Page 1 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

1

SIENNA

“Okay. We’re all done,” Dave, the older of the two men who have helped me move today, says, his eyes scanning the disaster that is my new living room.

This move has been the most stressful thing I’ve ever experienced. From the moment I received notice from my old landlord that I was required to move out within fourteen days, my life has moved at a mile a minute. And while I’ve tried to plan and be organized, the universe has thrown it all into chaos.

I tried to fight my eviction, but I realized I'd never actually re-signed my lease, so technically, I was already squatting. Who knew, huh? I certainly didn’t. And my landlord wasn’t particularly sympathetic, considering his only daughter is about to have a baby, and he wanted her to move in ASAP.

I didn’t have a leg to stand on.

But as they say, everything happens for a reason, and I guess that reason is this beautiful apartment I never thought I’d be lucky enough to call mine.

The realtor I spoke to hadn’t had a chance to list it before I called, and the second she told me which building this south-facing, two-bedroom apartment was in, I knew I had to look at it. Hell, I was prepared to put my deposit down there and then, but she was insistent that I see it first and promised not to tell anyone else that it was available until I had.

She was my guardian angel, and I still thank my lucky stars for calling her office that morning two weeks ago.

I loved my old apartment. It was perfect for me. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t keeping my eye open for a two-bedroom place this side of the city. Not only is it closer to work, but it’s also closer to my best friend, Bea, and her fiancé. Oh, and Crown Arena, of course.

Really, who in their right mind would turn down an apartment within walking distance from the home of the LA Vipers? Okay, sure, it’s a long walk, but still.

I close the door behind the guys who have helped make all this happen, then walk straight to my couch and flop down on it with a groan. There are muscles hurting right now that I didn’t even know existed.

“This place is seriously sweet,” Garrett, my brother, says when he emerges from the bathroom.

Pride bursts through me at being able to call this place home.

Is it more expensive than I was really willing to pay for an apartment? Yes. But as my eyes drift to the floor-to-ceiling windows and the small balcony that leads to the most incredible view in LA, I figure it’s more than worth it. The salon is doing really well; Bea gave me a raise when she decided to step back because of her pregnancy. And honestly, I can always sell a few feet pictures or send some creep my worn panties if I need some extra cash. Hell, I’d pretty much do anything to stay here.

“I can’t believe you can see the arena from here.” He whistles, moving closer to the windows.

Longing oozes from him. Watching the Vipers play used to be our thing. But since he graduated and moved away for his job earlier in the year, he hasn’t managed to catch a game.

That’s all changing with this little visit, though. He doesn’t know it yet, but thanks to my new connections through my bestie, tomorrow night, we’re getting the full VIP treatment at the arena.

When he asked about going, I lied and said we’d be too busy. I can’t wait to surprise him with the tickets and the signed jersey I sweet-talked Rett into getting for me.

He’s going to lose his shit.

“Do you think this means I made it?” I ask, forcing myself back to my feet and stepping up beside him.

“It absolutely means that, Sisi. I’m proud of you. I know Mom and Dad are, too.”

“Shit. I promised to call them once we were done.”

I tug my cell from the pocket of my leggings and video call them.

“Aw, there are my babies,” Mom coos the second the call connects, and she sees us standing together for the first time in quite a while.

“Hey, Mom,” Garrett says with a soft smile. He hasn’t managed to get home since securing his job, but something tells me we’ll be seeing a lot of him with the holidays coming up.

I can’t wait for us all to be together. It’s been too long since I’ve been to Ferndale and seen them. Our parents moved out of LA when Garrett started his junior year of college, and I’ve never seen them happier.

“Sisi, you look exhausted,” Mom points out the second she fully focuses on me.

“I’m aware. Give me a week to get all this unpacked, and life will return to normal.”

She gives me one of her looks. Many might misconstrue it as a warning, but I know her well enough to know it’s actually concern.