Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three

by Mulliner, Brittney

  I appreciated that. There was plenty to see around the city, but all I really wanted to do was be home with my family. I’d have to show Colby around a little bit, though.

  We walked down to the baggage claim. We were at our carousel when I heard voices shouting my name. I cringed and tried to stand behind Colby, like she could conceal me. I wasn’t interested in getting mobbed today. I appreciated fans, but I just wanted to be normal today.

  Colby stepped forward and waved. I looked up and realized it wasn’t fans or even paparazzi. It was my family.

  I hurried forward and wrapped my arms around my mom. Even though she only came up to my chest, she hugged me back fiercely. Her petite stature and strawberry blonde curls made her look delicate but raising three boys had made her strong. She could keep up with us and get us to shape up if needed. “Oh Noah. I’m so happy to see you.”

  “Me too, Mom.”

  I stepped back and took a good look at her. She hadn’t aged much, same kind eyes and smile lines I’d known my whole life.

  “Nice game last night, son.” Dad stepped in and hugged me. “You look good.”

  “Thanks Dad.” That was almost like giving himself a compliment. I got my blonde hair, height, and dimples from him.

  My little brother, a miniature version of me, butted in and wrapped his arms around my waist in a grip I wasn't sure I could break. “Hey Evan.”

  He squeezed tighter in response. “I can’t believe you won the game, Noah. That was crazy!”

  He was fourteen and I knew from what my parents told me that my being gone was hard on him. My older brother, Mikey, lived about thirty minutes from them, but was busy with his own family. Evan was left alone.

  “Are we going to stand here all day, or can we go home?” Dad clapped me on the back.

  Evan finally released me. “I want to show you the new hoop we got.”

  I laughed and nodded. “Sounds good. You might be the basketball star, but I bet I could still beat you.”

  Evan got a smug look. “You wish.”

  I turned around, realizing I’d left Colby alone. She was talking to my mom with our luggage next to her.

  “Are you ready to head out?” Dad asked me and waved the ladies over. I took one bag while he took the other and walked out to the parking garage.

  “I can’t tell you how excited we’ve been since your call this morning, Colby,” Dad told her.

  I realized then that I hadn’t questioned my family being here. How did they know we were coming and when to be here? I turned to Dad. “Colby called you guys?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, this morning. Introduced herself, but of course we knew who she was.”

  I’d told my family about her. She was my first friend in Salt Lake, but I hadn’t mentioned the fake girlfriend thing. I’d have to clarify that.

  “She told us she talked to your Coach about taking a few days off to see us and asked if that was okay. Your mom was screaming at that point. We’ve all been nerves and energy since then.”

  “Are Mikey and Brin coming over later?”

  “Yeah, they’ll be here for dinner.”

  I looked over my shoulder at Colby. She was a true wonder. Not only had she pulled this off without my knowing it, but she reached out to my family. That was pretty brave. Not that I should be all that surprised. She was used to reaching out to strangers to get them to do things for her all the time. I wondered how she introduced herself to my parents though. My personal assistant? My friend? My girlfriend?

  I'd have to ask when she wasn’t a few steps behind me.

  The drive back to the house passed quickly with Evan and Mom quizzing us about the team, Salt Lake, and finally our relationship.

  “It’s just to keep the attention down, Mom.”

  Colby nodded. “Yeah, Bryce thought it would be a good idea. Keep Noah safe while he adjusted to the fame and glory of being in the NHL.”

  Mom smiled, but I could tell there was something she wasn’t saying. “Well, as long as it’s working for both of you, who are we to judge?”

  “What’s there to judge, Mom? Colby is my assistant and pretending to be my girlfriend in public. It’s not that scandalous.”

  She nodded. “How many fake girlfriends plan a trip like this for their fake boyfriend?” She raised a brow and looked between us before turning around.

  I looked at Colby to tell her to ignore Mom, but she was bright red. I didn’t want to humiliate her anymore, so I let the topic drop. She had nothing to be embarrassed about. We might not be a real couple, but we were real friends.

  They would understand once they spent more time around us.

  Hopefully I could pull it off without Mom getting suspicious. If Madi and Chloe were already onto me about my true feelings, Mom would be on me in seconds. I needed to play it cool. The last thing I wanted was to make Colby feel uncomfortable. Not while she was stuck with me for the next few days. But I could use this time to get her to see me as more than her client.

  We pulled up to the house and I was pleasantly surprised to see that very little had changed. Same meticulously manicured lawn and hedges. Same red door I’d helped paint in middle school. Same mailbox I’d hit when I was first leaning to dive. That was always a fear of mine. That things would change, and I would get left behind. I didn't want my family to get too used to me being gone. I wanted them to remember I was still their son and brother, even when I was in another country for months or years at a time.

  “Is that the new hoop?” I asked Evan.

  I pointed to the basketball hoop at the side of the driveway. It was nice looking, much better than the old rusted one Mikey and I played with when we were kids.

  “Yeah, it’s full regulation height so I can practice layups and free throws.”

  “That’s awesome. You’re pretty lucky. Mom and Dad never would have gotten that for me and Mikey.”

  Evan rolled his eyes. “That’s because you both sucked. They bought you everything for hockey though.”

  He had a point. He might be the spoiled baby of the family, but my parents supported my dream from the beginning. And look where I was now. I wondered if they knew back in the day I’d be one of the few who made it all the way. Probably not. No one thinks their kid will be one of the few, but they supported me anyway.

  I’d have to tell them while I’m here how much it means to me.

  “Come on in. I’ll show you to your room, Colby.” Mom was already walking away with her. Leaving us to deal with the bags. Mom was in heaven with another woman around. Growing up in an all-boys house was hard on her. I thought she’d finally have that daughter she’d always wanted with Brin, but that hadn’t happened like we all thought it would. Brin wasn’t interested in getting her nails done or learning the secret to Mom’s famous pie crust. She only cared about her job as an investment banker. She was glued to her phone and rarely joined in on family games.

  With the way Mom was looking at Colby, I could see she was already getting excited.

  I hated having to be the one to do it, but someone needed to burst that bubble of hope. Colby and I weren’t really a couple. We didn’t have a future.

  Mom had Colby staying in Mikey’s old room, she’d long ago turned it into a guest suite, but it would always be my brother’s in my mind. I went into my room and sighed. Nothing here had changed either. My full-sized bed still had the same navy and white comforter I’d had in high school. My trophies and jerseys were hanging on the wall. There were even posters of bands I used to love covering one wall. I’m sure it drove Mom mad not being able to update things, but I loved it just the way it was.

  There was a knock on my door and Mom stepped in. “We’re having dinner in an hour, so rest up then come on down.”

  I nodded, expecting her to walk away. She hovered by the door and looked down the hall before stepping in. “I really like her, honey.”

  Here it was. “Mom, we’re not really together.”

  She waved me off. “I know what I see,
Noah. You two look at each other like you're in love. You might not realize it yet, but anyone can see.”

  “I’ll be down in a bit.” She picked up on the dismissal and left me alone. I didn't know how I was going to get that idea out of her mind. Colby and I were friends.

  No matter what Mom, or even I, wanted.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Colby

  I was in love with the Malkins, and their home. I understood why Noah missed this so much. I couldn’t imagine being away from them for a month, let alone years. They were everything my parents weren’t. Everything I craved. Their home was lived in, not a show piece. I’d already walked the halls studying each family picture. His mother made sure I had everything I needed and was actually interested in getting to know me. She was the type of mother that would never, ever forget her child’s birthday.

  I freshened up and went downstairs where Evan and Mr. Malkin were sitting watching a show in the living room. A large Golden Retriever sat on the rug in front of them. His head popped up when I came down the stairs. His tail thumped on the carpet three time before he stood and came over to me.

  “Hi there.” I bent down and started rubbing behind his ears. He turned and leaned his body against me, getting comfortable as I massaged him.

  “Oh Charlie. Leave her alone.” Mary, she asked me to call her that at the airport, walked out of the kitchen wearing a red apron.

  “He’s fine. I love dogs.” It was a good thing too because Charlie didn’t look ready to leave me anytime soon.

  Mary humphed and walked back into the kitchen. It was open from where I was standing so I watched her move around, expertly stirring one pan and checking the oven at the same time.

  “What can I help with?” I stepped slowly away from the dog to give him a chance to regain his balance on his own.

  Mary looked around before pointing at a wooden cutting board. “There are veggies in the bottom drawer. Can you chop them up for a salad?”

  “Of course.” I was glad to have something to do. Mary was easy to get along with, but hanging out with brothers wasn’t something I knew how to do.

  “Thanks, dear.” She turned back to the stove for a minute before moving to the counter with a hot pan. “So, tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Did you go to school? All the details.”

  I laughed as I took several bags out of the fridge and moved them to the counter.

  “I’m from northern California. My parents and sister still live there.”

  “How old is your sister?”

  “She’s twenty-nine. She’s married and lives pretty close to my parents. Well, for now.”

  Mary stopped and looked at me. “Is she moving?”

  I shook my head. “No, my parents are selling their house and taking some time to travel.”

  Mary smiled. “How nice for them.”

  I nodded. It was nice. For them.

  “Are you and your sister very close?”

  I rinsed off a tomato and cut it. “We were growing up. I wasn’t been able to get home very much through school, so we’ve grown apart.”

  “Where did you go to school?”

  “University of Utah.”

  She nodded. “Why there?”

  Why indeed? “Honestly, they offered me a scholarship. I planned on transferring home after a year or two, but I fell in love with the mountains and the seasons.”

  Mary met my eyes and smiled. “Are you an outdoors person?”

  “Not nearly as much as I should be. I don’t ski or snowboard. I didn't have time as a student and now work is my life. I do like hiking in the summer.”

  “You and Noah. You need to find a good work-life balance.”

  I laughed. “We both chose the wrong careers for that.”

  “I suppose so. What made you decide to become a personal assistant?”

  It was a common question. Most people didn’t understand why I’d want to work for someone else, basically managing their life. “My grandpa was really into sports. He passed that onto my dad who passed it onto me. I grew up going to football, baseball, basketball, and a few hockey games. I didn’t have any athletic ability, at all, but I wanted to be in that world. My dad told me about assistants when I was in high school and I decided it was my calling. I love organizing and doing something different every day.”

  Some people didn’t understand, but Mary smiled and nodded. “I can see how that would make life interesting.”

  “It has.”

  “Who knew it would lead to a relationship, huh?”

  I laughed. “It’s not real.”

  She pursed her lips and watched me. “You don’t like Noah?”

  I stopped cutting. “Of course, I do.”

  “You don’t get along with him?”

  “Yeah, I do. He’s one of the most laid-back people I know. It would be impossible not to get along with him.”

  “And you’re not attracted to him?”

  I laughed, and I was sure my face was turning red. “Noah is very attractive.”

  “Then what’s the problem? You don’t have someone else you’re interested in?”

  I shook my head. Definitely no other prospects.

  “Then why isn’t it real?”

  “Well, for now this is a part of my job responsibilities. It’s just to keep people from taking advantage of him. We’re trying to protect him and his career. Once the press dies down, we’ll go back to being just athlete and assistant. Plus, I can’t really date a client. It’s in the contract.”

  Mary didn’t look convinced, but let it go.

  “Do you have any funny stories about Noah when he was little?”

  She immediately brightened. “Oh, where to start.”

  “Hey. None of that.”

  I turned to see Noah walking into the kitchen and laughed. “Dang it.”

  “Thanks for the backup guys.” He shouted to his brother and dad, but they ignored him. “I leave you two alone for a few minutes and that’s where this goes?”

  “Of course.” I smiled at him and slid the lettuce off the board and into the bowl. Mary had two spoons sitting out for me, so I took them and tossed the salad.

  “Good to know neither of you can be trusted.”

  I rolled my eyes and Mary patted his cheek. “I’ll have the home videos out tonight.”

  “Don’t you dare.”

  “You’re outnumbered, Noah. Sorry.” I shrugged and pretended to feel bad.

  “Evan, Dad, you guys don't want to watch home video right?”

  Evan’s head popped up over the couch. “Yeah, it’s been forever.”

  His dad started laughing. “Sounds good to me.”

  “You’re both traitors. I’ll remember this around Christmas.”

  His empty threat didn’t seem to bother either of them.

  There was a knock on the front door before it swung open. An older version of Noah walked in followed by a beautiful woman with jet black hair. She was wearing a crisp, white pantsuit and I felt seriously underdressed in leggings and a Fury shirt. I looked at Mary and Noah, but they were both casual.

  “Noah.” Mikey walked in and nearly plowed Noah over with a hug. Mary looked at them with a small smile. I could tell she was enjoying having all her family under one roof.

  Noah broke away from his brother and turned to me. “Colby, this is Mikey.”

  Before Noah could continue, Mikey stepped toward me and wrapped me in a bear hug. “The woman who brought him home.”

  I laughed and waited to be set back on the ground.

  “I like you already.” His grin was so much like Noah’s. It felt familiar.

  “Thanks. I like you too.” I looked at his wife to see if she would have a reaction to that, but she was still staring at her phone.

  “This is Brin, Mikey’s wife. Brin, this is Colby.”

  Brin looked up at me for a split second before returning her attention to her phone. “Pleasure.”

  Icy.

  Mikey ignored his w
ife and turned the focus back on me. Unfortunately.

  “So, you’re the woman Noah has been talking nonstop about.” I looked over his shoulder to where Noah was standing looking like he was ready to kill his brother.

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “Oh, I do. Every time I talk to him he goes off about Colby this, Colby that. You should have heard what Colby said today. Colby is the most incredible person to have ever existed.”

  “Alright, alright.” Noah tried to pull Mikey away, but his brother didn’t budge.

  “Was that a secret, little brother? You didn’t want me to tell your pretty pretend girlfriend you’re a smidge obsessed with her?” His eyes stayed on me while he spoke to Noah.

  My eyes darted between the two of them. I knew Mikey was just teasing him, trying to get a reaction. It was working. I’d never seen Noah look so annoyed.

  I wanted to diffuse the situation. I knew Mikey was kidding, but Noah didn’t seem to think so.

  “Don’t worry, Mikey. How about I tell you a secret to make it even?”

  His features lit up and I motioned for him to come closer until I could whisper in his ear. “Can you keep a secret?” He nodded, enthusiastically. “Noah is the sweetest person I know. I think I’m a little obsessed with him too.”

  I leaned back, and Mikey looked at me like he didn’t know if I was lying. I tried to keep my expression blank. I didn't want him to know I was telling the truth, even though I was trying to play it off as a joke. If what Mikey had revealed was true, then maybe I wasn’t alone in my feelings. The longer I was around Noah, the more I realized there was so much more to know. Each new detail made me like him more. I had a feeling seeing him around his family, in his comfort zone, would make all those feelings amplify.

  I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.

  Luckily, Mary declared it was time for dinner and the moment passed.

  I sat between Evan and Noah, across from Mikey and Brin, who still had her phone in her hand. Mikey kept shooting me looks to which I responded with narrow eyes. He better not open his mouth. I could always play it off, but part of me didn’t want to have to.