Page 51 of Three Pucking Ex's Brothers

“Why?”

“Because Mom and Dad are coming…” he says and I suck in a breath.

I close my eyes, purse my lips and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Oh my God, Mike, I totally forgot.”

“I mean, youarewelcome, but it might be a little hectic for the next month and a half while the kitchen guys are here alongside Mom and Dad, you know?”

I completely forgot about their trip up here, seeing as I was so focused on Brett and the start of the season. But as Michael says the words, I feel like a real failure. I should have remembered this.

On one hand, staying with my brother and spending time with my parents sounds great, but on the other, I’m not sure I want to delve into everything with them. I need to figure out what I’m doing first, what I can even say to them…

My parents only met Brett once, last Christmas when they came up and we hosted.

As long as he treats ya right, sweetheart.My dad’s words echo in my brain.

But my mother…

My mother wasthrilledat the idea of a famous hockey player wooing her daughter. As such, she was more than friendly with his family, as she tried toget to know her new family,because she was insistent that we would be family one day.

Which only adds to my feelings of failure and inadequacy.

I shake my head. “Thanks, but…maybe I’ll ask Abby.”

Or I could call Freddie.

No, I tell myself. Absolutely not. I amnotcalling Flash Sterling to come to my damn rescue like I’m some damsel in distress. He’s my ex’s brother, for God’s sakes, and not only that—I can’tupset the balance of the Sterling brothers household. What if Tommy and Rush don’t want me there?

I mean, one night—onedrunknight—is one thing, but staying for days or weeks or maybe even longer until I figure out a plan alongside the brothers of my ex sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Or a terrible rom-com movie.

“Well, you know the offer’s there, so just let me know.”

“Thanks, Mike,” I say as I dig my fork into my carbonara, choosing to focus on the bacon. I haven’t had bacon in months, ever since Brett made that comment about it going straight to my hips one day. So today feels a good day to just say fuck it and have a little treat. I feel like I could use a treat right now.

“You have plans tonight?” Michael asks carefully.

“It’s been a long couple days, so I think it’s best if I just sit in tonight,” I tell him, not wanting to elaborate further. Thankfully, he doesn’t push me. “Probably just going to put some movies on and cuddle with your cat and have some dinner.”

“That’s good. Relax. Take a load off,” he says. “I have to go. Max is waving me down, so our table must be ready.”

I smile, though it’s a sad smile, because I wish I was in my brother’s shoes right now.

Michael is on a Caribbean cruise with his boyfriend of five years. Max is a great guy. Truly, I couldn’t ask for a better man for my brother, but I’d be lying if I said my situation right now wasn’t shading how I view the world.

I guess it’s true—romance and love is a bitter pill when you’re single.

Which I am.

Single.

At least in the interim, right now, that’s what I am.

Part of me hopes I won’t be, soon enough. That Brett and I will have spent our time apart and realized how we’re meant to be together. Or more accurately,Brettwill realize this, since I already thought we were meant to be.

But maybe we aren’t.

I don’t know. I guess I don’t know much of anything right now except that this pasta tastes amazing.