perking up, I feel my smile widen. “Thanks, I’d love to come. My brother actually plays for the Kings.”
Not that I want to see him, but it’s superawesome to be invited with Jace’s family. Makes me feel important. But when everyone pauses and Jace looks at me perplexed, I’m confused. What did I say wrong?
Jude’s eyes narrow as he looks at me. “What? Your brother plays for the LA Kings?”
I nod, reaching for my water. “Yeah, Seth Haverbrooke, number nine.”
When his jaw drops, I’m confused. What’s the big deal? I look to Jace for support because I really don’t know why everyone is staring at me like I’m insane. But he is making the same face his brother is.
“Wait, what? Your brother is Seth Haverbrooke?” Jace asks, his eyes wide.
I shrug, still confused as all get-out. “Yeah, why?”
“Seth Haverbrooke, who is related to Benedict Haverbrooke, the commissioner of the NHL?” Jace’s coach asks as I meet his gaze. His eyes are wide too, and I really don’t understand what is going on. The only people who are not looking at me like I have seven heads are Claire, Jace’s mom, and Angie.
“Yeah, that’s my dad,” I say slowly as everyone just stares at me.
Jayden looks at Jace. “You’re dating the commissioner of the NHL’s daughter?”
“Man, way to pick them! Hoping that gets you an in?” Jude laughs.
I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Please, it’s really not a big deal.”
But when I see Jace’s face, I think I might be wrong.
Because, by the way he is looking at me, it must be one hell of a big deal.
“I thought your last name was Rose?”
She looks at me, her eyes unsure as she slowly shakes her head. “No, Rose is my middle name.”
“So it’s Haverbrooke?”
She nods, her eyes full of confusion, and I’m dumbfounded.
All I can do is stare at her.
What.
The.
Ever.
Loving.