Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 0114

ALLISON’S POV

“Mum!” I throw my arms around her as soon as I open the door, holding her tight. She barely returns it

before nudging me back with her shoulder. I step away, pouting. “You won’t even hug me properly.”

Katy slips in from behind me, effortlessly taking the bags from her. “Mrs. Katherine, I missed you.”

“Katy, darling, I missed you too. How have you been?” Mum says, her tone soft.

“Just trying my best,” Katy replies lightly. “Come in.”

She flashes me a quick wink before dashing inside. Unbelievable. Is she actually trying to steal my mum?

The thought barely settles before something smacks my shoulder and I flinch. Mum is glaring at me, already shaking her head.

“You see how she noticed the bags?” she asks, brushing past me. “You’ve not changed.”

What that means, I have no idea. I just follow her inside and thankfully, Justin and Braydon are now fully clothed, because I’m pretty sure she would’ve had a heart attack if she walked in and saw them shirtless like they were… Oh yeah. One minute ago.

“Good day, Mrs. Katherine,” they greet in unison, standing stiffly like middle school boys in front of a

teacher.

Her eyes sweep over them slowly as if she’s deciding whether they meet her standards. Then something in her expression softens and she closes the distance between them, reaching up to pat their cheeks.

“How are you boys doing?”

“Very well, ma.” Justin answers first.

“Fine, thank you Mrs. Katherine.” Braydon follows, and I almost laugh at how well-behaved they both sound. These are grown men. Hockey players. College seniors about to graduate.

Mum’s attention lingers on Justin and she tilts her head slightly. “And your therapy? How is it going?”

“Good progress.” Justin says, nodding. “Ahead of schedule actually.”

“Good, good.” She pats his cheek once more. “And you’re eating well? Getting enough protein, enough rest?”

“Yes ma. I actually cook most of the meals here so I make sure everything is balanced.”

Mum blinks. Then she turns to look at him more fully. “You cook?”

“Yes ma.”

The pause that follows is barely two seconds but I already feel it in my chest. I already know what’s coming. I watch her turn slowly until her gaze lands on me.

“Allison.”

“Mum-”

“Have you learned even one recipe?”

The silence in the room is deafening and Katy has suddenly found something very interesting to look at on the ceiling and Braydon presses his lips together. Justin, the traitor, just stands there looking perfectly innocent.

“I’ve been busy.” I say and she stares at me. “With auditions. And-”

She turns back to Justin. “Please teach her something small. Anything. Eggs. Teach her how to boil eggs.”

“Mum, I know how to boil eggs!”

She pats Justin’s shoulder with the most serious expression. “She doesn’t know how.”

“Mum!”

“Justin, she doesn’t know how to boil eggs. I’m telling you.”

“I cooked for him!” The words burst out of me before I can stop them and everyone looks at me. I lift my

chin. “Recently, a full meal and it was nice. Tell her, Justin.”

All eyes slide to Justin and he holds my gaze for a second.

“It was actually really good.” He says. “I was impressed.”

I throw my hands up. “Thank you.”

Mum looks at him for a long moment, searching his face for any trace of pity-lying. She finds none, apparently, because she exhales and the interrogation ends.

“Fine.” She sighs, then turns toward the bags Katy set down near the couch. “Katy, check that big bag for me. Unpack everything inside.”

Katy is already moving. “What did you bring?”

“Did anybody eat? I want to eat with you all before I start the drive back.” She settles into the armchair.

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