**Chapter 6: DRED** Connor’s timing could not be worse. Just as he drops the bombshell of our engagement, my friends burst into the hallway from the elevator. Rix cradles a decadent churro cheesecake, while her husband, Tristan, lugs a cooler stuffed with culinary delights that I can only assume Rix has whipped up. Dallas and Hemi, Lexi and Roman, Hollis and Hammer, Essie and Nate, and Tally join the growing crowd, all wearing a collective expression of utter disbelief. The only absentees are Ash and Shilpa—who just had a baby, so I’ll let them off the hook for missing fajita night. The guys are Connor’s teammates—current and former warriors of the ice, save for Nate, who happens to be Tristan’s younger brother. The women are my Babe Brigade—my chosen family, my support system. I’m about to drop a monumental announcement on them, and I hope they can handle it. “Am I hallucinating, or did Connor just say that you two are engaged?” Rix’s eyes widen like saucers, a mix of shock and excitement. “What the actual hell?” Hollis shoots daggers at Connor with his furious glare. “When are people going to stop stepping on my damn toes?” Hammer, ever the peacemaker, squeezes Hollis’s arm, murmuring some comforting words, probably trying to remind him that everyone seems to be getting hitched while he waits to pop the question. “This must be a joke, right?” Flip’s distress is palpable, and he looks dangerously close to losing his composure. “It’s not a joke.” Connor levels a serious gaze at Flip as he leans down to plant a kiss on my cheek. His lips are soft; the warmth sends an unexpected thrill racing down my spine. I shoot him what I hope is a searing look. “Couldn’t resist lighting the match, could you?” “Just playing my part, darling.” He winks with a charming flourish. "I’ll be in touch.” And just like that, he glides past the stunned crowd and disappears into the elevator, leaving me to grapple with a tornado of confusion among my friends. Damn Connor Grace. Why can’t he just be the average nice guy who sits next to me at Callie’s hockey games? I inhale deeply, reminding myself that he’s supposedly fixing my mess. Maybe I should have asked him to stay. Poking Flip right now? Probably not my brightest idea. What seemed like a brilliant impulse just moments ago now feels overwhelmingly daunting. How on earth am I going to explain this turn of events to them? “We should move this into Flip’s apartment,” Rix suggests, the unspoken “before he blows a gasket in the hallway” hanging in the air. Lexi slips through the throng to my side, her brow furrowed with concern as she hooks her arm through mine. Lexi, pregnant and glowing, serves as a protective barrier between me and the impending fallout. She’s my best friend—aside from Flip, of course. Married to Roman, the recently retired goalie of the Terror, Lexi knows grief intimately; she took on guardianship for her sisters, Callie and Fee, after their parents were tragically lost in a boating accident. “Are you okay?” she whispers, her eyes searching mine. I nod, although the certainty feels tenuous. “I’ll explain.” The moment we step into Flip’s apartment, I find him pacing back and forth, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. “How long has this been going on? How can you be engaged to that assclown? Why on earth would you commit to someone like him?” He spins to face me, wild-eyed. “Why him?” Flip knows me better than anyone, and that’s exactly why his anger stings. Before I can respond, another volley of questions comes flying my way. “Is this some twisted revenge plan on his part?” I cross my arms, irritation flaring. It’s absurd that Connor and I even share a world, yet here I am, slightly offended. “Are you suggesting I’m not strong enough to stand my ground against coercion?” Flip resumes his frenetic pacing, frustration radiating off him. “Have you lost your mind?” “Apart from the sandwich incident, Connor’s actually not a bad guy, you know,” Nate interjects with an air of caution. “Don’t take his goddamn side!” Flip snaps, his voice brimming with anger. Tally steps in front of him, placing a calming hand against his chest. “This isn’t helping.” With a deep sigh, I prepare for what I know will be a meltdown. But Flip is already spiraling. I need to recalibrate my approach, realizing he’s too emotional to hear the truth just now. “You know what? I don’t owe anyone an explanation, least of all you, Flip. Not everything revolves around you.” His furious exterior begins to crack, morphing into a face of guilt and regret. I can see it in his posture; this moment is echoing our past—a painful reminder of when his sister, Rix, and his best friend, Tristan, fell for each other behind his back. As we lock eyes, the collective energy of our friends surrounds us—silent and nonjudgmental, ready to step in if needed. I love them all fiercely; they’re worth facing Connor. I’ve already signed the contract, and I’m acutely aware that wrangling my way out of it would only cost more than I currently have. Connor doesn’t seem like the type to take a situation lightly. Finally, Flip raises his hands. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just… shocked. I didn’t see this coming. At all.” “I don’t think any of us did,” Hemi pipes up, her voice steady. The head of Terror PR, she adds her perspective, balancing the situation like the expert she is. I feel a flicker of relief; I hope this won't derail Hemi’s season preparations. Flip’s fraught history with Connor hangs in the air like a storm cloud, and I genuinely hope they can keep it civil. “I know,” I say, scanning the room. “Connor and I go to Callie’s games together.” It’s true, albeit not the whole truth, and feels like dodging a bullet. “So you’ve been secretly dating each other?” Flip’s hurt rings out, striking a chord deep within me. I bite my lip, wrestling with whether to soften the edges of my truth. “We know each other better than you realize.” Better than Flip knows, in fact. “Connor and I have our reasons for getting engaged.” “This sounds more like a business arrangement than a love match,” Flip counters, a note of disbelief tinging his voice. I struggle to meet his gaze, knowing Flip has strong convictions about love and commitment. “I need you to put aside your feelings and just… support me, okay?” “Are you in danger?” “No.” I glance at Flip, resolute. “Not anymore, provided Connor comes through as planned. He’s not someone who breaks his word.” “So, you’re not in danger?” Flip presses, concern shadowing his features. “I’m not in danger.” “And this isn’t some coercive trap?” he demands, needing reassurance. “You know I wouldn’t let myself be cornered like that.” I’ve navigated my share of crises, and this one feels manageable. Slowly, Flip’s shoulders fall as he exhales deeply. “This is what you want?” “It’s the right thing to do,” I explain, but I can sense the hesitation in my voice. “You didn’t answer the question,” he nudges. “It’s what I want. He has a big heart. You’ve seen him with Callie.” If I’m honest, it’s an undeniable truth. “He’s stepped up for us in the past.” Tristan wraps his arm around Rix. “Remember Aruba? He took care of the accommodations.” Nate mutters under his breath, “He took care of a lot more than that,” but I sense I’m the only one who catches it. Essie nudges Nate affectionately, though I’m still grappling with the implications of it all. “Flip,” I say, my voice laced with urgency. “I’m asking for your support. That’s all I need right now.” “If you need me, I’m all in. But if he screws you over…” Flip's voice trails off, issuing a silent threat. I look up at him, gratitude and melancholy colliding in my chest. “I know you will protect me.” I ache to share my intentions, but revealing the truth about Connor might sabotage the bond I cherish with my friends. After a lengthy stare, Flip embraces me, whispering, “If you let me, I’ll always have your back, Dred.” “I know,” I murmur, buried in his warmth. “Thank you. I promise, this is the right decision for me.” “I need a drink,” Flip declares, breaking the tension. As he veers toward the kitchen, the guys follow suit. Sensing a wave of anxious energy, the women gather around me, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. “Are you pregnant?” Rix inquires, her tone half-playful. I shake my head. “No. I’m not pregnant.” And truthfully, I’m not thinking of consummating any sort of relationship with Connor, despite finding him incredibly attractive. “Are you going to tell us what’s happening?” Hemi, the authoritative figure of our group, approaches gently. “Eventually, yes,” I promise. “But not right now?” Hammer confirms, sensing the mood. “Not right now, no.” “Have you secretly been in love?” Tally’s question hangs in the air, laced with hope. With a wry smile, I shake my head. “It’s a complicated situation. I promise all of you that I want this, genuinely. I will explain everything, but for now, I really need you all on my side.” “Okay. We can do that,” Lexi jumps in, the rest readily nodding their agreement. This group has fought hard to support one another—it’s a shared bond forged in adversity. “He really is a good person,” Essie whispers quietly, her voice a soothing balm amidst the tumult. I smile at her, even as my mind drifts to thoughts of what she might have heard that others haven’t. “Whatever you need, we’re in this with you,” Rix assures me steadfastly. Nodding, I grasp their loyalty and the sense of solidarity it gives me. I hope that my heart won’t shatter into pieces, not because of Connor, but because I already carry love for Meems. The guys return with drinks, and their expectant gazes settle on us. I realize it’s time to shift the focus, hoping to diffuse the tension that thickens the air around me. “How’s everyone feeling about this year’s prospects?” Roman lights up, kindness radiating from him. “Pretty sure Brody is a top pick when they call him up.” His support means the world to me, as I had his back when he and Lexi rushed into a wedding last season to safeguard her career. Brody Stiles, Tristan’s younger brother, is a talented college player destined for greatness. “He was magic this summer at the Academy,” Hollis echoes, enthusiasm rising with the conversation. “Yup, he’ll be a better player than me,” Tristan adds, his modesty charming even in its familiarity. As the guys delve into hockey analysis, I can’t help but wander with the Babes to the kitchen, where Tristan and Rix’s cooler is ready for our fajita night feast. “We should also discuss the fundraising gala for the library,” Hemi reminds us, her business acumen shining through as she keeps us organized. “I’ve secured some amazing items for the silent auction.” I can’t express enough how much I appreciate her willingness to help. “Your vision for the gala will far surpass what Dorothea had in mind, and the profit margin will reflect that growth,” I commend. Hemi nods, her strategy clear. “Yeah, the Legion hall is cute for a casual gathering, but not ideal for raising funds.” As we brainstorm possibilities, I gather my thoughts about the heavy conversation still simmering beneath the surface. “I left my contribution for dinner at my place,” I announce once our meal preparations are underway. “I’ll be right back.” “I’ll come with you,” Lexi offers, her determination unwavering. Once in the hallway, she closes the door behind us and, in a hushed tone, asks, “Is your life in danger?” “No.” “Did the two of you fall for each other at Callie’s hockey games?” Her hopeful assertion strikes a chord, even though I’d already answered this. “No,” I clarify, feeling compelled to be honest. He’s not a one-dimensional jerk, but we’re not falling for one another, either. “But I won’t deny that he’s not the villain he’s painted to be. He’s a good guy underneath all the expectations.” “He sits beside you every time,” Lexi observes, her voice tempered with understanding. “He does,” I agree. “And I can’t deny that I find him infuriatingly attractive.” “I get that,” she nods, her own opinions turning increasingly neutral. “Do you have any idea what Nate meant by his comment?” she probes further. “You caught that too?” I rub my bottom lip, recalling Nate's cryptic remark. “The only thing I know for certain is that Connor saved the day with the accommodations at Rix and Tristan’s wedding. If something else happened, I wasn't privy to the details.” “Me neither.” She leans against the counter, arms crossed. “Are you going to tell me what’s genuinely happening here?” she presses gently. “If I share this with you, it has to stay between us,” I say, my heart heavy with the weight of my revelations. “With your life not in danger, I’ll keep it quiet,” she assures me, rubbing her baby belly, providing that comforting sense of secrecy. As I explain the situation, from the landlord’s letter to my legal advice fiasco— the most expensive hour I’ve spent—to Connor’s proposition and my connection to Meems, I watch Lexi’s expression morph into one of confusion and concern. “So, this is just a business arrangement?” she queries, softly shaking her head. “Flip would help you out of this situation. So would Roman and I.” “I know, but accepting their help isn’t an option,” I explain. “Asking for money alters the dynamics of our relationship. This route is my best chance to escape the mess I’m in, Lexi.” “There must be alternatives that don’t hinge on marrying Connor,” she persists, tilting her head. I let out a long sigh. “I’m not sure. I signed a contract, and I can’t imagine there are loopholes. But I feel at peace with my decision.” “Putting yourself in this position is risky,” she whispers, her voice threading through my determination. “I can handle it,” I insist. “I just wish you didn’t have to,” she sighs, pulling me into a sincere embrace before stepping back. “But I’ll be right here, supporting you however you need.” “Thank you.” Just then, my phone buzzes with a new message from my fiancé. *Connor: Engagement party: Saturday, 2 PM. Don’t worry about attire. I’ll take care of everything, including your transportation.* *GRACE HOTELS HEIR ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT* In a flurry of notifications, the media frenzy begins: *“Connor Grace, heir to the Grace Hotels dynasty, is engaged to Mildred Reformer, a local librarian. Connor’s tumultuous past in the league makes for a compelling tale... What’s next for this newly engaged couple?”* Suddenly, the world I knew is slipping into a whirlwind of chaos, and I’m left wondering if I’ve made a crucial mistake—or opened the door to possibilities I never dared to consider.