Score on Me

by Melody Heck Gatto

  "Thanks for the pep talk, sis. But enough about me! We have things to plan! Did you guys set a date yet?"

  "No, we are trying to figure that out." Kat said, smiling.

  "You still have to tell mom and dad, right?"

  Kat covered her face with her hands.

  "Kat! You have to tell mom and dad!"

  "I know, I know. But, well, they don't know much about Kris. I mean, I only told them we were dating. So, I'm not sure if they will be as excited as you are." Kat's eyes never left the table as she traced circles in her mess of powder sugar.

  "Kat, you know Dad will be ecstatic! Can you imagine him bragging about his son-in-law the Pittsburgh Renegade?" Gia said, laughing.

  "Yeah, I know. But Mom–"

  "I know, that will be a harder sell, but you have to tell them." Gia implored.

  "Yeah, yeah. So I was thinking about having everyone over for dinner before the big day. Flying Kris's parents in for the weekend, and flying Mom and Dad up for the weekend too, what do you think?"

  "That sounds like a good idea. You'll cook?"

  "I don't know, I could I guess. And of course you and Patrick would be invited."

  Gia rolled her eyes.

  "Why the face?"

  "Didn't you see how Patrick was looking at me during the pool party? Yulch!"

  "I thought you liked being eye candy, G?" Kat said, trying to hold in her laughter.

  "I usually do." She giggled. "But he was creeping me out."

  "Was he really creeping you out? Or did you secretly like it?" Kat poked her shoulder.

  "Shut up! I'm not talking about Patrick anymore! Back to the party planning. I can help you cook. We can do a nice Italian meal."

  "Well, that's a good thing, since I suck at it. And if Kris cooks, it'll be all chicken, steamed rice and some rabbit food." Kat covered her mouth as she laughed.

  "Poor Kris." Gia shook her head. "Okay, let's look at the calendar here. Hey, what about August twenty-fourth? Or something around there? That will make it right before training camp starts."

  "Okay, I will run that by Kris. Speak of the devil…" Kat said as Kris walked in the door with the iced coffees.

  "Ladies. Figure anything out?" he smiled and handed each of them an iced coffee. Then he put a bakery box on the table.

  "Oooh, what's that?" Kat perked up. "More goodies?"

  "It's a snack, for later." When Kat flashed him a pouty look, he said, "At least wait until lunch, okay?" He said, laughing.

  "Alright, well, we have some work to do anyways, you need to call your parents and I need to call mine. Dinner here next weekend." Kat smiled.

  "Whatever you say, babe."

  ****

  Kat had procrastinated enough this morning, she needed to call her parents. Ugh, she was not looking forward to that conversation. She decided it was now or never. Especially since her parents needed to prepare for a trip to Pittsburgh. Okay, Kat, you need to make the call NOW.

  "Hi, mom," she said as her mother picked up.

  "Katherine dear, hello."

  "Am I on speaker phone? Is daddy there?" Kat knew her well enough.

  "Yep! Hi, kiddo! It's nice to hear from you, sunshine! What's new?" her dad asked loudly.

  "Hi daddy! As a matter of fact, I have some news for you guys." Kat's voice shook nervously.

  Cece Torella spoke up, "Oh no, did you and the hockey player break up? Oh darn. Well, that was bound to happen, dear. I'm sure you'll find someone that you're more suited for."

  More suited for? What the hell did that mean? They hadn't been on the phone for two minutes and her mother was already throwing backhanded insults.

  "No! That's not why you are calling, is it kiddo? I was really looking forward to meeting him," her dad asked, concerned.

  "No, dad, quite the opposite. Actually, he proposed. We are getting married!" Kat squealed.

  Her mom was silent, but her dad was going nuts. "No way! Married! I'm gonna be the father-in-law of a Pittsburgh Renegade! Kris Lafleur is going to be my son-in-law! Congratulations, kiddo! I'm so happy for you!"

  Kat smiled, that was the exact response she expected from her dad. Her adrenaline raced waiting for her mother's.

  "Oh?" Her mom said, unimpressed. "But it's so fast. Are you sure you want to marry so soon after meeting him? I mean, is he sure? It's all so sudden, maybe you should take some more time. Make sure–"

  "Make sure what, mom? Make sure he really wants to marry me? Or make sure he doesn't wake up and think he made a mistake?" Kat angrily interrupted her mother. She should've seen this coming.

  "Cece, cut it out. Kat, this is wonderful news! We are so excited for you! He must be something special in order to win over my girl," her dad gushed.

  "He really is, daddy. I can't wait for you to meet him. So, we will be having dinner at our house, that way everyone can get acquainted. Kris will send you guys plane tickets so watch for those."

  "I don't know if we will be able to make it up, dear. We are so busy, we might have plans already–" her mom tried to back peddle.

  "Nonsense, Cece! Seriously, what would we have plans doing? Shuffleboard? Kat, dear, we will be there! Nothing is more important than my little girl! Tell Kris that is very nice of him to fly us up, he didn't have to do that. Can't wait to see you, dear! Say goodbye, Cece."

  Her mom mumbled, "Goodbye, Katherine."

  "Bye, Mom, bye, Daddy. See you soon!"

  She took a big breath. Holy freaking hell. That was not painless, but at least she could say it was done.

  CHAPTER 26

  "Are Mom and Dad here yet?" Gia blurted out as soon as Kat opened the door.

  "No, come on in." Kat was so nervous that she almost didn't realize that Tyler was with her sister. "Well hey there, Ty." She said, trying not to sound surprised.

  "Hi, Kat," Tyler nodded. He looked very nice today, he was wearing a pair of dark dress slacks, and a nice light grey polo shirt. His hair wasn't its normal wavy, tussled look, it was brushed neatly and looked damp.

  "Well, Ty, you look nice." Kat said as she showed them into the living room.

  Before Tyler could answer Gia loudly butted in. "He wants to impress Mom and Dad. Shouldn't they simply be impressed that he is goddamn Tyler Kidd?" Gia was freaking out, she wasn't hiding her nerves well at all. "Ugh, these heels are killing my damn feet!" she cursed as she kicked her shoes off and laid her feet on the soft carpet.

  "Relax, G, you know Daddy will. He loves the Renegades." Kat assured her.

  Gia wasn't as dressed up as Tyler was, but she looked very nice. Gia had a sexy sense of style and today was no exception. She looked hot in black halter top that tied behind her neck; it left her whole back exposed, and her tattoo on the small of her back peeked out. Her dark slacks were snug at the waist but flared out like an A from her thighs to her ankles. Apparently, her open-toed high heels looked better than they felt. The girl always looked like a super model.

  "But Mom, well, good luck with that. You are on your own with her. I'm going to be dodging insults all night I fear. You know, the cutesy insults that you never see coming? She's so good at that!"

  "I know, I know. But at least Daddy was over the moon about Kris when you called. Don't worry. Oh, and sorry I didn't tell you that I was bringing Tyler." Now a little more calm on the couch, Gia rubbed her feet.

  "That's fine, but come on, let me in on what exactly is going on with you two, you obviously are introducing him to Mom and Daddy today, or he wouldn't be here." She gave Gia a serious look, she was tired of the games.

  "Alright, fine. I have no idea what we are, exactly. I guess you can say we are dating. But honestly," she looked up at Tyler, who was standing by the fireplace quietly, doing his best to stay out of this very sisterly conversation, "and more importantly, Tyler is a good friend." She moved towards Tyler. He slid his hand around her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his middle. "I guess we could label it girlfriend and boyfriend. But we really are just enjoying each other's comp
any."

  Tyler nodded in agreement.

  "What? No crude comments about sex?" Gia asked.

  "No, Gia, I'm not you!" Kat laughed. "Well, Kris should be home any minute, he and Patrick went to the airport to pick up his parents." Kat turned and walked to the kitchen. "Can I get either of you a drink?" she called.

  Gia ran after Kat, and grabbed her shoulder, "Patrick? Really?" She gasped. "Why did you invite him? Don't you remember how he was ogling me at the pool party?" She faked a little shiver. Gia had a flare for the dramatic.

  "Um, yeah. I told you that he was coming. Plus I always thought you liked being ogled." Kat laughed as Gia shot her a stern look. "Pat is his cousin! He and Kris are like brothers, and he really isn't as bad as he seems." Kat shrugged at Gia, she grabbed a wine glass, and started to pour herself a glass. She took a sip, looking at Gia very confused. Then it dawned on her, "Oh, I get it. Yes, I know Patrick has a thing for you, trust me, I know. He makes no secret about it. But he will behave, he wouldn't act like that around Kris's parents. So relax. Want a beer?"

  "Please," she grabbed the beer out of Kat's hand and took one for Tyler too. Then she moved towards Kat again. "You really think that he really has a thing for me?"

  Kat knew it! Gia did like the attention.

  "So… you and Ty?" Kat teased, glancing over at poor sweet Tyler in the living room alone. Poor guy, here alone with us two neurotic girls, she thought.

  "Stop it!" Gia was never shy about sex before, but she sure was shy about Tyler, "No, okay, no, I haven't slept with him yet, is that what you want to know?" Gia snapped, but then smiled. "Not yet…" She teased, before walking back to Tyler.

  "Hello?" Kris called from the doorway. "We're home!" He moved into the hallway with his parents, and Patrick behind him.

  "Hey, beautiful…"

  Kat hurried out into the foyer, Kris kissed her hello.

  She waved to Patrick, "Hi, Patrick, nice to see you again!"

  "Good to see you, Kat." He gave her a hug. "And congratulations!" He glanced over Kat's shoulder into the living room.

  Kat realizing he was hugging her extra long and she knew he could see Gia from there, she whispered in his ear, "Behave…"

  He just chuckled and let her out of his embrace, smiling a very devilish grin back at her.

  Oh Lord, she thought. "I don't like the looks of that grin, Patrick." She scolded.

  Kris called into the living room, "Ty! Hey, bud! Hi, Gia, very nice of you to come, thanks!" He turned to Kat. "Babe, this is my Mom and Dad, Matthieu and Claire Lafleur. Momma, Papa, this is Kat."

  "Kat, it is so nice to meet you!" Claire quickly moved towards Kat and gave her a great big hug. "You are a very beautiful girl, my dear." She placed her hand on Kat's cheek, smiling, "and congratulations are in order I hear!" Claire was a small woman, much shorter than Kat. Her brown hair was thick and wavy, it framed her face; most of it was pulled back in a bun. When she smiled her whole face lit up. She had a very pretty beige scarf tied stylishly around her neck that matched her blouse. "Let's see this ring I have heard so much about!"

  Kat held out her hand for Claire. "My dear, that is beautiful! Kristopher, you did such a good job!" Kris smiled, and almost looked embarrassed. "I always said he had exquisite taste." She beamed proudly.

  "Thanks, Momma." Kris turned a light shade of pink.

  Matthieu moved beside his wife, "Kat, it is a pleasure to meet you. We have heard such wonderful things about you. Thank you both for inviting us over. It has been too long since we last visited."

  He was a kind looking man, tall like Kris, with thinning gray hair, and a gentle smile. Kat was sure she knew where Kris inherited his smile from. They both had very thick accents, but spoke English almost as well as Kris did.

  "Well, it is very nice to finally meet both of you!" Kat replied.

  "Let's move into the living room where you guys can sit down." Kris nudged them on. "Momma, Papa, you remember Tyler?"

  "Tyler! It is nice to see you again, young man!" Matthieu jovially greeted Tyler, shaking his hand.

  "And this is Gia, she is Kat's little sister."

  "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Lafleur." Gia smiled and shook both their hands. Then she slid her hand into Tyler's. Claire caught that subtle move, and smiled at Gia.

  Patrick walked over to Tyler, they greeted and fist bumped. Gia slid out of his arms and snuck away to find Kat.

  As she rounded the corner to the kitchen, Patrick appeared beside Gia. "Gia, nice to see you again." He growled in a sexy voice and flashed her a flirty smile.

  "Patrick, hi. How are you?" Gia politely but nervously asked.

  "Hey, Patrick. Kris's parents are real sweethearts." Kat smiled, diverting his attention. She could see the look on Gia's face, and she knew Patrick well enough to know he was going to turn into a cocky creep, and she was afraid that Gia would like it.

  Kris called, "Babe, I think your parents are here."

  Kat walked into the hallway and opened the front door just as her parents reached the porch. "Mom. Daddy. Come in!" She nervously smiled. "I wish you guys would've let us pick you up at the airport."

  "Nonsense, dear," Cece said, shaking her head, then barely kissing Kat on the cheek. "We took a cab home, and settled in. It was just as easy to bring our own car all of the way out here. Katherine, maybe you should've worn something less revealing. You know, not so snug," she added the last part in a whisper. "Gianna, dear, hello!" Cece called as Gia approached and smiled.

  Kat shook her head. This was going to be a fun night. Sighing, she hugged her dad hello. "Hi, Daddy! It's really good to see you. I see you got some sun," she said, admiring his sun-kissed complexion.

  "Mom, Daddy, please come in to the living room, everyone is here." She lead the way to Kris. "Mom, Daddy, this is Kri–."

  "Kris Lafleur." Jay shook his head smiling. "Jay Torella. Pleasure to meet you, son. Never thought my Kat would end up with a hockey player." Jay chuckled, "I'm a huge fan. I am so happy for you two!" Jay shook Kris's hand then pulled him into a hug. Jay Torella was a tall thick man with olive colored skin, his thinning hair was a mix of brown and gray, with a mostly gray beard and mustache. He was very friendly, and had kind blue eyes similar to Kat's.

  "Kris, this is my mom, Cece."

  Kat wasn't sure what kind of greeting to expect from her mother.

  "Hello, Kris. It's nice to meet you." Cece resembled an older Gia. They had the same features. Cece's sweater matched her large turquoise and white beads. When she smiled at Kris, wrinkles formed around her eyes.

  "It is very nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Torella." Kris shook their hands.

  "Please, call us Cece and Jay. I guess congratulations are in order." Cece said. "Katherine, dear, let me see your ring." Cece gasped as Kat held out her hand. "Oh my, what a large ring. I probably wouldn't have picked something so gaudy. But, that's just me, I guess."

  Kat rolled her eyes, wishing the dinner was already over. "Well, good thing it's for me and not you, huh, Mom? I love it. Kris has wonderful taste."

  "Yes, Kat, he does." Gia said, "Mom, I would like to introduce you to Tyler, my date."

  Cece turned around as Tyler walked up to her. "Tyler, huh, I haven't heard much about you." Cece gave Gia a puzzled look. "Tyler? You mean Tyler Kidd?"

  "Yes, ma'am," Tyler smiled bashfully.

  "Please, call me Cece. Well, it is very nice to meet you, Tyler." Cece shook his hand and a small grin slid across her pursed lips. "Hmmm, now I understand why you are moving to this side of town, Gianna, dear."

  Kat started to introduce her parents to Patrick, but her dad spoke up first, "Patrick Dubois? Los Angeles Patrick Dubois?"

  Patrick smiled. "Yes, sir, guilty as charged." Patrick put out his hand to shake Jay's. "Very nice to meet you, sir."

  "Young man, please call me Jay. And it is very nice to meet you too." Jay looked completely in his glory, surrounded by so many hockey players.

  "Daddy, Patrick is Kris's cousin." Ka
t introduced. She watched as her Dad was completely in awe standing in the same room as three professional hockey players. She had never seen a grin that big on his face, ever.

  "Well I'll be…cousins huh? Can't wait to go tell the guys at the senior center I was at dinner with Kris Lafleur, Tyler Kidd and Patrick Dubois…" Jay let out a chuckle. "Maybe I might have some autographs to show off as well?" Jay hinted as he winked.

  Subtle Daddy, Kat thought as she rolled her eyes. Things were working out better than planned, thank goodness.

  They all sat down to a nice Italian dinner at the formal dining room table. Kat didn't think her and Kris actually ever sat there, she chuckled to herself as she grabbed the last dish from the kitchen and turned back to the dining room. It was then that she noticed Patrick had sat himself directly across from Gia, so he needed no excuse to look right at her. Patrick had icy blue eyes, it made most girls melt, but not Gia. She avoided his glance as much as she could.

  "So, Katherine, you should have come down to the Florida Keys with us this year, dear," Cece commented.

  "Well, I was perfectly happy here, but glad you guys enjoyed your trip anyways." Kat said trying to get off the subject. "Are you going back soon?" Kris tapped her under the table on her knee, she knew it was a be good tap.

  Jay laughed lightly. Cece was always trying to get Kat to go to the Florida Keys with them, but she liked being on her own. Jay smiled at Kat and helped change the subject. "So, Gianna dear, do you like your new apartment? And the job is going well?"

  "Yes, Daddy, love the apartment, and I do like the job, things are going good," Gia said as she squeezed Tyler's hand under the table.

  "Katherine, just thinking out loud here, dear, but don't you think this engagement is a bit sudden? How well do you really know each other?" Cece asked.

  Kat felt her jaw drop open, seriously, mom? She was really doing this?

  "But really, Claire, don't you feel the same way? I mean these kids can't possibly know each other well enough to jump into this."

  Claire just looked at Cece, not answering.

  "Mom, Kat is all grown up, she's old enough to make her own decisions." Gia said.