by Robyn M Ryan
“Yep. You have any idea where we go?”
“Peterson was here a few minutes ago. Banquet room just down a floor.” Jason paused as the server stopped beside Dave.
“Can I get you anything?”
“Water sounds great. Thanks.” He noticed the disappointed expression. “Are we monopolizing valuable real estate in here?”
She shrugged as she glanced around them. “Not yet. I’ll let you know when you do.” She flashed a smile, then turned to goaltender Reese Eckstrom, who’d also just joined the group.
Dave glanced at Jason. “How’s the shoulder?” An image of Hart flashed through his brain. He’d left the ice clutching his arm after a hard hit in the corner the previous game.
“It’s fine. Stiff before I get stretched. I won’t miss a shift tonight unless my game is shit.”
Dave laughed as he felt the phone buzz in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw that Lauren had texted several photos of the rooms with the furnishings.
“Your new house?” Cliff Camden asked, leaning toward Dave to see the photos.
“As of today. Had furniture delivered.” Dave placed the phone face down on the table.
“You bought in the same community as most of the guys?” When Dave nodded, Cliff smile was wistful. “One of these days, maybe I’ll own a place like that.”
“Give yourself time—and you’ve got plenty of that. This is my first house, and I’ve played seven years in the league.” His phone buzzed again, and he flipped it over, suppressing a laugh when he saw Lauren’s selfie, leaning against the king-size bed. She’d somehow covered her head with an emoji of a paper bag.
“Your girlfriend?” Jason chuckled as he saw the photo.
Dave started to respond when Camden snatched the phone from his hand and studied the photo.
“That’s Lauren, isn’t it?”
Dave grabbed the phone. “And you think that, why? Recognize the paper bag?”
The sarcasm was lost on the young man. “Well, I know her pretty well. We hung out some before training camp.”
“So, you say.” The rush of anger—jealousy?—caught Dave off-guard. He kept his expression neutral. Camden misjudged his silence as an invitation to elaborate.
He pointed toward the photo. “There’s that little tattoo on Lauren’s neck. You can barely see it.”
“Lots of women have tattoos,” Jason observed as Dave clicked the screen off and pushed back his chair and stood. He dropped bills on the table.
“So, Lauren’s going out with you now?” Camden pushed. “She’s…” He stopped as Dave gripped his shoulder.
“Not. One. Word.” He increased the pressure until Camden winced. Peterson appeared at the table.
“Hey, guys, lunch served downstairs.” John’s eyes settled on Camden’s shoulder, then met Dave’s. His nod barely noticeable, Dave relaxed his grip, then clapped his hand on the rookie’s shoulder. “See you later, Cam.”
Jason walked with him toward the stairs to the lower level. “Not the brightest of bulbs.”
“Understatement.” Dave forced the irritation—anger?—from his mind. “Just as annoying off the ice as he is on it.”
“Don’t think he even realizes it. That’s the biggest problem—thinks he fits in with the team. He’s alienating people left and right.” Jason nodded toward the left. “Ready to carb load?”
“Yeah. Join you in a minute.” Dave leaned against the wall and responded to Lauren’s text.
Dave: Maybe ditch the bag, Gentry?
Lauren’s response came a few seconds later.
Lauren: Nope. Way too embarrassing. Plus, not good for my Communications Coordinator persona.
Dave: Your pal Camden recognized your hummingbird tattoo
Dave watched as the series of dots appeared on the screen, paused, then continued.
Lauren: MY pal? Why’d you show it to HIM? He has a big mouth.
This time, he took his time responding.
Dave: Didn’t show him. Grabbed my phone and ID’d you immediately. Something I need to know?
Dave waited, but no response appeared imminent. Great move, Martin. Probably pissed her off. He pressed her number as he walked into the ballroom. The call went straight to voice mail, confirming his suspicion. Maybe hit a nerve. They seemed chummy at Chad’s celebration for the twins. Now, who’s the one with no filter, Martin?
#
Lauren had plenty of time to stew over the text as she watched the security company install the system he’d ordered. What, does he think I’ve lived in a convent these past three years? Even though Cam’s way too young for me, it’s none of his business anyway. Tough luck, Smarty-Marty, think whatever you want. I don’t owe you any explanations.
Dave’s implication continued to irritate Lauren throughout the rest of the day, even when Terri, Kelly, Caryn and she gathered for a girls’ night at Caryn’s home. Kelly picked up on her mood when she watched Lauren empty her glass of wine, then reach for the bottle for another refill.
“Guy issues?” Kelly bit back a grin when Lauren glared at her. Kelly held up her hand. “I rescind the question.”
“That obvious?” Lauren looked at each of her friends as she set the bottle aside.
Caryn reached to squeeze her arm. “You’ve been quiet since you got back from Dave’s.”
“I don’t want to infect our get together. Don’t mind me; I don’t do subtle well.” Lauren raised her glass in a mock toast. “To banishing my mood.” They all clicked glasses, and this time Lauren sipped her drink. She reached for a slice of pizza. “I should warn you—I’m famished.”
Terri pushed the platter toward her. “Didn’t stop for lunch?”
Lauren shook her head, her mouth full. She held up a finger until she swallowed, then took a long drink of water. “Didn’t even think about it. It was crazy hectic. Can’t wait until the moving truck arrives.”
Caryn groaned. “The worst. Of course, it came while Drew was out of town. If these two hadn’t helped me, I’d still have boxes hidden away.”
“We’ll help you, Lauren,” Kelly assured her. “Lots we can do even before the truck arrives. Shelf liners…”
“…Buying dishes, pots and pans, silverware, coffee maker,” Lauren continued. “Starting from scratch on the kitchen. Maybe I’ll just order it all on Amazon.”
“I’ll go shopping with you.” Terri refilled her own glass of wine. “Just tell me when you’re available.”
“Ah yes. The day job.” Lauren sighed. “I should go in for a few hours tomorrow. A lot less busy when the team’s out of town.” She looked at Caryn. “Easiest assignment ever.”
“Hopefully it rids your mind of your last experience. Glad you’re not in Europe right now?”
“Ninety-nine percent of the time. Unless a certain person drives me crazy.” She shook her head when Caryn started to respond. “I was this close to throwing my phone in the lake. Then, I remembered how destructive you were when your parents drove you crazy during uni. How many iPhones did you destroy?”
Caryn laughed in memory. “Can’t remember. Too many. You talk to your sister today?”
Lauren wiped her mouth, then stepped to the kitchen for the second box of pizza. “No, she doesn’t know I declined the European assignment. The longer I can avoid telling her…”
“The longer your phone stays intact,” Caryn completed the thought.
Lauren saw Kelly’s and Terri’s perplexed expressions. “Long story. She’d rather I work for a Grade-A jerk thousands of miles away from home than with the Suns—specifically with the same guy who had me contemplating pitching the phone into the lake.” She made a face. “It will take a lot more than wine to explain the mess, and I need to get up early tomorrow.”
“You know you can talk to any of us,” Caryn said. “If you need or want to discuss things.”
“Yeah, I know. You guys are the best…I’ll let you know before I get crazed. As in throwing-furniture-in-the-lake crazed.”
“Feel l
ike watching the game?” Kelly asked.
Lauren hesitated. “Maybe just the opening period. Those West Coast games…” She shook her head as her voice trailed off. “I’ll get nothing done tomorrow if I watch the entire game. Anyone else have trouble sleeping after a late-night game?” She saw all three nod in agreement, then glanced at her watch. “I’ll take a few minutes to go through my email. Can I put anything away? More wine? Take your plates?”
“Go, we’ve got it covered.” Caryn waved aside the offer. “We’ll save dessert for the game.”
17
CATCHING UP ON email didn’t go as planned. Lauren sent Dave her usual “good luck” text, and before she could pull up her email on the computer, her niece’s ringtone sounded on her phone. Briefly, she considered not answering the call—Cassie could talk for hours—but her love for her niece prevailed.
Lauren had barely greeted Cassie, when her niece began speaking so fast Lauren could only understand every few words.
“Hey, slow down, Cas! Take a breath. What’s up?”
“Mom’s driving me crazy! She’s on my case about everything, then when I need her, she’s not around.”
Lauren heard the frustration and anger in Cassie’s voice. “Why don’t you start at the beginning? Why is she on your case?”
“Just about everything. I want to take a year off after graduation…maybe travel, figure out what I want to do. If I go to the university now, it’s just a waste of money. Mom’s so sure Dad won’t pay my tuition if I put it off a year. I even asked him, Lauren. He promised he’d take care of it whenever I decide to go.”
“And your mom doesn’t believe him?”
Cassie’s snort answered the question. “Of course not.”
“Has your mom spoken with your dad?”
“You know she won’t. It’s gotten so much worse since Taylor was born. He’s adorable, but Mom flips out every time I go over to visit or babysit. He’s my half-brother.” Lauren heard the sob Cassie choked back. “It’s just not fair.”
“I understand, Cassie. Your mom’s going through a rough patch with your dad. It’s not that long until graduation. Think you can hang in there?”
“I don’t have a choice. I wish I could join you in Paris!”
Lauren cringed. She’d avoided the topic with Amanda…but she couldn’t lie to Cassie. “I’m not in Paris…”
“London? Wherever—so long as it’s on a different continent.”
“I took the job with the Tampa Suns.” Lauren chose her words carefully. “Honestly, I couldn’t work for the person in charge of that European position. I haven’t told your mom yet. I hit the ground running, and the pace never slows.”
“And you know she’ll assume it’s because of that hot hockey player.” A giggle escaped Cassie’s mouth. “Now that he’s in Tampa, you’ll have to listen to her lectures when you call. Don’t worry, I won’t blow your cover.”
Absently, Lauren logged off her computer and walked quietly to her guest room. “You don’t need to lie for me, Cassie. I’ll tell her, once everything settles down.”
“Are you and Dave back together?”
Lauren fluffed the pillows behind her and leaned back. “We’re taking our time and will see where things go.”
“I always liked him—and not just because he’s a hunk. He never treats me like a child. And he’s fun to be around. I’m so glad you’re back together.”
“Not ‘back together.’ We’ll see what happens.”
“Can you come for my graduation?”
The abrupt change of subject didn’t surprise Lauren. Their conversations always jumped from topic to topic. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything! I promise, your mom will know about my job long before then.”
“Just warn me if you bring Dave. I’ll try to soften her up before then.”
She couldn’t hold the laugh and glanced toward the bathroom they shared. I miss Marty. It’s only been a few weeks since he arrived in Tampa…Already lonely without him. Lauren shook her head. “Don’t worry about that, Cassie. I think the Suns will be deep in the playoffs then.” And we may not even have a relationship. “Think about where you’d like to go on a graduation celebration trip—if you don’t mind hanging out with your aunt.”
“Lauren, you’re my sister. I don’t think of you as my aunt. And I’d love to travel with you!”
“Then you decide the destination, and we’ll make it happen. Rome, Paris, New York? Maybe a cruise. Pick something off your bucket list and we’ll go for it.”
“Anywhere?”
“I’d draw the line at climbing Mount Everest or deep cave diving, but start thinking, okay?”
Cassie’s laughter lightened Lauren’s heart. “I’m already on Google.”
“Keep me posted—and maybe think about if you do want a gap year…as in, don’t burn any bridges at the universities that accept you.” Lauren lightened her tone. “Just in case, okay?”
“I promise, I've done nothing yet. Mom may accept the gap year eventually, then if I do decide to go to the university, she can take credit for helping me make the ‘best’ decision.”
They said goodbye, and Lauren shook her head as she flipped through her email and texts. She’d missed Dave’s response, but when she looked at her watch, knew the game had started. She sent a brief note in reply, mentioning Cassie, then after a slight pause added, “I miss you.”
#
Her conversation with Cassie gnawed at Lauren’s conscience for days afterward. She knew she should call her sister, somehow make things easier for her niece, but Lauren dreaded even speaking to Amanda after their last discussion about jobs…and her “hockey player.” Her schedule left little time for a heart-to-heart with Amanda. The moving company arrived well before its scheduled date, and Lauren had no choice except to supervise furniture placement, put boxes in designated rooms, and then attempt to create a semblance of order.
She didn’t want Dave coming home to chaos; since much of it resulted from her things in the bedroom she’d selected. No idea what he wants me to do. No idea what I want to do. Not sure we’ll share the master bedroom…even with his not-so-subtle hints. He may not be serious. Then, there’s that stupid comment about Cam recognizing me in the paper bag selfie because of a tattoo that may or may not have been visible.
Playoff preparations consumed her time with the Suns. Even though the first rounds remained a few weeks away, Lauren learned that the organization left nothing to chance. She supervised the design of the special post-season program the team would offer fans. Meetings with freelance designers, cover artists, writers, and print production services dictated her days. Unpacking boxes defined her evenings. True to their words, Terri, Kelly, and Caryn pitched in—both while she was at work and at home.
So lucky they’ve all been in this position before. No need to explain why the kitchen, living area, and his bedroom must take priority. My Marty deserves a sense of calm when he returns…with the playoff race still up in the air. Plus adjusting to the new team. Maybe trying too hard to make a statement. Lauren recognized the self-imposed pressure, even though his stats supplied no hint of stress. She heard it in his voice when they did get to talk, and she ignored the distractions she recognized in his comments. Like asking the same questions about the house during many conversations. She hoped to create an oasis of calm when he stepped through the door.
18
DAVE GRABBED THE seat beside Andrew for the flight home. “Not much chance to talk with you on this trip, Chad. You look like you’re ready to play. Any idea when you’ll get cleared?”
Andrew shrugged. “No indication. I think if I were cleared, I’d slow you guys down. I can’t keep up with the fourth line.”
“Bullshit, you’re plenty fast. Remember last practice on our line? Almost like old times.” Dave felt his phone vibrate and dug it from his pocket.
“No defense, Martin. Easy when no one’s in your face.” He tapped a note on his own phone while Dave read his messages.
/> “Caryn say anything about the state of my new house?”
“Not to me. Lauren’s not giving you updates?”
“She said she’s too busy with work. Only picture she’s sent is this.” He angled his phone so Andrew could see Lauren’s paper bag photo.
Andrew laughed. “Yes, the famed woman in the paper bag.”
“You heard about that?”
“Peterson mentioned it.” Andrew lowered his voice. “You know that kid has no filter or clue—and he’s trying to prove he’s one of the guys.”
“Once he learns the world doesn’t revolve around him—and that he doesn’t know everything—he won’t have to prove anything.” Dave looked around them before he continued. “Peterson enlist you to help keep his ass out of trouble?”
Andrew laughed. “Well, he’s had the pleasure of rooming with Camden. Least I can do is take the after-game celebrations. I inform the bartender he’s underage and that solves one problem. Preventing him from leaving with an underage girl or even a puck bunny twice his age—that’s the challenge.”
“And Lauren’s dated him?” Dave watched Andrew shrug.
“Not that I know. That’s not a topic Caryn discusses with me.” Andrew glanced at his friend. “He was here only a few days before training camp, then he went straight to the AHL.”
Dave stretched his legs and leaned back in the seat. “So, how’s Caryn faring with the twins while you’ve been on this road trip?”
“Better than I have. These time differences make it hard to connect.” He scrolled through his phone and showed Dave a picture. “This morning. I swear they’ve doubled in size while on this trip. In answer to your question, she says she’s had plenty of help. Suggested she begin interviewing nannies but can’t get her to commit. She will need extra hands, at night, when Lauren moves out.” Andrew looked at Dave pointedly.
He started to reply when a hand slapped his shoulder. “Lauren’s moving in with you?” Cam grinned as he stepped into their view. “Didn’t know you two were…” He stopped when Dave glared at him. “She’s off the market?”
