“It’s okay, Dad,” Ash says. “I’m meeting her tonight at Penn’s. I’ll do all the reconnaissance.” He laughs. “But she’s one of the good ones. She really helped Rip’s wife when she was in a bind.”
“Okay, I just worry about you boys.”
I love that about him. I take a sip of my coffee as Maria brings us cinnamon rolls and some omelets and sausages to fuel us for our morning practice. That’s when I realize what Ash just said.
“Oh, you’re coming for dinner too?” I ask casually. I love the guy, I really do, but tonight was about not having to pretend in front of others and just enjoy ourselves.
“Yeah, Penn asked us. We all think Gina needs a break from here, from cooking, and from parenting.”
“That’s where I come in,” Grant says proudly, and I nod. They’re lucky to have him. Christ, if I ever had kids, I know my parents would be the same way. Back when I just got out of high school when I thought Ember was pregnant—back when I was ready to marry her—they’d worried we were too young, too reckless, too focused on my career. But they’d still have shown up. They’d have helped me figure it out, carry some of the weight.
We all know how that turned out, thanks to the damn media.
I dig into my food, trying to chew through the memories. Now isn’t the time to look back. Playoffs are coming, and I need my head clear, my body fueled.
The table quiets, the air thick with the sound of forks scraping plates, until the bell over the door jingles. Grant’s head snaps up, a low snarl rumbling from his throat.
I follow his gaze.
My stomach knots hard enough to steal my breath.
Billy strolls in like he owns the place, though I’ve never seen him set foot in here before.
“Jesus,” Grant mutters. “Speak of the devil.”
Penn’s chair creaks. “What the fuck is he doing here?”
Yeah.
That’s what I’d like to know, too.
18
Rowyn
After grabbing an Uber home, I shower, slip into a towel, and pad barefoot into my closet. My fingers trail over hangers until they land on my usual work uniform, a pale blouse and a pencil skirt that says: I’m professional, but not trying too hard.
I can’t stop smiling. My reflection gives me away, hair still damp, cheeks flushed, lips a little too pink. I lean closer to the mirror and spot the faint rash on my jawline, souvenir of Jaxon’s scruff. As I think about the souvenir I left him, I touch my face lightly, and the grin spreads wider.
I slept with my longtime friend.
Correction: I had incredible sex with my longtime friend.
And now, tonight, I get to see him again.
My stomach flutters at the thought, half nerves, half pure anticipation. I’m also looking forward to seeing Jaylynn and Penn. I’ve known them both forever, though we never really hung in the same circles. Penn and I were both loners in our own ways, and it’s kind of beautiful that he and Jaylynn found each other after all these years. Maybe some things really are worth the wait.
I flick on the morning news as I swipe on mascara and smooth a bit of gloss over my lips. The anchor’s droning on about the rising price of gas, but I’m only half listening. Now that everyone at work knows I’m dating Jaxon, I can already predict the curious smiles and not-so-subtle questions coming my way.
But those details?
They’re mine.
Private. Precious. Something I’m not ready to share, or cheapen with office gossip.
Once I’m finished getting ready, I turn off the TV and head outside. The air is warm, the sun catching on my bare legs as I slide into my car. For a second, everything feels right, simple.
Until I look up and realize where I’ve driven.