“Everett is fine.” His dad motioned to Jake for his jacket, and Jake obliged. “Everyone is in the sitting room. Have Jake show you where the refreshments are and enjoy yourself.”
Jake toed off his boots and then slid an arm around Allen’s waist, directing him down the grand hallway, enjoying the faint scent of pine and cigar smoke trailing in the air. The house was warm, not just from the heat, but from the low hum of conversation and the soft crackle of a fire somewhere deeper inside.
As they neared the sitting room, the sound of laughter spilled out to meet them—his mother’s soft, lilting voice and his grandmother’s sharper, more commanding one. They were talking to Riley, no doubt getting the rundown before Jake and Allen arrived.
He found his mother perched gracefully on the edge of a velvet armchair when they entered, her auburn hair swept back and her pearls catching the firelight. She looked up at once, her face brightening when she saw them. “There you are!” she exclaimed, setting down her teacup. “Allen, I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, come in—don’t hover in the doorway.”
On the settee beside her sat Gladys Valero, small but formidable, with perfectly coiffed silver curls and a glass of sherry resting delicately in her hand. Her sharp blue eyes darted between Allen and Jake, assessing them both with the same penetrating precision Jake had inherited from her side of the family.
“So, this is the young man we’ve been hearing about,” she said, her voice smooth but edged with inquisitiveness. “Well, let’s have a look at you, dear. Come closer—I won’t bite.”
Jake caught Allen’s fleeting, panicked glance and bit back a laugh. “You might as well,” he murmured under his breath, “it’s less terrifying if you let her get it over with.”
Gladys’ mouth twitched. “No need to scare him, grandson. I’m blind, not mean.”
Allen approached her and held out his hand, shaking hers before turning to do the same with his mother. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I knew what I was walking into when I agreed to come with Jake and Riley. I’m…not very good in social settings.”
His grandmother smiled and took Allen’s hand, patting it sympathetically. “You just sit by my grandson and relax. I thought the boy was never going to find himself a partner, so it’s a relief to know his circumstances have changed.”
“Nana…” Jake said, shooting a glare at Riley when he chuckled. “We’re not together yet. Don’t make him feel awkward.”
Jake tugged Allen toward the nearest loveseat, sitting him down, and meeting his gaze to check that he was okay.
Other than looking skittish, Allen seemed fine, but it was hard to tell. Jake didn’t want to ask and risk embarrassing him further, so he took his hand when he sat beside him, interlocking their fingers and squeezing gently.
“I thought Jake would end up with Riley,” said his mother, and Riley dramatically choked on his eggnog. “They’re always together, so I figured they would come to their senses eventually.”
Allen pressed a hand to his mouth to stifle a laugh, his shoulders trembling with the effort, while Jake’s lips curved into a smug, amused smirk.
Everett strode into the sitting room then, looking perfectly at ease with one hand in his pocket, and the other carrying a crystal tumbler filled with something amber and expensive.
“I have to agree with your mother on that one,” he said smoothly, glancing between Jake and Riley with a knowing smirk. “You two were practically inseparable growing up.Frankly, I’m surprised this is the first time you’ve brought anyone else home.”
Riley, still coughing into his napkin, shot Jake a wide-eyed look that saidsave me, but Jake shrugged and leaned back on the couch.
Allen was trying not to laugh; his shoulders were shaking as he ducked his head.
Everett’s gaze cut toward him, and Jake knew what his father was about to ask before he opened his mouth. “Allen, are you, by any chance, related to April Monroe? The PWHL player?”
Allen straightened, startled. “Uh—yeah. She’s my sister, actually.”
Everett’s brows lifted, clearly impressed. “No kidding. She’s got one hell of a slapshot. I took Olivia to a game last winter, and I couldn’t believe the way she moves on the ice. Looks like you come from quite the athletic family.”
Allen smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “You could say that. I’m…not quite as coordinated as she is.”
“Oh, don’t sell yourself short,” Olivia chimed in warmly, always quick to smooth over the sharp edges of her husband’s inquisition. “Anyone brave enough to survive dinner with this family is already impressive in my books.”
Gladys lifted her sherry glass. “Hear, hear,” she said dryly, eyes glinting with amusement.
“This is so exciting,” Olivia continued, tittering at her husband. “Perhaps grandchildren?—”
Oh god. Now it was Jake’s turn to sputter and duck his head.
“Did you hear about the Fraser boy?” his father asked, ignoring the pleading look Jake gave him. “He and his husband are expecting a little one now. They opted for the child to have both of their DNA through that new conception program, and I guess they’re doing well. Can you imagine? A child withHarrison Killinger and Jett Fraser’s genetics? The boy will be drafted before he’s out of diapers.”
Allen hooked his finger into Jake’s shirt, pulling him closer so he could whisper without being overheard. “Your dad likes hockey, and you’re not allowed to play in the NHL?”
Jake’s insides twisted, constricting until he felt breathless. “It’s…a long story.”