Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 237

$25 Points

Chapter 97

JUSTIN’S POV

“Merry Christmas!” Katy exclaims, walking toward me with a cake lit with candles. “Merry Christmas to

you, my cute, cute brother.”

Braydon follows behind her, while Allison stands beside me, clapping excitedly. She was the first to walk into the room, and the moment I saw the grin on her face and the bag she was carrying, I knew they had something ridiculous planned.

“You do realize it’s gingerbread cookies for Christmas and cakes for birthdays, not the other way around?” I point out.

Katy rolls her eyes, and stops in front of me, her nose scrunching. “If you know so much about what to

bake, why don’t you do it?”

“I would, if I wasn’t stuck here,” I reply, arching a brow. “Can you even remember a Christmas without my

cookies?”

She chuckles. “Fair enough, cookie master.”

Allison groans, suddenly pouting. “You’ve never made me cookies. I’m jealous.”

I reach for her hand, squeezing it gently and Katy gags loudly. “I’ll bake you a whole batch when I get out of

here,” I promise.

“Can we blow out the candles before the love fest?” Cooper cuts in. “Katy’s arm is probably dying.”

Katy switches instantly from disgust to batting her lashes with an exaggerated baby face, and I almost

throw up the little I managed to eat this morning.

But still… it does something to me and makes this dull, beige, suffocating room feel almost livable, like

something other than the place I woke up in after trying to disappear from everything.

“Okay, close your eyes, make a wish and blow the candles out,” Katy says, bringing the cake closer. “And don’t say it out loud.”

I close my eyes and take a slow breath, just long enough to shut out the walls and the faint beeping in the background. I wish for one impossible thing: to get out of here with my legs working, my shoulders strong, and a shot at playing hockey for the Bruins again. It’s far-fetched… but even in this situation, hope

manages to squeeze in.

I blow out the candles.

Allison immediately bursts into cheers, then somehow produces a party blower and starts blowing into it like we’re at a five-year-old’s birthday.

“I swear, what the hell is wrong with you?” Cooper asks, shaking his head at her.

1.3

* Chapter 97

+25 Points

“Merry Christmas, everyone,” she greets. “Some people from a catering company just arrived. They said they were hired to set up a buffet.”

Cooper, who’s been focused on his phone, nods. “Yeah. We thought it’d be nice for everyone today. I just got a text that they’re here.”

Vikky smiles, and it’s the kind that’s actually genuine. “That’s really thoughtful. Everyone’s excited.” She glances at me, dropping her voice slightly. “Good news, we’re pulling the antipsychotics today. Eat what you can.”

“I’ve only got one stomach,” I reply.

“Fill it up,” she chuckles before stepping out with Cooper, Katy trailing behind to help.

Allison stays.

I reach for her hand, and she gives it to me easily, our fingers fitting together. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, everything else fades-the noise, the room, and the weight sitting in my chest.

“How’s your first Christmas in a hospital?” she asks softly.

I let out a scoff. “Feels…” I pause, searching for the right word, then settle on the only honest one. “With you here, I’m okay.”

Her smile softens. “I’m happy you’re okay.” She lifts my hand, brushing her chin lightly against the back of it. “I’m really happy.”

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