Not an Ending - Bonus Epilogue
Hello, folks,
A bit a admin before we get to the good stuff. First, while this epilogue is told from Sienna's point of view (last seen in Clear as Ice), it also features Raven, Marcus, Lulu, Aiden, and even a bit of Adriana. Chronologically it occurs after Clear as Ice but therefore also after Aloha to You, Repeated Burn, and Bored by the Billionaire. I don;t think it spoils much other than these people are all still together, but YMMV. Also, the entire text is posted below, and available to subscribers. But if you want a version you can send to your e-reader, you can go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5jjvkby179
Print peeps, I'm sorry, but since this is basically pamphlet sized, I'm not going to release it as a paper book.
Enjoy!
Not An Ending - A Bonus Epilogue
"Who's the best big brother?" Marcus asked.
Sienna dramatically looked around like her brother might be directing that question to someone else. She and Jay were working in the back office of the Purple Hazelnut. The office barely fit Jay and Sienna. It felt much tinier with Raven and Marcus crowded in.
"Do we have data on that, Jay?" Sienna asked.
Jay glared. Jay refused to engage in sibling shenanigans. Sienna suspected that this meant Jay had several siblings, though she refused to say how many.
"Oh, haha," Marcus said. "Anyway, I have a surprise for next Tuesday. So, don't make plans. Be ready to go at 5."
Sienna wasn't great with dates, but she for sure knew she had plans next Tuesday. She had invited both Marcus and Raven to join her at the hockey arena.
Raven nudged Marcus's arm, "He's trying to be all coy, but the plans are to go to the arena, we haven't forgotten the big game."
It both was and was not a big game. Tuesday was the season opener, and also the day they were hanging the banner at the arena. The one that said that the Domes had won the league last season. A feat they of course hoped to repeat.
Sienna was planning to be there in her jersey watching the game. She had invited Marcus and Raven but hadn't minded too much them declining because well, there was so much to focus on at the game. Marcus was one of the people who would ask a million questions. And Raven knew enough about hockey to answer many of them, but it would be distracting. And this first game as a sports fiancée was — well, it was going to be a lot. Now she was supposed to sit with the other spouses and partners, and like be social. And Sienna loved being social. But well, sports spouse social was different. She had met another new fiancée at the parade who had promised to keep an eye out for her.
But hey, Marcus was trying to be fun, and surprising, and that was great big brother behavior. "Okay, 5pm, sounds good. Did you guys already get tickets, because I can call the office?" And hope they wouldn't kill her for last minute requests.
"It's all taken care of," Marcus said.
"Okay, sounds good!" Sienna smiled and hugged Marcus and Raven.
"Okay, let's let them work," Raven said.
Sienna wondered if her brother had done something like rent a limo. Riding to the arena in a limo would be fun. The streets were blocked off near the arena for games, but the limo driver could get them close enough, and then they could walk.
***
Her brother was being adorable in the most annoying way.
There had been a limo. They had arrived at the arena. Marcus had insisted on using the main entrance, had not let Sienna look at the tickets to see if they should use one of the side entrances. The lines at the main entrance were always wilder than the other entrances. But the big entrance did have more posters, more drama, and more people who did not know how to empty their pockets in a timely manner to get through the security.
They made it up to the suite level. One of the executive suite representatives waved and said, "Mr. George?"
"Yes," Marcus said.
Sienna suppressed the snicker. It was weird hearing her brother referred to as Mr. George. She didn't care if Marcus heard her snicker, but the suite rep wouldn't know why.
Sienna realized she didn't know if Marcus had told the suite rep who she was, or if she should. Also, they had a suite rep, which meant Marcus had gotten a suite. Sienna smiled because of course he had.
Raven looped her arm through Sienna's. "He's been like a little kid planning this. Also, being secretive about it. He wouldn't even tell me."
Sienna smiled. "He can be sweet."
"He can," Raven said fondly.
Sierra rolled her eyes. He was annoyingly perfect, even when he was being nice.
Her phone buzzed.
Ophelia: Where are you?
She pocketed the phone. She'd respond to Ophelia later. Having started dating Al mid-season she hadn't been invited to the team family stuff. Al's closest friends on the team were all single at the moment, so she hadn't really met any other family members until the victory parade. But now she was supposed to be sitting with the other family members, and she was not.
She'd make it up to them later. Or something.
The suite rep led them into their suite and gave them a brief tour of drinks and snacks, and then waved.
Sienna put down her scarf.
Looking out, they were higher up than she usually sat, but the seats were much nicer. This suite was smaller than the owner's box, unsurprisingly, but more encouraging of people watching the game, and not just network and mingle.
Sienna counted the seats and turned to ask if other people were coming right as two people entered. The guy looked vaguely familiar, but she could recognize Lulu Williams blindfolded. Okay maybe not blindfolded.
Marcus was hugging the guy, oh, it was his friend and boss Aiden.
The lights dimmed and the announcer alerted everyone to look to the ice. Sienna cheered her face off as they raised the championship banner, keeping an eye on the screen for when the camera scanned over Al's face. She had been at the game when they won. Sienna should talk to whoever planned these promos because Sienna was feeling all proud, and she had literally done nothing but cheer. Sports were so good at making fans feel part of the effort, though Sienna hadn't needed to ice her bruises for three days after the championship game.
The game started and Sienna took one of the seats facing the ice. Marcus was chattering away with folks, being a consummate charming host.
Partway through the period, Sienna was wondering if it was too early in the season for her to worry about sports superstitions. The Domes were down a goal, and here she was in a suite.
Sierra and Al had learned that it was not helpful for her to text him throughout the game. Mostly because it wasn't like he could check his phone on the ice. During intermissions he had to strip out of enough gear to use the toilet and then put it all back on and chat with the goalie coach, and do various things he did to get in the zone. So he wouldn't see anything she texted until after the game.
So there was no point in telling him that rookie defender had been helping too much and that goal wasn't his fault.
The hockey is back mood of the stadium had shifted into something a bit more somber as they hit the first intermission.
"You doing okay?" Raven asked.
Sienna smiled. "Yeah, I get to just sit here and watch."
"Is there enough time for you to explain this all to me?" Lulu asked.
"I offered-" Aiden said but stopped when Lulu held up a hand.
"You are very kind, but no." Lulu leaned in closer to Sienna, "He wanted to start with the history of hockey. I get the gist, puck goes there, smash, smash, I only want to know like sometimes they agree to stop and start from a different circle. Why?"
"Oh, that's easy," Marcus said.
Lulu held up a hand again and Marcus stopped.
Sienna wanted to learn to make men stop talking at her slightest gesture. This was an important skill.
"Usually it's something like someone skated too far ahead of the puck, so they pause and restart for fairness," Sienna said.
"See, sweetie," Lulu said, "she was able to do it in one sentence."
"Well, yes," Aiden said. "But sometimes there's some nuance to it. I was providing helpful context."
"And sometimes it happens because there was a penalty," Marcus said.
"Yes, but penalties are easy to spot because they send someone to the box," Sienna said.
"Hockey having a timeout corner is honestly delightful," Lulu said. "I think we should incorporate this in more situations. There should be timeout corners at dinner parties, on metro."
"Oh that would be fun," Sienna said.
"I honestly prefer kicking trouble makers out," Raven said.
"It's often smarter to just kick them out," Aiden said. "Though sometimes you have to go at it diplomatically. The option to sit in a box of shame is an interesting one, but somehow I don't think headquarters will go for it. Construction costs for one."
"But it would have been fun growing up to have one at dinner," Marcus said.
Sienna rolled her eyes, but decided not to comment further. She was sure Marcus meant she needed a penalty box, when really, he constantly appointed himself the keeper of Sienna. Admittedly she had appreciated his help a few times, but like if there was a penalty for sibling interference the refs would constantly be flagging him. Actually, Sienna was warming to this idea now.
"Sienna," Raven said. "You should take me to the bathroom."
Sienna looked over. She started to explain there was one in the suite. But when she glanced at Raven, Raven was clearly trying to signal something with her eyes and Sienna realized this was some sort of ploy. There were still twelve minutes left of intermission, so if the line by the suites wasn't bad, they could do it. Although if it was a ruse to get out of the box, the line wouldn't matter.
"Sure." Sienna grabbed her bag, wondering what the costs were for getting a LuWie bag in team colors. Al had signed for an additional year after the championship, but they had talked about being open to other offers, so maybe custom gear should wait. Her job with KeKi was portable. Al figured he probably only had a few more years before he had to decide if he wanted to pursue coaching or something else. Al had grown up in the area, so they'd keep his place here, but it might be interesting to live somewhere else for a bit.
Raven grabbed her arm and dragged her around the corner from the suite, in the opposite direction of the nearest bathrooms.
"Okay, spill, what is your brother up to?" Raven asked.
Sienna paused. "Specifically or generally?"
"Whichever," Raven said.
"I have no idea," Sienna admitted. "I just figured he was being extra. It's a family trait." Marcus had the generous host stuff dialed up to eleven, but Raven was right. Marcus liked Al, but he wasn't going to rent a car and a hockey suite for Al. Especially because Al was on the ice, not in the suite.
And he was not trying to impress his baby sister. Marcus liked her, and was sometimes very generous, like the time he let her stay on his couch after her ex forgot to tell her he hadn't been paying the rent. But he would not do all of this for her. The person he did grand gestures for was Raven. And Raven would have been equally happy if they had sat in the upper level and eaten hot dogs.
So, something additional was up. Sienna reflexively looked at her left hand where the engagement ring Al had given her was. Marcus had asked her a lot of questions, but Sienna was figuring that he was being overprotective, making sure she was being well taken care of. Not that Al's job was to take care of her, but after agreed upon discussions about the future they envisioned together, he had proposed. And so maybe.
"Has Marcus been asking you about the future?" Sienna asked. She wanted to tread carefully, because if she was wrong, well, that would be tricky.
"Yes. He wants to like craft a five-year plan. I told him we were not business partners, just life partners, and I don't have to discuss goals beyond dinner."
Sienna smiled. Raven was a great business owner and constantly gave Sienna great advice. But yeah, she could see not wanting to apply spreadsheets and mission statements to life. Though Sienna figured her own business partner Jay had just cringed and didn't know why. Jay had a spreadsheet for Thanksgiving.
"So, is it possible, he has planned this elaborate night for you, under the guise of doing it for me?" Sienna asked. It was actually pretty clever. Raven ran a bakery and coffee shop, so most days woke up at an ungodly hour. She had fallen asleep watching hockey on TV with Sienna a few times. But for Sienna, Raven would have agreed to plan to stay up late, and come downtown on a busy day, and hang out in a hockey stadium when she could be at home. Raven was even wearing clothes that weren't emblazoned with the name of her business.
And Aiden was one of Marcus's best friends. Although if she knew her brother, he would also have invited Raven's friend Adriana or Elise.
"What are Adriana and Elise up to tonight?" Sienna asked.
"Elise had this person coming in to talk about marketing and branding today," Raven said.
So Marcus had probably asked them. But they hadn't been able to come, and he hadn't wanted to hint too much.
"You think he's going to propose to me?" Raven said, her face expressing so many emotions.
"I do," Sienna said and then snickered when she realized what she had said.
"Okay, but he can't be doing this without Adriana. So that can't be it."
Sienna wasn't so sure about that. But it seemed to be calming Raven down a bit. "Okay. Do you want me to ask him?"
"No. Let's just go back and act normal."
"Okay," Sienna said.
They walked back into the suite.
Sienna sat and texted Ophelia: Family stuff. I gotta stick by the suite. Sorry.
Ophelia: I feel very sorry for you in your fancy suite. You have to meet me this week and tell me about it.
Sienna: Will do.
The game started up again, and almost immediately, the Domes scored.
"Oh, it's the new guy. That's nice," Sienna said. She texted Ophelia cheering emojis. The mood of the stadium was wild. The Domes were tied 1-1, but the fans were back to chattering and cheering and chanting.
As Sienna sat back down she glanced behind her and Marcus was still all smiles, but now that she was looking for it, he was nervous as hell. He was disguising the fidgeting by grabbing drinks for everyone, showing off suite amenities. But he was also checking his phone. He pocket it and stood a little straighter.
"So," Lulu said, perching next to Sienna. "Maya mentioned you guys talked a little business. You should come by the studio sometime."
Al's sister Maya was Lulu's business partner. "Absolutely, she had suggested after the next shoe launch." Sienna lowered her voice, "I promise I'm listening, but I think my brother's plan is about to be revealed."
"Interesting," Lulu said, and she looked around casually.
Sienna checked the score. It was still 1-1. Somehow the time on the end of the period was down to about nothing.
Sienna hoped the hockey gods would be happy she was here and in her jersey, because it looked like her focus tonight was going to be divided. She was going to have so much to tell Al later.
"Hi, folks, could we all gather round?" Marcus said after the end of period horn sounded.
Sienna looked over at Raven who froze.
"This is just a few of our close friends, but I wanted to have some people here with us, as I asked Raven if she would consider marrying me." He moved over in front of Raven, dropped down to one knee, and popped open a jewelry box. "Raven Hill, you are the love of my life even though I know it makes you gag when I say that, but I'm hoping you will forgive me for doing it just this once, and make me even happier by saying yes."
Raven's face showed a mix of emotions, but they looked like happy ones. "You had to make this a moment," she said.
"Yes, I did," Marcus said with a huge smile.
"How come these are mostly your friends here?"
Adriana peeked her head around the door to the suite. "Because I was part of the dramatic we're hoping she said yes moment."
"Do you have cake?" Raven asked.
"Hang on," Marcus said, "could I get answer before we get to that part?"
"If there's cake, I say yes," Raven said.
Adriana clapped.
Marcus stood and pulled Raven in for a kiss, and Sienna suddenly realized she probably should have filmed this. Not to put on social media or anything, Raven would hate that. But Al probably would have liked to see it. He was going to have to settle for a dramatic re-enactment.
Adriana pushed a cart through the door that had a wild purple cake and a teapot.
There were introductions, lots of hugs, and pictures.
Sienna made her way over to Marcus. "I noticed you billed this as best brother ever and actually this was for you all along."
"Raven officially joining our family is for all of us."
"Actually, just so you know, you have been a decent big brother, but if anything happens, I think I'm team Raven now," Sienna said.
"I would be offended, but I am also team Raven," Marcus said.
"I have a team now?" Raven asked.
"Everyone here," Marcus said, "is team Raven."
"Do I have jerseys now? A team color?" Raven asked.
"Purple, of course," Sienna and Adriana both said and then pointed and laughed at each other.
"What kind of cake is this?" Sienna asked.
"Unicorn cake," Adriana said.
"And you made this?" Sienna asked.
Adriana and Raven chuckled. "No," Adriana said, "my baking skills are not to this level. But my friend made this. It's not on their official menu anymore, except for special requests. Like delightful friends getting engaged!"
Sparkly drinks were poured and toasts were made. Sienna sat perched on a chair arm when the game resumed trying to keep an eye on the action. Lulu made Sienna promise to visit the LuWie studio sometime soon, so they could chat more before she and Aiden left.
"So, your brother," Raven said.
"I do have a brother," Sienna said.
"Is a lot but I do love him," Raven said.
"Well, he could have put it on the big screen. So he showed like a tiny bit of restraint."
Raven's face grew pale. "Marcus, nothing that I need to know about is going to be on that screen out there, right?"
"They put the score on the screen," Marcus said, looking a bit confused.
"I think you're safe," Sienna said.
"They put the score on the screen," Raven shook her head. "He's lucky I am in a good mood."
"And there's cake," Adriana said. "Also Seth said he's happy if you're happy. He's in Chicago working on a story. He'll officially congratulate you when he returns."
"Tell him thank you," Raven said.
"Also, like if you want lei or flowers, you know I'll help."
Raven looked at Sienna. "What are the chances your brother will go for a teeny tiny elopement."
"So," Adriana said. "I happen to know that you can just get married without even an officiant in DC, they call it a self-uniting marriage."
Sienna pressed her lips tightly together. It was up to Raven and Marcus.
"He's gonna want your mom to come. And my family is annoying, but they'd also be hurt."
Adriana put her arm around Raven's shoulder. "So, nothing has to be decided today. Everyone in here is team Raven and if that means we throw you a party after you sneak off to the courthouse, that's what we'll do. And also, I know a wedding planner. So like, this is not work. This can be a thing that you mostly show up to."
"Okay, thank you." Raven took a deep breath and then said, "I'm going to go grab some water."
"Hey," Raven said to Adriana. "You mentioned you know a wedding planner?"
"I do. Oh that's right, y'all are engaged. I'll send you her info. She's great. She's dating a friend of Seth's."
The Domes scored again in the third period. Final score was 2-to-1 in favor of the Domes. Sienna sent Raven and Marcus home without her, so she could meet with Al after the game.
When he appeared in the hallway and kissed her, she could see in his eyes that he was gonna drop soon. The roads were still blocked off near the stadium, so getting a car was going to be a challenge.
"You gonna make it home if we metro, because I can't carry you."
Al nodded, "I'll be okay." They started walked out. "How was the suite?"
"It was nice. Marcus proposed to Raven. I'll tell you all the highlights tomorrow."
"Should I have done a big proposal? Not during a game obviously. I work then."
"I liked your proposal," Sienna said. "But I probably should warn you, Adriana's sending me the info for a wedding planner."
"Why does that need a warning?"
"Well, I might be planning to blow all your championship money," Sienna said.
"Does it end with me married to you?" Al said.
Sienna smiled at Al. "It does."
"Sounds good to me then," Al said.
Sienna kissed him.
The End
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