Nola Scott

Practice this morning drained me. After I left Miles' place last night, I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep. My head was full of all kinds of thoughts. The main one is why I feel like I have a certain pull to a man I disliked a couple of months ago. On days we don't see each other, I find myself thinking about him, what he's doing. Then I jump the loop and text him, asking him what he's doing.

I used to wonder why I kept bumping into the guy. All I wanted was to stop seeing him because I couldn't stand the look of his face. Now, I'm wondering why I feel a certain pull to him? It might be because we're both dedicated athletes who know what they want out of life. It might be because we're... similar in a lot of ways?

I've gotten to know him a lot better now since I always find myself at his place. There are plenty of differences there but when it comes to the bigger things, we share similar values. It's been a long while since I met a guy who isn't a complete airhead. Most of the guys I surround myself around in school are not the brightest.

Miles is intelligent. He might still be a man but he doesn't say bro or dude every two seconds and I'm sure if I used the word denigrate in a sentence, he would know what the word meant. The way he carries himself is refreshing and it just intrigues me even more. If the two of us weren't as busy as we are, I'm sure we could stay up talking all night.

I don't even remember falling asleep but I hated waking up. Typically, my eyes flutter open and I'm out of bed within the minute. This morning, I snoozed my alarm twice before I realized if I didn't hurry up, I'd be late. Practice ended earlier than usual today at two which meant that I wouldn't be late to Miles' game after all.

Even though being in a loud arena was the last place I wanted to be, I couldn't back out after I told him I'd be there. Immediately after practice, I showered and changed into a warmer outfit. The drive to the stadium is pretty quick since my practice facility is only ten minutes away. I use my fake ID to get a light drink, putting some Mío in it to keep it somewhat healthy. Maybe this will help me wake up.

I make it to my section, freezing in place as the stadium is already filling up. There are a lot more people already than the last time I was here with my brothers. My anxiety is already propelling because of practice so I nervously take the steps down to the first section I'm familiar with. Just like the rest of the seats in this section, the first row is almost packed. This must be other players' families.

Miles told me his best friend Tate's girlfriend wouldn't make it because she hadn't been feeling well the past couple of days. He told me Tate's family would be there though and I could talk to them. Does this guy think I'm some social butterfly? Normally, I have no problem talking to people but right now? I'm not even in the mood for talking to myself.

As soon as I reach the last step, I feel eyes on me as I search for my seat. Is someone sitting there? No, I don't think so. Miles told me since Tate's family is in town, he gave some of his tickets away. Ugh, why are the numbers so blurry from here? "What seat are you looking for, hun?" My eyes flit down to a brunette woman who smiles sweetly up at me. "Uhm, ten," I say nervously. God, I probably looked dumb just now.

"That's right here!" She pats the seat next to her. My cheeks flush a bit as I excuse myself to get to the seat. I smile at the person next to me before getting comfortable. "Sorry about that, I completely forget the way numbers are arranged here," I chuckle nervously. "Oh don't worry about it, hun. Me and my husband come frequently and we still get lost." I look over at the older man who's smiling at me.

"Hi," I say softly. "Are you guys big hockey fans?" I question. The lady laughs. "My husband is, I only come to see one special guy," she says. "Chloe, I'm sure our son has converted you to a hockey fan over the years," her husband replies. Chloe shrugs, "It's too aggressive for me. It's not fun seeing your child get thrown into the plexiglass."

I raise my brows. "Your son plays hockey?" I question. Chloe's husband gives me a firm nod. "Sure does. It's been a while since we've had the chance to come out to a game so we thought might as come surprise him," he says proudly. My eyes widen slightly. "He plays for the Kings, then? Which player?" I ask.

To be honest, I only know Miles and JT so the name they give me will go over my head but the nice thing to do this ask. "Number 21 is ours," Chloe says. Just like I thought, I have no idea who that is. While my plan wasn't to chitchat with the people next to me, I ended up talking more with both Chloe and her husband whose name I learned was Nash.

She was genuinely interested in getting to know me despite the fact that this was the first time I'd ever met the woman. I didn't take it as anything weird since she mentioned her son playing for the Kings. Chloe asked me about what I did and I told her about being a figure skater which she found very interesting. Nash chipped in his thoughts every now and then and by the time the boys came out to practice, I had made myself a new friend.

My whole mood had been flipped by a woman I just met and I wasn't complaining. "Thanks for talking to me. I actually needed it, practice today wasn't the best for me and I was kind of dreading coming here, but I'm glad I did now," I admit. Chloe gives me a sweet smile, one only mothers know how to give. "Sweet girl. Your parents raised a good one, don't stress honey. I always tell my son that the hard times never last long and good times are right behind," she says, her green eyes filled with warmth.

"Thank you," I tell her. Now I'm in a lot better mindset to cheer on-

"Miles! There he is!" Chloe exclaims, pointing a finger toward the ice. "I see him, darling," Nash responds. My cheeks start to burn as I turn my attention to the ice. The first thing that catches me is the back of a jersey. Dempsey, 21. How the hell did I forget Miles is number 21? I've been speaking to his parents this whole time...

Oh, Lord.

This is just my luck. Would it be weird to tell them I'm here to watch their son too? To be fair, I didn't know they were his parents. Why didn't Miles tell me he was getting me seats next to his parents?!? Wait... but Chloe said they were here to surprise him. If Miles knew they were here, then he would've saved two of his seats for them, right? So it's just a total coincidence that he scored me tickets next to his parents?

I shake all these questions out of my brain like cobwebs.
I'm so confused.

"Should we try and get his attention or just wait until after the game?" Chloe asks her husband. "We'll wait," he responds. If Miles tries to find me, he'll see his parents. "I'm gonna go get another drink! Did you guys want anything?" I ask both of them. They both turn down my offer and I quickly find myself out of there. Since I stupidly came during their warm-up, I wait in line for a good while. My phone buzzes in my back pocket.

Miles Dempsey: You here? Didn't get a chance to look.

Nola: here, getting a drink! focus on ur game don't be trying to find me or you'll lose!

That's stupid but if he looks up at the stands, he'll find his parents and I don't want their surprise to get ruined by me.

Miles: I have no idea where you're sitting, Scott. My manager got me your ticket, I just sent it over.

Oh, thank goodness.

Nola: great. i'll see you after? maybe? or not

I add a smiley face emoji to that.

Miles: I've been waiting to talk to you all day, so you'll see me, Scott.

My cheeks flush reading that and I can't stop the smile that appears on my lips. I guess I do have to tell his parents I'm here to cheer on their son. That way it won't be so awkward when we're both headed to the back to see him.

After another ten minutes, I finally order my drink and I'm back in my seat. The game starts in ten minutes when I make it back. "By the way," I start, turning to look at Chloe. For some reason, her eye contact makes me nervous now. "My mind has been scrambled all morning so I didn't realize it when you said number 21 is your son, but then you said Miles and I put two and two together. I'm als-"

She cuts me off before I can finish. "I can most definitely introduce you to my son. Miles needs a beautiful, ambitious woman in his life. She would be perfect for our Miles wouldn't she, Nash?" My face flushes for the third time in less than twenty minutes. Oh. My. God. "Don't mind her, Nola. Chloe loves playing matchmaker when it comes to Miles," Nash says, shaking his head.

"He's 24, Nash. I think it's time. We were married by 22!" she retorts. "Sorry to interrupt, but I was meaning to tell you guys that... I already know Miles. Him and JT, actually." I swallow the lump in my throat after that confession. Chloe's eyes widen and she smiles. "Wait, really!? Why'd didn't you say that, hun?" she asks. "I didn't know you guys were his parents at first," I admit, cheeks still flushed. "Also, I didn't know if you would think it was weird."

Nash waves me off. "Jokes. It's not weird at all." Chloe nods her head, agreeing. "I'm ecstatic that you already know him! He surrounds himself around people as beautiful as him, I see. I never questioned my boy," she says.

I suddenly remember that this woman isn't the woman who birthed Miles. She's the one who raised him to be the person he is, though. There's no physical resemblance to him in either of his parents. Chloe has light brown hair and green eyes. Nash has blonde hair and brown eyes. Yet, I would have never been able to guess that he was adopted. I could tell how much they loved and are proud of Miles from the way they looked at him when he came onto the ice.

I also know how much Miles loves them which makes my heart warm. His family is as beautiful as he is inside and out. Now I know why Miles is so hesitant about asking them about his birth parents. I wouldn't want to upset these two either. "He's great," I say, talking about Miles. "It's a shame we're only just meeting. Miles has nothing but good things to say about you two and well, he's totally right."

Chloe and Nash look at each other and smile. We talk for a couple of more minutes until the King's roster starts coming out of their tunnel.

The game goes by quicker than usual. In the end, the Kings beat the Devils 3-1. Miles didn't score but he did assist JT's goal. When the game ends and people start clearing the arena, we make our way down to the back. "Miles will be in shock when he founds out we've made a friend out of one of his," Chloe says. "Definitely," I agree as we wait outside the locker room.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I see my dad calling. "Hey dad, what's up?" I answer, stepping away for a second. "Are you able to talk right now?" he asks. "Uhm, no I'm not home. Everything okay?" Suddenly, I'm on edge. "No, yeah. Don't worry. Call me when you get home?" he says. "Sure. Talk later," I reply before hanging up.

That was weird. But it must be nothing if he said everything was okay. For now, I ignore the thought and return to Miles' parents.

JT comes out earlier than Miles and spots his parents instantly. "LA Mom and Dad!" he shouts, running to them with open arms. That's the happiest I've seen him in a while. Chloe laughs as she and Nash hug him back. "Where have you guys been?" he asks, then turns and sees me. His green eyes widen. "Nola, what are you doing here?" Despite being surprised, his smile doesn't fade.

I missed seeing him smile.

Since it's been a while since he's been in a good mood, I grab his arm and slither it around my shoulder, leaning into him. "Came to watch you guys play and I met Miles's parents along the way," I tell him. He looks down at me, eyebrows raised. "Does Miles know?" he questions. "He'll know in a bit," Chloe answers.

"Oh by the way." JT tugs me forward with him and the four of us are almost huddled like a football team. "He's in a little mood," JT tells us. Chloe furrows her brows. "Why? You guys played a great game," she asks. JT nods. "Yes, but he didn't get any goals and he and Tate got into a little kerfuffle before the game so he's still fussed about that," he explains. "Excuse me, what's a kerfuffle?" I ask genuinely. "A fight," the three of them tell me at the same time.

Oh, nice. "What did they get into it about?" Nash questions. JT shrugs, "I was in a team meeting with the other first years. Kelz just told me they weren't speaking to each other." Chloe sighs. He wasn't mad at Tate just yesterday so I wonder what happened between them. Miles also seemed fine earlier when he texted me before the game.

"This is why you made it so clear you and Miles were just friends, then? I didn't know Nola was your girlfriend JT," Chloe says. My eyes widen this time. "Nola is who's girlfriend?" Miles' familiar deep voice speaks, getting everyone's attention. He stands tall next to JT and me, looking at us with an expression I can't decipher. "No one's girlfriend. I'm just friends with both of them," I make clear.

"Mom, pops. I didn't know you guys were coming today." Miles hugs his mom and greets his dad. "Miles, why did you hide this gem of a woman away from us? We like meeting your friends," Chloe says, looking at me. Again, my face betrays me with a flush. The only person who flushes this much is my Aunt Nova. Miles looks at me, his magnetic gray eyes piercing into me. "She's shy," he lies.

My mouth gapes. "She is not. She's lovely. Nola, honey, you have to join us for dinner tonight," Chloe suggests. Miles's eyes widen like he's shocked by her invitation. I would have said yes if it wasn't for my dad's phone call. A part of me hoped I would be able to spend more time with Miles tonight but that's out of the question.

"Thank you for the invite, but my dad asked me to call him back about something soon and I don't want to leave him hanging. I'm sure I'll see you guys soon?" I apologize. Chloe grabs my hands in hers and nods. "Of course," she says. Miles looks at us like he's in disbelief. "Give me a second to talk to Nola really quick." His parents nod and I say my goodbyes to both of them and JT, of course.

Miles leads me further down the tunnel where not too many people are. "Did your dad really call you or did my parents just scare you away already? I swear I had no fucking clue they'd be here let alone get seats next to the ticket I gave you," Miles rants.

I laugh at his words. "Your parents are great but my dad did call. I would have loved to go to dinner with you guys. Especially to hang with JT a bit more, he seems a lot better," I admit. Miles looks at me wearily for a second before nodding. "You okay though?" I don't mention that JT told us about his and Tate's fight. I'm sure he'll tell me about it whenever he's ready.

"I'm okay. I shouldn't leave the folks waiting for too long but I'll see you Friday morning? Text me the info," he says. The disappointment of not being able to talk to him more tonight churns inside of me again. "Sure. Have fun," I tell him, smiling as he walks off. I wave to his parents and JT one last time before making my way home.

***

The first thing I do when I get home is call dad back. It only takes three rings for him to pick up. "Hey, Granola. You home?" he asks. "I am now, what's up?" I hop on my bed after taking off my shoes, laying back against the headboard. "Your mom and I have been talking about something and we want your feedback," he pauses shortly, "as a sibling."

My eyes widen as I think about them trying to tell me something. "Please don't tell me you're having another kid?" Mom laughs in the background like it is the funniest joke she's ever heard but it calms me. "Be serious. No, not that," dad speaks. Thank God. Four siblings are chaotic enough.

"What's going on then?" I ask. Dad takes a deep breath before speaking. "We've decided on whether or not we're going to let Brooks move in with Kayc," he speaks. Intrigued, I sit up and listen. "Do tell."

Their decision could have gone either way if I'm being honest. I don't know if they trust them enough to be on their own. Sure they'll still be in Oak Hill but living together, especially when Brooks just turned 15? I don't know.

The line is quiet for a long moment. "We're going to allow it, but, but, we want to know your opinion on it. You trust your brothers enough to live on their own?" he asks me. "Honestly? No, but I'm only saying that because Brooks is young. I do think it'll bring them closer together though, I mean you know how much Brooks looks up to Kayc," I say. "Also, Brooks will be at your door every day, we know this."

My younger brother wants to move in with Kayce but whether he's ready or not, I don't think so. The idea of being in high school and not living with your parents is awesome. It means privacy and the opportunity to do whatever the hell you want. I know Brooks will take advantage of it. At the same time, he's clingy. He'll be at my parent's doorsteps more than they probably think he will. I know him.

I hear my mom and dad whisper among each other and I can't quite hear what they're discussing. After a minute, dad answers back to me. "This decision didn't come easy. We don't think it's the best idea but we also don't want Brooks to hate us. Who knows where Kayc will be in a couple of years and we want them to be together as much as possible," dad explains.

That makes sense.

Kayce isn't an open book. He's told my parents he wants to do four years of college at Oak Hill and get his degree before he goes off to the MLB. Whether he will stick to that plan is what we don't know. He's capable of changing his mind from one day to another. At least we know he'll be here for one year hence moving out to an apartment with our younger brother.

"Just see how it goes. I'm sure it won't be terrible and like I said, they'll still be in the city. At least if something goes wrong, you're close by." I try to ease their worry as a sister. Brooks would kill me if I was the one who ruined his chance of living with our brother. Plus, I don't think it's a horrible idea. My brothers are really close. I can tell how much they wanted this.

Mom sighs in the background. "You're right, Granola," I hear her sigh. The unsettling tone in her voice is clear. I can tell how hard this is for both of them but mom especially. She would let us all live with her forever if she could. Brooks more specifically. Mom and him have this special connection and I don't think she's ready to let either of them go.

"Anyway, how's practice going?" dad asks. I don't try to hide the bad days - like today - when telling my parents about my practices. It's been a while since I've seen them since I've been so caught up in practicing. They both give me encouraging words before we say our goodnights. As soon as I hang up, a soft knock raps at my door. "Come in!"

My roommate slowly pushes the door open, her small frame filling my doorway. "Hi," she says. I smile, excited to see her. It's been a while since she initiated a conversation with me. "Are you busy?" she adds. Shaking my head, I make sure to give her my undivided attention. "What's up?"

Ember looks back like there's someone behind her before joining me in my room and closing the door. She sits on my bed, already in her PJs for the night. "Where were you today?" she questions. Deciding that lying to her isn't something I wanna do, I tell her the truth. Her expression doesn't change from before even though I admit to going to see the boys play.

Nodding, she clears her throat. "I'm sorry," she starts. Before I'm able to ask her what for, she continues. "Being so distant with you. I haven't asked you how your practices have been going because I've been so angry. Not at you, okay? Never at you. Just... at JT. But I shouldn't take it out on you." She leans forward a bit, covering her face with her small hands. "I just miss my mom." Her voice is so quiet, I barely hear her statement.

My heart clenches in my chest and I scoot toward her as I see her shoulders begin to vibrate. "Em," I say softly, taking her in my arms. Immediately, she wraps her arms around my waist and cries. It has been a while since I've seen Em cry like this about her mom. She keeps those feelings buried deep inside of her but once in a while, she'll break. I can't even imagine losing my mom and I don't know what it feels like, so all I can do is offer my best friend confort.

"She would have been able to help me out of this mess I created. Or I would have never gotten involved with a hockey player, to begin with!" Em says between tears. She's still upset about JT. Of course, she is. If I had the full story of what happened between them, I'd try to give her clarity. "Em... what happened between you two?" I ask, pulling away a bit to get a look at her.

Red splotches fill her pale cheeks. Her hazel eyes are bloodshot now. "He hasn't told you?" she probes. I shake my head. Not anything she hasn't told me at least. "I'm surprised since you guys have been getting as close as you and Miles," she responds. Instantly, I feel terrible. I have been getting to know JT as much as Miles.

"I'm not mad at you for it, Nola. I understand why you feel a pull to him. He's a great guy," her voice cracks in that last sentence and she starts crying again. "Em, it's not like that. I hope you know that. I'm so sorry," I apologize, squeezing her right. "I know it's not like that. I didn't mean it in that way. But JT... he's a good guy, I would want to be his friend too," she mumbles.

Ember pulls away from my hold slowly, wiping the tears that fall from her face. "Still..." she pauses, "he hurt me. I don't like being hurt, Nola. But also..." She holds my gaze and I can see her debating in her eyes whether or not she should keep talking. "I hurt him," she admits, voice cracking. My eyes widen a bit, but I try to remain expressionless. "How? What did you guys do to each other?" I ask.

It takes her a while to respond as she chokes on sobs, wiping her tears. I soothe her as she does, giving her all the time she needs. "He doesn't stop talking and flirting with other girls, Nola. Even after our kiss, I saw him out one night with his arm wrapped around some redhead. He doesn't care about my feelings even if he says he does. Then after I told him how it made me feel, he still did it again!"

I wince slightly. Not a smart move, JT. "How do you claim you like me but continue hurting my feelings?" Ember says. I nod, agreeing with her. "And you said you hurt him how?" She looks up at me again, tears welling in her eyes again. "I slept with Joey Van Natta earlier this week," she says quietly. "But JT doesn't know!" My mouth gapes open slightly.

Joey Van Natta is the frat brother I introduced her to at the 80s-themed party they were hosting. I never thought she kept in contact with the guy. Her last sentence catches me off guard too. "If JT doesn't know then how did you hurt him?" I ask. She groans like my words physically pained her. "I feel like shit about it... I haven't even," she stops herself, "slept with him yet." Oh.

"Ember... what JT doesn't know won't hurt him, okay? Also, you don't owe the guy anything. You two aren't dating and like you said, he was out here flirting with the whole state of Cali. You're okay, you did nothing wrong." I try to convince Ember, backing my words 100 percent. Her eyes meet mine trying to find a lie in them. "You think I shouldn't tell him?" she says lowly. I nod, "He doesn't need to know."

Her tears have stopped and she's nodding her head like she's trying to convince herself not to tell JT. "Okay," she whispers. Smiling a little, I grab her hand in mine. "Don't worry, you guys can work things out. If that's what you want," I tell her. She looks at me with her soft brown eyes. "I do..." she admits. "I just need time right now. You won't say anything to him right?"

Of course not. "No. I would never get in between you guys. Take your time, I'm sure he'll be waiting. He's been kind of miserable. Trust me," I say. It's not even a lie. JT seemed to be doing better earlier which I was happy about but now that Em told me what happened between them, well I'm not too upset he was being a buzzkill for a couple of days.

She smiles small. "I'll take that."