Nikki Worrell - The Enforcer (NHL Scorpions)

“Yes, yes, wonderful, no.” Sometimes that was the best way to answer her because she wasn’t always really listening anyway. Raina just liked to talk, while her father, Hunter, sat silently, and looked at the scenery out the window.

“That’s it? That’s all I get?” Huh, her mother actually wanted real live answers. Okay …

“Sorry, Mom. Well, simply put, I love him. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, Steven included. He treats me like I’m a princess. His only flaw is that he tends to worry about me too much.”

Her dad looked at her with a smile. “Don’t see anything wrong with that, Sugar. I like him already.”

Her dad had called her Sugar from the time she was about three years old. Lacey had spilled the sugar bowl all over the kitchen floor, but instead of telling her mother, she sat down and ate it right off the floor.

“You can meet him after the game. We’re in the suite again tonight. Zoe, Aidan and his new beau will be there, too. We’re only going to have time to drop your stuff off before we leave for the game. I hope you’re not too tired. We don’t have to go if you are.”

“Are you nuts, Sugar? I’m not going to miss a chance to see your new guy play. I want to get back in the locker room, too; think we can?” Her dad lived and breathed hockey. It had been like that her whole life. Luckily, her mother never minded playing second fiddle to a sport. She loved hockey, too.

“I’ll text Jody when we get back to the house. I’m sure he can get us in.”

When they got home, Lacey sent Jody a text while her parents were freshening up.

Lacey: Hey big guy, any way we can come see behind the scenes? Dad has the need to see every hockey locker room on the planet.

Jody: Hi, Angel. Of course. Can you get here in thirty minutes? I’ll meet you in the player parking lot.

Lacey: We’ll be there. See you soon.

Jody: Ok. Love you.

Lacey called up the stairs to her parents, “If you want to get behind the scenes, we have to leave now.”

The security guard recognized Jody’s truck and waved them in. Jody came out right on time and her mother said, “Wow, Lace, he’s really cute. You can never tell with those helmets on.”

When they got to the door, Jody gave Lacey a kiss and stuck his hand out to her father. “Hi Mr. Benoit, I’m Jody LaGrange.” Then he shook Raina’s hand. “Mrs. Benoit, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“My little girl tells me you worry about her too much. Well, I don’t think that’s possible, so I say thank you. It’s nice to know she’s got a man looking after her.” Her father could be as much of a Neanderthal as Jody. Lacey and Raina just rolled their eyes at each other, but both were smiling.

“See Lace? It’s a good thing.” He winked at her and then led them through the hallways that ran under the arena.

Her parents got to meet most of the team and see the locker room. It was a quick tour since they had gotten there so late. Before she knew it, they were up in the suite. Zoe, Aidan and Gary were already attacking the catered food, but jumped up to greet Lacey’s parents when they came in.

Hugs were given all around, and Gary was introduced. Gary was always a little nervous about how people would treat him when they met him. Some people were fine with gay men, and some were not. His nervousness was short lived.

Raina gave him a hug, and Hunter warned him to be good to Aidan. “I feel like these two are mine, so I take it very personally if someone hurts them, understand?” He gave Gary his threatening look while he shook his hand.

“Yes, sir. I know how lucky I am to have him, sir.” Aidan put his arm around Gary’s shoulders, touched by his words.

“I’m the lucky one, Gary. And don’t worry, Hunter, I’ll put him in his place if he ever tries to leave me.”

The six of them sat down and waited for Jody’s mother and sister to get there while they ate their food. They walked in just before the game started. Lacey got up to greet them. “Where were you two? You came with Jody and Vlad, right?”

At the mention of Vlad, Karen got stars in her eyes. “He’s dreamy. I wouldn’t mind …”

Maddie didn’t let her finish her statement. “Stop. Do not finish that statement young lady.” She turned to Lacey to answer her question. “We were just walking around downstairs, checking out the stores. I bought myself a jersey. You like?”

“Of course I like. Best name on the team.” Lacey took them over and introduced them to everyone. Shortly after, the game began. Unfortunately, they lost, but it was a hard fought game. Vlad was in net and had a decent showing, but it just wasn’t enough and Montreal won in overtime.

Thanksgiving Day was indeed a happy day. Lacey loved having such a large gathering. Zoe, Aidan and Gary also joined them. Jody had invited Vlad, but he declined.

All of the men were watching football as the women cooked dinner and chatted about everything, but mostly men.

Lacey was in charge of the cranberry chutney, green bean casserole and coleslaw (her grandmom’s recipe). Maddie was making the stuffing and turkey. Karen couldn’t cook to save her life, so she was in charge of setting the table and cutting up the bread. Raina took charge of the candied sweet potatoes and double baked potatoes. The men had hit the liquor store and picked up the pies that they ordered from a lady a few houses down from Jody’s who used to be a baker. All of the bases were covered, and the aromas coming out of the kitchen were heavenly.

Lacey’s father got the honor of carving the turkey, and he did it the old fashioned way. He cut it right at the table and passed plates around until everyone had what they wanted. Looking around at all the people she loved, and the ones that she knew she would come to love just as much, was almost too much to take in. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she felt so peaceful and happy.

Lacey got up to refill drinks. Jody followed her into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her. She looked up at him and whispered, “Thank you.”

“For what, Lace?”

Lacey waved her arm over the counter that was laden with dishes. “For this. For you and your family. For opening your home to my family. For not taking no for an answer when I didn’t want a relationship. For so many things. Thank you.”

Jody stood there with his eyes closed and hugged her tighter. “Aw, Lace. You have no idea how thankful I am for you. I love you so much.”

The rest of the day was just as nice. At a little after eight o’clock, goodbyes were exchanged and everyone left. Lacey and her parents had to get up early the next morning to get her parents to the airport.

Three weeks after Thanksgiving, the Scorpions had their Christmas party. It was a black tie event, and Lacey was excited to go. Zoe had almost convinced her to wear the red dress that she made Lacey buy a while back. Lacey wasn’t sure if she had the nerve. She called Keith’s girlfriend to see what she was wearing, since Kelly had gone to the party the previous year.

“Hi Kelly, it’s Lacey. Do you have a minute?”

“Sure, Lacey. How are you?”

“Fine, thanks. I was wondering, what kind of dresses do the girls usually wear to the party?” She would die if she were the only one in such a sexy dress.

Kelly laughed. “Oh girl, we go all out. It’s like a red carpet of hockey girls. The sexier the dress – the better. We get our hair done, makeup done, the works. As a matter of fact, you could go with us if you want. We go to different salons in groups. We have room for one more.”