The Heartbreakers

I almost don’t register what’s happening when Peyton’s father wraps his arm around Mom’s waist, until it hits me suddenly; all I know about Mom’s mysterious new boyfriend is that his name starts with “K.”

I naturally thought that K was Kyle’s initials, it made total sense since Kyle Penn was Papà’s best friend and he has been close to us and to Mom since I can remember.

“So you aren’t seeing Kyle,” I say, unable to hide my surprise. “Your new boyfriend is Kenneth?”

I mean, don’t get me wrong, Kyle has the same dark and handsome looks as Darrius and he’s a very good looking man for his age and he looks still youthful with his slender physique.

Kenneth though is a dead ringer for Peyton and I don’t blame Mom for being attracted to his tall, athletic frame; to his blond locks that are starting to show just a hint of gray at his temples and his intense blue eyes, just as dark and expressive as his son’s.

Kenneth squeezes Mom’s waist, drawing her closer, looking into her eyes the same way Peyton has been looking into mine a few times of late. “Yes, Gina and I have been dating for a few months now; this is partially why we’ve been trying to bring our teams closer too. But you only would’ve been correct until a few hours ago. The reason why Gina and I asked you all here tonight, is that at lunch time, we went to city hall and we got married.” He places a soft kiss on Mom’s lips before looking around the room; his gaze stops on me and Peyton. “Ladies and gentlemen, meet my wonderful wife, Gina DeLaurent-Cox.”

There are completely different and unexpected reactions in the room.

Anna is the first to squeal in excitement and to hug my mom; Channing and Jameson, congratulate their boss with manly handshakes and back slaps.

Kyle and Darrius are looking at the newlyweds with matching scowls on their faces.

“You married the owner of our rival team? Or biggest rivals? What does it mean for me and the Cove Angels?” Darrius asks.

His father stops him by putting a hand on his shoulders and shaking his head. “Not now, D. We’ll talk about the team and the company tomorrow. Tonight we’ve obviously been invited here to celebrate.” He accompanies his words with a smile, but I’ve known Uncle Kyle all my life and I can’t help but notice that it doesn’t reach his brown eyes.

I’m rooted in place, not knowing what to make of Mom and Ken’s announcement.

I follow Peyton as he makes his way to our parents to congratulate them, feeling confused and a little numb.

“Ma’am, sir.” The chef hired for tonight comes into the living room. “Dinner is served on the patio.”

Everyone begins filing out to the beautiful table that has been decorated in sky-blue, the signature color of the Cove Angels and crimson-red the color of the Cove Devils.

Mom hangs behind, linking her arm with mine and meeting my gaze; her voice sounds excited but worried. “Are you ok, Len? I know this is a shock and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner but—Ken asked me last night and ... I don’t know, we started talking about dates and venues and then we sort of thought there was no reason to wait. We wanted to tell you and the guys but we weren’t sure if the marriage license would be ready in time. Ken had his aircraft fueled and ready to fly us to Vegas if we couldn’t get married here. We barely made it before city hall closed. I’m sorry, I should’ve told you but—I’ve never done anything this crazy. With the official competitive season starting next week, we knew there would be no time to organize anything until after Worlds.”

She pauses, looking at me with a nervous and expectant look in her eyes. “Baby girl, are you mad?”

I snap out of my shock-induced daze. “Of course I’m not mad, Mom!” I hug her. “Congratulations. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you. I have to be honest, I thought you were dating Kyle.”

She gasps. “Kyle? God, Len, no. I mean, he’s my oldest friend and we kinda had a moment a few years ago but—he was your Papà’s best friend, they were like brothers. It was too weird, so nothing really happened.”

I nod, my head spinning as I accept Mom’s hand and follow her outside.

“We’re going to have a wedding reception at some point,” Mom tells me as we reach the table under a pergola. “It’ll probably be after Worlds, but will you be my maid of honor?”

I nod again, hugging her before I lower myself into my chair, between Peyton and Darrius.

The conversation at the table is loud and joyous for the most part, but I still feel shocked and a little numb.

While everyone around me eats, drinks and laughs, there’s only one thought stuck in my head in an endless loop; I just lost my virginity to the captain of our rival team. To my stepbrother.

The End—For now.