Nola Scott

I was staying in Oak Hill for a couple more days. One of my cousins - and best friends - had made an appearance in town. We lived in the same city, but Frankie was always traveling. She was rarely in Los Angeles these days. But our cousin Aviana's eighteenth birthday was coming up so she decided to spend her time off in Oak Hill.

As busy as both of Avi's parents are, my aunt and uncle were also able to take time off for her birthday. She was a senior in high school like Kayce only Aviana already had a plan for her future. This fall, she was going to attend college. In Paris, France. How she had managed to convince her parents, I had no idea.

Like Frankie, she had gotten herself quite the following these past couple of months. She's more of a model than an influencer but she's been getting more attention these days. Her parents have even hired a full-time bodyguard because of it. Some scary-looking big dude named Roy who I'm sure will be joining her in Paris when she moves out there this fall.

My parents are the only bunch out of my aunts and uncles who aren't in the public eye so we were raised more low-key than the rest of my cousins. I've been around the lifestyle long enough to know that it isn't easy. Even now with Miles and JT as friends, I see the way they manage it as well.

We celebrated Aviana's birthday at the Valdez's house with everyone present. Even Kayce made an appearance and gave Avi a gift. "Thank you, Kayce. I know I'm going to love it," Aviana said, giving Kayc a big grin. He raised his brows and nodded his head. "You're welcome." Despite being the same age, they're not close at all. Avi and Zya are best friends but Zya is probably the only person who can see through Kayce more times than the average person.

I was able to talk to Frankie's boyfriend, Alistair, again. He was really nice, not really a talkative guy I've noticed. He kind of just listened to Frankie and I gossip and threw in his two cents every now and then. Speaking of gossip, I may or may have not filled her in on my past couple of months with Miles and how he's my boyfriend now. Alistair was talking to Briar, Frankie's baby sister, the whole time we talked about this.

It's not that I don't trust the guy but I know Miles wouldn't like for his business to somehow get out in the media. Plus, we've only been together for two and a half days now. Nevertheless, Frankie was extremely happy for me and promised to keep her lips sealed until I told Mom and Dad. She was the second person I told. Em being the first obviously.

I was hesitant to tell her too because of JT. Turns out they patched things up just last night. Everything was bliss again in their little world. Those two were in love, the word love just scared the living shit out of both of them. She's terrible at keeping secrets but I told her I have to talk to Miles about it first. Who knows if he wants anyone to know about us?

It's just hard to keep my mouth shut when I'm excited about something.

I felt bad that I was skipping Miles' game tonight. Dad slyly played it on TV so that's what was on right now. No one really paid attention to it except for me, because I cared, and Frankie because she wanted to see if my boyfriend was any good at the sport he played. Sadly, the Kings weren't playing their best tonight. Again. The score was 4-1 and there were only five minutes left in the game.

It made me sad for the guys. I wanted to call and check in but I didn't know if I'd get time tonight since it was the first time since Christmas that we were all together like this. It's hard to get us together and I don't take advantage of the times when I can hang out with all my cousins. Earlier, I decided to join a conversation with Xavier, Izaak, Justus, and Brooks. It wasn't the smartest thing to do. The conversations between boys their age scare me and anyone else who may hear them.

I wanted to check on Sienne too but she sat on the couch next to Aunt Maddy. They seemed to be in conversation so I left them to themselves. Eventually, the clock winded down and the Kings lost. "That has to suck," Dad says next to me. "Dad," I mumble. "You still friends with that player.. ahh .. what's his name," Uncle Valdez adds. "Miles," Dad and I say at the same time.

"Ah, Dempsey! Yeah, that kid."
"Yes. They got this don't worry. Just a bad game."
"Sheesh, I don't know, kid. The Oilers are doing really well this season so I've heard. The series tied?"
"Now it is."
"Who knows? Maybe it's the Kings year."

"It certainly is," I respond to Uncle Valdez and give Dad a look. He tilts his head and shakes it. As I walk away, I accidentally bump into another body. "My bad, oh I'm sorry," I say to an unfamiliar girl. She looks about Brooks's age. Her platinum blonde hair is long and beautiful. She has the lightest blue eyes and a bare face full of freckles.

Her face flushes. "It's okay." Brooks, Xavier, Zaak, and Justus appear again. "Don't bump into our friend Nola," Brooks says as they pass me into the backyard. "Mom, let's go. You said you'd take us to get some!" Sienne tells Aunt Nova a couple of feet away. Her face is also beet red. "Wait, Sienne. Your brother has a friend over," she replies quietly. "Don't be jealous, Sienne," Brooks whispers to her when he walks past her.

"I'm not jealous!" she hisses back in his face causing him to laugh. The four boys walk outside with the pretty girl. Sienne whispers under her breath before stomping upstairs. "What's all that about?" Aviana questions her mom. Aunt Nova sighs and shakes her head. "She wants to go get Sandy's already." Aviana smiles and wraps her arm around her mom's shoulder. Avi's a lot taller than her mom so she has to look up at her daughter. "I almost forgot about Sandy's," she says.

"What's Sandy's?" I ask. "A little ice cream shop me and your uncle discovered a couple of years after we got married. I take the girls there every year for Avi's birthday since she used to want me to take her every day when she was little," my aunt tells me. Aviana giggles. "It's sooo good. Their hazelnut ice cream is the best thing that's ever been in my mouth."

We divulge about ice cream for a little longer before Aviana goes upstairs to retrieve her little sister. My family starts leaving slowly and I make sure to hug everyone goodbye. I don't know when the next time I'm going to see them is and I always miss us being all together. Then it's our turn to leave and I make sure to say bye to Sienne to make sure she's okay.

I think she's in a better mood because they're about to leave their house to go to Sandy's now. "Send me a pic of your ice cream," I tell her and she smiles at me faintly. When we're back home, I stop Brooks before he goes into his room. "What was the little teasing comment to Sienne? Why are you being mean?" I question. He rolls his eyes. "I was just kidding."

"But what would she be jealous of?" I ask, still confused. He wouldn't say that for no reason. "Arabella. She's Izaak's girlfriend," he whispers. My brows furrow but then I slowly catch on. "She likes Zaak?" Brooks laughs and shakes his head. "Am I the only one who's noticed?" Well, I certainly haven't noticed. "Don't say anything about it. I was just messing with her."

He doesn't even give me a chance to respond as he sidles into his room. That's interesting. I always imagined us all as one big family. Sometimes I forget that we're not actually related so it's not weird if Sienne likes Izaak. He is two years older than her though. He's also her brother's best friend. They're both different too, it's kind of hard to imagine them together. Plus, they're still babies. I didn't even know Zaak was dating.

The things you find out when your family gets together I tell you. My phone starts to ring in my pocket, taking me away from my thoughts. It's Miles. I check the time and it's almost ten pm. It's been about two hours since the game ended. I'm sad that I missed the game. If I could go to the next one, I would but it's in Edmonton.

I'm confident that they can do this though. The Oilers are a bit more tough but they've struck down all the adversity they've been through this season. Slipping into my room, I jump belly first onto my bed and answer the phone. "Hi there." Miles is quiet for a couple of seconds but I hear the sound of his TV playing in the background. "Hi, Scott."

He sounds disappointed. There's a faint tone in his voice that makes me feel sad for him. "You did your best. It's not over yet," I assure him. A deep groan mellows into my ear. "You're my good luck charm. I only do good when you're there." A smile crawls onto my lips and I hold back a giggle. "That's not true. You've played many amazing games without me there."

I know he's not trying to make me feel bad for missing the game but now I wish I was there. Even if it may not have changed the outcome of the game, I still would have been there to support him afterward. "When are you coming back to LA?" he asks. He's leaving tomorrow morning for Edmonton so I won't see him until he comes back in a couple of days.

"Like two days. It's been nice being back home," I tell him. Today's been one of the days I've been genuinely happy. It's easy to be happy around my family, especially when we're all here. I missed Frankie so much too. There's also never a dull moment at my house so that's a plus. "Good. How are Brooks and Kayce doing?" he asks and it makes my heart burst. "They're fine. Kayce is still being a little bit petty about that night but he'll be alright."

My oldest little brother holds grudges sometimes but I know it'll pass by. Especially since the grudge he's holding is against Brooks.

I change into something more comfortable as Miles tells me a little bit about the game and what went wrong. I don't miss the mention of the player Williams again. He sounds genuinely pissed when he talks about him and it takes me back to my conversation with Allie a couple of days ago. I get back into bed, deciding not to overthink that conversation. After all, look and Miles and I now. We're good. Better than good.

"At least game six is going to be in LA. I'll be there," I assure him. He sighs deeply like all he wants is for this round to be over. They'll play either Seattle or Dallas in the Conference Finals. Their games have been back and forth as well so there is still no telling which team they'll play. "And you guys are going to win both games 5 and 6 and we'll all move on happy and dandy. Williams can suck it."

Miles chuckles lowly. "Why does that guy not like you so much?" I ask. Maybe he'll tell me. "Ahh, don't worry about it, baby. Just some dumb old problem he has with me," Miles speaks. My stomach flutters at the pet name. Baby. I think I like being called that. By him only. I'm smiling like a little idiot, completely ignoring my past curiosities. How can he make me feel like a little schoolgirl with a crush?

Is this how other women feel when he's in their presence? I know the reputation Miles has in the NHL. They don't call him the 'NHL's It Boy' for a reason. Not only is he an all-star on the ice but he has hockey fans all over the world drooling over him. I've seen it on social media, his comments mostly. Some Twitter posts too. It didn't bother me much before since we were just friends but now the thought of it gets to me.

He's rarely on social media though. I'm not sure if he sees all those things. He told me before that he avoids reading things that people say about him online. Well, I'm the opposite. I'm too nosy for my own good and have to see what people are saying about me.

Ever since Worlds, I've probably read every single comment made about me. Not all of them are nice. Most times the comments are just about figure skating and how I'm not good. That does bring me down a little but it helps reading the comments about how good I actually am. Then there are those comments that talk about my looks. People will say the rudest things for no reason. What do my looks have to do with anything?

I try to not let them affect me that much since most times, these accounts have no content. Just trolls online or someone hiding behind a screen. I haven't told anyone about the hate comments but if I bring it up, it will create something I don't want to have to deal with. I know if I told Em about it, she would be fighting these trolls in my comments.

"Don't let it get to you then. Also, I just thought about something I wanted to talk to you about," I start. All this thinking about social media made me remember something. "Is everything okay?" Miles asks. I nod my head even though he can't see me. "We're together now... as a couple... well I think we are, right? We're dating.. or are we not? Oh, God, I don't even-"

Miles cuts off my babbling and I feel my face get hot. "We're together, Scott, yes." I release a relieved breath. Thank God. Imagine if he had said 'no we're not together'. I would have just hung up the phone. Clearing my throat, I continue. "I know you told me in the past that you don't like for your life to be on social media and how private you are about relationships. I just thought we'd talk about it since we're together now," I say, biting on my nails.

He sighs lightly. This might not be an easy conversation but I wanted to make it as simple as I can for him. "I'm fine with keeping our relationship low-key, Miles. No posting on social media about it. Not being touchy-feely in public settings. It's fine with me, I just wanted to assure you because I know how you feel about all of it."

It takes him a second to say anything. "It's for you, Scott. I'm not doing this because I want to remain some hockey bachelor or whatever. I just want you to be safe. People are nasty and it's not something I want for you. I'm sorry though. I understand if it's not something you're okay with you. I don't want you to think I'm hiding you because I'm not." I'm shaking my head again even though he can't see.

"I get it, Miles. I do. That's why I brought it up. The only people who have to know are the people we want to tell. Plus, it would be nice to just have this to ourselves... and a select few," I admit. I never had any problem with it. He wants to protect me. Even though I've already experienced some hate online, I know dating Miles would come with a lot more nasty comments. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to save myself from that as well.

I'm kind of sensitive.

"Anyone in our personal lives can know. I'm bringing you around everywhere, I promise. You won't ever not be at my side," Miles adds. His words make me smile. I always want to be at his side. "I miss you," I admit. While I love being home, a part of me yearns for him. His touch. Being next to him. "I miss you too, Scott. Being apart from you sucks," he says. I feel the same way. "This sounds cheesy as fuck but I've been seeing new colors since you've become mine. Ah, God, that sounds dumb as fuck. What I mean is everything seems lighter. You brought a special light to my life," he babbles cutely.

Just when I thought I couldn't fall for him anymore. Yeah, it's cheesy, but no one ever said something like that to me before. "I miss your smile. I need that kind of light after today," he adds. "I'll see you in three days," I promise, messing with a loose thread on my duvet. He groans. "Three days is a helluva long time without you, Scott. I've already suffered months." I giggle at his comment. "I've been here the whole time."

He stays quiet for a little bit, then says, "Yeah. But you haven't been mine. I have you in a new way now and I can't get enough." You could have had me sooner, I want to say but decide against it. The timing of things doesn't matter anymore. It all worked out in the way it was supposed to. "Time will pass. I'll see you soon, I promise," I tell him. Before he has the chance to answer, there's a knock at my door. "Hold on." I put him on mute and my mom walks in.

She's dressed in her pajamas, looking cute and cozy. "Hi," she says, closing the door behind her as she walks in. I hold a finger up and unmute Miles. "Hey, I'll call you back tomorrow. Is that okay?" I ask. "Yeah, I should be getting some sleep. Sleep well, Scott. I'll keep you up on that promise," Miles tells me. I smile. "Of course. Sleep well." We exchange goodbyes and I set my phone down.

"Did I interrupt something?" Mom asks as she cozies up next to me in bed. I lay my head on her shoulder once she's next to me. "Oh, nothing. Just Miles," I tell her. She chuckles. Why does being around my mom always make me want to tell her my secrets? Something in my brain tells me 'expose yourself!' every time she's around. I'm going to have to tell her we're dating one day. So... why not today?

It makes sense to tell her before my dad because I know how overprotective he is. I lied to him a couple of days ago about Miles and I's relationship and I still feel bad. Maybe Mom will be supportive and help me ease into it with Dad. "Mom," I start before I chicken out. "Yes?" I move my head causing her to move hers. She looks at me with furrowed brows. "I have something to tell you."

Her dark blue eyes that match mine boar into me. A small smile is painted on her lips. I take a breath before admitting it. "Miles is my boyfriend," I whisper to her even though the door is closed. Her smile gets even bigger. "Knew it!" she exclaims. My brows furrow. "You did?" She laughs and nods. "Of course, I did. I'm your mom, Nola. I'm not blind," she tells me. Wait... does this mean that Dad knows too? Oh, gosh.

"I can tell he's a nice boy, you know. He was very polite the last time I spoke to him. Also, is it just me or does he look strangely familiar? Have I seen him anywhere before you two met?" Mom voices. My heart skips a beat. Not at her kind words about Miles but about how he looks familiar. It always slips my mind that Miles is Ryle's biological son. My mom's high school sweetheart.

I shouldn't tell her, right? Not now. Not without Miles. It's not the right time either. I've just told her that we're dating and even if she claims she knew, I shouldn't throw this at her. I don't know how my mom will react to the news that Ryle had a son and nobody knew about it. Maybe my dad needs to be present for that conversation too. Just to keep her grounded.

"Maybe tv. He's a really popular hockey player," I mutter. Mom smiles again. "He's a handsome young man, Nola. I can see the appeal." I hear the but coming from a mile away. "He's older than you," she adds, not including the but. It's a silent but. I sigh and get up from my bed. Why is the age thing such a problem for people? We're both adults, there's nothing wrong with it. "Mom," I reprimand.

Mom stands up too and walks over to me. "Just listen to me, Nola." As much as I don't want to, I take a breath and stand in front of her. "I don't want anyone to take advantage of you. You're my daughter and your feelings come first. Also, your dad might have an issue with it. As long as you're happy, I don't care who you're with, you know this. I'm on your side always," Mom soothes.

"You guys obviously don't know Miles. He's not taking advantage of me, Mom. I'd know if he was. His intentions are far from that and if you were me you would know. It just feels... different with him, mom." I physically shudder after those words leave my mouth. I know it's him. It has to be. "Okay. I believe you and I want to meet him. Again," she says. "Dad.." I whisper.

Mom wraps her arms around my neck to hug me. "We will tell him together. I'm sure he'll have to warm up to the idea but I won't let him get crazy, I promise."

Her words don't calm me that much but I nod. "Another day. Tomorrow before I go," I suggest. My stomach flutters with nerves. I just don't want my parents to think bad about Miles. He's one of the best things to happen to me. He makes me happier than I've ever been and we've just begun dating. Who knows how much more happiness he'll bring me?

Mom kisses my head. "Get some sleep, babe. We'll talk more tomorrow. I love you." She leads me to my bed and tucks me in slightly. "Love you too," I tell her. She turns off my lamp and walks out. Before she closes the door fully, she peeks her head back in. "I'm happy for you," she whispers and then finally heads out.

Her words make me smile. I just hope I get the same treatment from Dad.