Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

I ’m Fucked Five Ways to Sunday

Macklin

I spent the morning packing for a full week and a half at home with Abuela. I only started calling her place home once I turned eighteen and Leila stopped getting checks for me. She didn’t even wait for high school to end before asking me to leave. Luckily, I only had to move across the hall. Abuela had told me, long before I turned eighteen, I would always have a place with her. But it was a two-bedroom apartment. Ruby and Hayden shared a room and I took the couch. When I got the news that Riverside U wanted me, Hayden was ecstatic. Right away he told me I would have a room in the hockey house. The guy always made sure I was taken care of, and what do I do? I go and fall head over heels for his sister.

I head downstairs with my suitcase and leave it by the door. It’s a medium-sized suitcase on rollers. Luc has his suitcase packed and Ruby is nowhere in sight, which means she must still be getting ready in her room. She spent the night in my room last night but felt it was better she left before the sun came up and everyone was awake.

“Dude, you said you liked her, not that it was mutual,” Luc whispers.

“That’s because I didn’t know it was mutual at the time,” I tell him.

“Bro, Hayden is going to have a fit,” he informs me.

“You do know that I’m stressed enough as it is, right? You’re just adding to my guilt,” I snap because he clearly doesn’t have a filter.

“Well, don’t worry, I’ve got your back if he loses his shit,” Luc assures, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

“I hope it isn’t going to come to that. I don’t want to fight with Hayden. I just need him to accept Ruby and me,” I explain. Ironically, acceptance seems to be a theme in my life. When I was being passed from foster home to foster home before I landed at Leila’s, I always hoped I would find a family that would accept me and not want to give me away. Then there was Abuela, Hayden, and Ruby. They were all kind and warm from the beginning. They accepted me but then I went and developed feelings for Ruby. I believed I wasn’t good enough. A part of me still feels that way. Even though Ruby has made it clear I am everything she wants and needs, there is still a part of me that thinks Abuela is going to be pissed, and Hayden will be too, because Ruby could do a whole lot better than me.

She walks out of her room, rolling her suitcase. She’s wearing a pair of black leggings and Uggs. Her honey blond hair is blown out in soft curls and she’s wearing a white puffer jacket, but it’s the smile on her face and the warm look in her eyes that draws me in.

“All ready,” she announces, and she blows out a breath.

“Okay, I’ll call an Uber to take us to the bus station. It’s snowing outside. The bus will be a pain,” I say.

“Thanks,” Ruby replies. My gaze fixates on her plump lips and I remember those lips wrapped around my cock last night. I blink because I’m staring. I need to get a grip but I’m so far gone on this girl.

With Luc tagging along it means we need to behave, which kind of sucks, but he doesn’t have anywhere to go for the holidays and I know what that’s like.

When we arrive to the bus station, I get a text from Hayden. Ruby’s phone buzzes at the same time as mine as we stand at the machine to buy our tickets.

Hayden: Flying into Detroit tonight. Will take Uber to Abuela’s. Don’t tell her, I want it to be a surprise. She’s expecting me in the morning.

I read the message and look over at Ruby. “It was Hayden.”

“He’s coming home tonight,” she says with a worried look on her face.

“Both of you look like there’s a funeral. I don’t see the problem. You guys are in love. I wish I could have that problem, but I’m into kinky stuff and the type of girls who like that don’t necessarily want to settle down,” Luc complains, even though I think he said it to make us feel better.

“Are you talking about threesomes again?” Macklin asks.

“Bro, not in front of the lady,” Luc says, eyeing Ruby.

We take our tickets and walk over to the platform to wait for our bus. It arrives moments later and we all get on.

“Luc, you literally just thought I was having a threesome with Charlie, who is my best friend, and Finn,” I remind him. “I’m not a prude. You can share your feelings, it’s a safe space.”

Luc moves into hug Ruby. “Thanks, I appreciate that.” He lingers.

“Okay, bro, hands off,” I growl.

He laughs and moves back. I take a seat with Ruby and Luc sits across the aisle from us.

“We can’t talk now. I don’t want to be judged,” he says as the bus fills up.

“Just substitute certain words for something else,” Ruby encourages. “Like instead of threesome say chocolate sundae.”

“That could work.” He nods. “I really like chocolate sundaes. So much so I don’t like having. . .”

“I know what you’re going to say,” Ruby whispers. “Couples sex. Just call it vanilla ice cream.”

“That could work too. Vanilla is boring,” Luc states.

“Vanilla is not boring,” Ruby argues, and she gives me a smirk.

“Oh yeah, try having a third person in the room. Even someone who is just watching and isn’t involved and see how much hotter it gets,” Luc retorts.

“I don’t like where this is going,” I mutter.

“Seriously though, Mack,” Luc continues.

“Look, bro, I don’t know what to tell you. But I’m having the best sex of my life with Ruby. I think it’s because there are feelings involved.” I want to declare to the whole world how I feel, so sharing this with a close friend seems like no big deal, until the older lady sitting in front of us turns around and gives me a dirty look.

“I don’t have feelings for anyone. I just shared a girl with another. . .damn, I’m stumped. I don’t have a word substitution so I’m going to say it like it is, it was a guy. We didn’t touch each other but the girl, she was going between us, and it was the hottest thing ever, like fuck, it was off the charts.” Luc is clearly excited by his night.

“Bro, at the end of the day you need to do what toots your train,” I tell him, sticking to analogies. I am afraid the older lady may turn around and hit us with her purse or something.

“I agree,” Ruby says. “Do what makes you happy. At the end of the day, no one can tell you what is right for you.”

“Is this somehow circling around to you and Mack?” Luc asks her. “You don’t want your family coming down hard on your choice?”

“Maybe,” Ruby nods. “Although, I think my grandmother and brother will react just fine once they understand Mack makes me happy. At the end of the day, that’s all we can want for the people we love.”

Ruby’s words cause some of my anxiety to ease. She’s right. She knows her family and she knows what she is talking about, so I have nothing to worry about.

We arrive at the bus station in town and take an Uber over to Abuela and Mario’s home.

When the driver pulls up to the house, he can’t get too close because the driveway is full and cars are parked on the road.

“I thought Abuela wasn’t having Mario’s family for the holiday,” I remark, looking at Ruby.

She shrugs. “She told me the same thing. Maybe these people are just here for a dinner or something?”

“I hope so. Thanksgiving was a little crazy with all of Mario’s family there,” I recall.

“And where will I sleep?” Luc asks.

“That’s a good question,” Ruby replies. “They put me on the couch last time.”

“I felt bad about that. I would’ve taken the couch,” I tell her. “But I know Hayden feels like you’re both too old to sleep in the same bed now.”

“I feel the same way,” Ruby says.

“I guess you’ll be sleeping on the floor, or we can go to Walmart and get an air mattress if we need to,” I suggest.

“Guys, we don’t know who the guests are. Just chill,” Ruby insists as she rings the doorbell. She has a key but she also doesn’t want to scare Abuela.

Mario comes to open the door. “Hello and welcome.”

We walk into the house, and he kisses Ruby and shakes my hand then Luc’s hand. “Welcome, welcome. Come on in,” he continues.

Abuela walks toward the door with open arms. “My babies are here.” She hugs each of us, including Luc. This woman is so loving there isn’t a bad bone in her body. There is no way she is going to flip at our news I convince myself. “Come in, come in.” She waves us in. “Mario’s family surprised us. The girls had such a great time over Thanksgiving, they wanted to come back and they brought friends, so it is a full house.”

“Girls?” Luc whispers beside me.

“Play nice,” I warn.

“Always.” He winks.

“Come, the kids are staying in the basement this time. There is too many of you. Please be respectful. Mario will have a heart attack if you guys have an orgy,” she declares.

“OMG, Abuela, that’s gross,” Ruby chastises.

Luc grins. I see a spark in his eyes I don’t like.

We head downstairs. The basement is made up of one large room and off to the side is a bathroom with a shower. At the back corner are another two bedrooms.

“Mario’s granddaughters have this room here.” Abuela walks up to the door. I see Riley and Vicky. Just great.

“Hi,” I say.

“Hi, nice to see you again,” Ruby says, being cordial.

“I’m Luc. We haven’t met,” he says, and he waves to them. There are another two girls in the room with them this time, but I don’t pay them any attention.

“This is Summer and Jocelyn,” Vicky introduces.

“Nice to meet you both,” Luc says.

I just wave.

“I play hockey with Mack and Hayden,” Luc continues.

“Oh, you’re a hockey player?” Riley asks.

Luc nods. That is what he just said.

“Watch out for that one,” I whisper.

“Mack, hush,” Abuela warns.

I laugh. Ruby laughs too and Abuela is fighting her smile.

“You guys can stay with Hayden here,” Abuela says. “Ruby, if you’d like I can set you up on the couch upstairs again, or we can set up an air mattress in the main room down here.”

Ruby looks my way. This is weird as fuck. I do not want to be sleeping beside Ruby with Hayden and Luc in the room. Not sure Hayden would like that idea either.

“I’m sorry we are limited for space,” Abuela apologizes.

“It’s totally fine, Abuela. An air mattress in the other room will be just fine,” Ruby assures.

“I’m sorry. I thought it would just be you guys for the holiday. Mario just left to get a ham and another turkey. They really did surprise us,” she apologizes.

I’m kind of annoyed with their surprise visit. It’s going to be hard to speak with Hayden and then Abuela about Ruby with a house full of guests.

Luc and I leave our bags in the bedroom and I help Abuela set up the air mattress for Ruby, while Ruby excuses herself to use the bathroom.

“Are you doing okay?” Abuela asks. The holidays have always been hard for me since my parents have been gone. Abuela is the only one I ever spoke to about it.

“I’m good,” I assure.

She gives me an inspecting look, like she is trying to get in my head. “I promise I’m good. Things have been going well. I’m looking forward to spending the holiday with you.”

“Hayden’s heading to Tampa,” she says, even though she knows I know. It’s more like she wants to know my feelings on the matter.

“I’m happy for him. It’s a great city and an exceptional team. He’s going to be happy there and we’ll have a free place to crash for vacation,” I reply. “I just hope I end up on a good team next year.”

“You will. I’ve been watching the games. You’re having a good season so far. Your stats are great and I know that grandson of mine wants the Frozen Four championship so bad he can taste it,” she says.

“I need it too.”

“I know. So what is with your friend? He was a little too friendly with the girls. I don’t want Mario pulling out any shotguns,” she observes quietly, leaning into me.

“Luc will behave. Hayden and I will make sure.” I give my word.

“He must really be liking Tampa for him to extend his stay this time of year,” she remarks.

“It seems like it,” I reply, remembering he wanted to surprise her tonight.

“Come upstairs. I have a table set up buffet style with food. You guys must be hungry with all the travelling,” she urges.

I head to the bedroom to call Luc just as Ruby is leaving the bathroom. She’s taken off her white puffer jacket and she’s wearing a tight white turtleneck with her leggings.

We head up the stairs. Abuela is followed by Luc. Ruby is in front of me. I give her ass a light smack. She yelps and begins to cough and when we get upstairs, she is shooting playful daggers at me with her eyes.

We walk into the dining room and say hello to the rest of Mario’s family. We also introduce Luc.

When I go to grab a plate, Ruby mouths, “Are you crazy?”

I smile and shrug. She’s a little pissy about that ass slap.

“For you,” I retort.

“Barf,” I hear from behind me as Riley walks into the room and up to the dining table covered in food.

“I’d still appreciate your discretion,” I say to her.

“Wow, still keeping the secret,” she says.

“What secret?” Vicky asks.

“That Hayden is in to you,” Riley tells her.

WTF. Ruby looks at me wide-eyed. We both know Hayden is not in to her.

“Really? Because I haven’t heard from him since we were here for Thanksgiving,” Vicky replies.

“Oh, is that the fucker?” Jocelyn asks.

“Excuse me, but you’re speaking about my brother,” I interrupt.

“And my teammate,” Luc adds, butting into the conversation. “That kind of talk isn’t necessary. However, I’m a super nice guy and I’ll tell you to your face that I’m not looking for anything serious, but I’m always up for fun.”

“Fun? Did someone say fun?” Summer says, moving into the conversation.

Ruby rolls her eyes at me, and we both take some lasagna and sit off to the side with the parents while Luc happily chats up the girls.

When the doorbell rings Abuela is in the kitchen, which has an opening to the dining room so she’s in my view. “I wonder who that could be? Mario probably forgot his wallet again.”

She goes for the door thinking it’s Mario but when she opens it, it’s Hayden, looking tired with his hair all scruffy wearing a Rockets hoodie. “You made it,” Abuela cheers, hugging him.

“I wouldn’t miss helping to make enchiladas, pozole, and tamales tomorrow,” he says to her.

“My sweet boy.” She holds on to him a moment longer. He’s a big guy and she’s pulling him down, but he doesn’t complain.

When she finally releases him, I give him a half hug and so does Luc. Ruby comes up to him next.

“Glad you could make it. It wouldn’t have been the same without you,” she says to him, and he smiles warmly and hugs her.

“We’re in the basement, bro, if you want to put your bags in the first room,” I say to him.

“The next room is full of chicks,” Luc whispers.

Hayden looks to me for explanation. “Mario’s whole family is here. Vicky and Riley brought friends.”

Hayden curses under his breath.

“This is good, bro.” Luc winks to Hayden.

“Luc, shut the F up, this is my Abuela’s home. Nothing is going down here,” he warns him. I eye Ruby to see if she’s caught on to Hayden’s meaning. If she has, it doesn’t show, but my best friend is more than happy to entertain more than one woman at once.

“Come in, you must be starving,” Ruby says. “Just leave your bag and suitcase. You look tired and hungry.”

He agrees and follows her into the house. When he gets to the dining room, he is shaking everyone’s hand and they are congratulating him on the big news of signing his first NHL contract.

With all the attention focused on Hayden and his career, and all these people around, I don’t know how I am going to get his attention, which means I need to be very careful around Ruby. We can’t mess up, because if Hayden finds out about us the wrong way everything will be shot to hell. Problem is, too many people know about our little secret. Riley doesn’t seem reliable, and Luc is a good guy but get some alcohol in his system and he’s sharing his life story. So essentially, I’m fucked five ways to Sunday.