by Robyn M Ryan
“Amelie wanted to have a drink before dinner, so I ordered some tapas. Amelie never stayed at the table long enough to eat.”
“I missed dinner. Would you care to join me for an omelet?”
Cassie saw the smile that hinted at Tom’s mouth. “You’re cooking?”
“You bet.” The wink caused Cassie’s heart to flutter as Tom looked at his brother. “Give me your phone. I’ll talk to Mr. Camden if he calls back. You may not get much sleep if the twins fuss again.”
Andrew plugged the phone into a charger on the counter. “Get me if I’m needed. If Amelie’s at Center Ice, one of the guys or wives should recognize her. In fact, Steve and Terri Rogers were heading there.” He looked at Cassie and smiled. “Amelie’s in for a rude surprise if Camden catches her flirting with any of the guys.”
Tom refused Cassie’s offer to help and suggested she relax while pushing the disastrous evening to the back of her mind. Content to watch him grate the cheese, then chop up green and yellow peppers, her gaze traveled from the doctor’s broad shoulders to his perfect ass. The blue Suns’ polo shirt only enhanced his athletic build…definitely Dr. McHottie. None of my personal physicians back home ever came close…not even in the same universe.
She shook her head and tried to stop staring. “So, you survived pulling a player from the ice?”
Tom glanced at her with a wry smile. “Not willingly, that’s for sure. Unless they’re unconscious or have a compound fracture, guys who play hockey never think they need to leave the ice.”
“Did you play?”
She heard his quiet chuckle. “I played until major juniors. It was hard to accept that I didn’t have the talent to go pro. Especially with my hot-shot brother. Coaches encouraged me to look elsewhere, go to college. So, I had no problem walking away when it came time to seriously concentrate on getting into med school.” He cracked the eggs into a bowl and used a whisk to stir the mixture. “Following my super-talented brother left skates too big for me to fill.”
“Andrew could say the same thing about you.” Her phone interrupted the conversation.
“If that’s Cam…”
“Lauren’s ring tone.” She picked up the phone. “You just get back from the game?”
“We went by the hospital first. Just checking that you’re back home safely.”
Cassie groaned. “Been home over an hour.”
“Terri called to say a pretty buzzed Amelie came in Center Ice. We wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“Did you call Cam?”
“Yes, on his way now.” Cassie heard Lauren’s laugh. “Getting a taste of his own actions and consequences. Anyway, Terri persuaded her to join the team’s post-game meal. They were more concerned about you since Amelie told them she didn’t know where you’d gone.”
“She acted like I deserted her there? What an ungrateful….” Cassie bit her tongue.
“Terri said she made little sense. I just wanted to check in on my favorite niece. I know you wouldn’t do anything irresponsible.”
“I try not to do anything stupid.” She looked up as Tom set a plate on the counter for her as she heard Lauren’s soft laughter.
“You? Do something stupid? I know better than that.”
Tom watched Cassie as she slowly savored her omelet. Her hair hid her eyes when she looked at the food, and he fought the urge to brush it aside.
“No highlights today?” Tom noticed the missing kaleidoscope of colors she used to highlight her hair. “Isn’t this fuchsia day?”
She giggled as she swallowed. “Actually, I’d planned to use teal.”
“Out of stock?”
“No, my new friend said it made me look…I don’t know…juvenile. Translated—not classy.” She met his eyes with a mischievous grin. “Maybe if I’d used three different colors, I’d have passed the sophistication test.”
“Those colors are cute and…sexy.”
Cassie rested her chin on her hand. “Are you color blind or something?”
Tom drank some water to keep from laughing. “Nope, I look forward to seeing what colors you choose each day. Suits your personality—and the highlights enhance your…” He paused, searching for the word he wanted. “Let’s just say, you’re gorgeous but edgy.” He watched pink splotches forming on her neck and face. “I think your ‘friend’ doesn’t want you to outshine her.”
“Thank you, doctor, but don’t worry about Amelie hurting my feelings. I just planned to have a fun evening with a new friend.” She shrugged. “No big deal.”
“Don’t change for anyone, Cassie. No one who cares for you wants that.” Tom watched her hazel eyes sparkle as she ate the last tiny bite of her omelet.
She slid off the stool and carried the dishes to the sink. “Bet you have a great bedside manner. You know just the right thing to say.” She rinsed the plates and slipped them into the dishwasher. She took the silverware from him. “Tomorrow, I’ll pick a color especially for you.” She unsuccessfully contained the giggle that followed and turned her attention to the sink.
They heard a soft squawk on the baby monitor. Cassie quickly dried her hands. “I hope I can soothe them, so they don’t wake Caryn.” Tom followed as she quietly sprinted to the nursery. Once both had fresh diapers, Cassie caught Tom’s eye and gestured toward the kitchen. “If they take a bottle now, maybe they’ll sleep through the night,” she whispered.
17
Cassie didn’t hear from Amelie over the next few days—not that it bothered her…much. In her free time, she touched base with some friends from home. Most had scattered across Canada and some to the US, and she enjoyed chatting with them about campus experiences. Parties, games, guys, fraternities, more parties, and oh yeah, studying, too. Her inner voice questioned her decision to take a gap year…maybe I should have gone to school in Toronto like Lauren? Perhaps I’d have more than one new friend. Or even a guy…Tom flashed through her mind. She knew she had it bad for the doctor but didn’t know how to interpret his playful teasing or flirtatious winks. Interested in me? But she knew he was off-limits for too many reasons. She had no one to confide in about her secret crush. Definitely not Lauren. Last thing I need is for Tom to find out and avoid me.
She gritted her teeth in frustration as she carefully applied a hint of rose gold to her hair. Using a slim brush, she added just enough to highlight her face. Then, because sunny days always lifted her spirits, she dipped the ends of her hair into a brighter rose hue.
Caryn had surprised her earlier in the day when she suggested Cassie attend the Suns game that night.
“Don’t you want to go?”
Caryn shrugged. “More tired than usual. I’ll enjoy a quiet evening with Jenna and Daniel, and no one will know if I fall asleep before the third period.”
“If I help you, you could fall asleep before the game begins.”
“Cassie, you’re the most giving person I know. Enjoy an evening out. You can ride in with the girls. Go to Center Ice after the game and have fun! You know, I was about your age when I met Andrew.” Caryn smiled mysteriously. “Who knows? You could meet your special guy.”
Cassie felt her cheeks burning. “Unlikely, but I’d love to go to the game. As long as you really don’t need me? I’ll happily play with my cuddle bugs.”
“Not tonight. You have fun—I insist.”
Lauren had game credentials for Cassie, and she slipped the lanyard over her head. “Thanks, Lauren. Did Dave get these?”
“Picked them up at morning skate. Dave said to tell you he doesn’t want to see you wearing another player’s number.”
“Like that will happen. If I get a jersey, I’ll choose his. Family first, you know.”
Terri looked over her shoulder from the front seat. “Don’t count on that if you meet one of the cute young guys on the roster.”
“Like that will happen.” Cassie snorted.
“Maybe after the game, we can go to Center Ice—you can decide for yourself.” Kelly showed her parking pass t
o the attendant and parked near the entry door reserved for players, family, and VIPs.
Cassie’s eyes widened when she saw the suite reserved for family and friends. “You have this every game?” She asked Lauren, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Different menus, but yes, all you could ever want to eat or drink.” Lauren took Cassie’s arm. “I’ll give you the tour. We’ll get something to eat and drink before we go to our seats.”
While waiting for her turn at the buffet, Cassie glimpsed Amelie across the room. Will she acknowledge me? Or should I approach her? She filled her plate with small samples of many foods and then followed Lauren down the stairs to the suite’s front-row. She placed her drink in a cupholder, set her plate on the ledge, and took a few minutes to watch the team warm-up.
“I can recognize the guys I know without the helmets. I love Steve’s hair, Terri. Just kinda flows with him. You know how…um…sexy he looks right now?”
“Definitely on my radar,” Terri laughed. “I’ll point out the available guys for you.”
Since everyone seemed to have a preferred seat, Cassie indicated the one on the aisle. “This seat claimed?”
“It is now,” Terri said. “We’re not superstitious or anything, but we sit in the same place every game.”
“Not superstitious?” Kelly added. “Just try to take that second spot.”
Cassie giggled as she sat on the plush leather seat. “This is perfect. I love that Dave, Andrew, and John skate together.”
“Especially when a certain defenseman joins in the rush,” Lauren added.
“Speaking of…Jason Hart is single,” Terri whispered. “Check him out, number twenty-six. Nice guy, too.”
“Another hunk,” Cassie sighed. “A girl can dream, can’t she?”
“You never know what fate has in store for you. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Steve. My brother’s best friend. I had such a crush on him—but all he saw was the tomboy sister and resident babysitter for my younger brothers.”
“And how did you get him to break the bro-code? I know you had no problem getting his attention.”
Terri laughed in memory. “Fate. He gave me a ride home from school when I was a senior. A storm was approaching, and my brother Bill said he’d pick up our younger brothers, so Steve volunteered to take me home. We stopped for the usual snow supplies, and when we left the store, the storm had already turned into a blizzard. We should have stayed at the store, but…” Terri shrugged. “We both thought we could get through it in Steve’s four-wheel drive. Ten minutes later, the road disappeared, we couldn’t see a thing and had to pull over.”
“Yikes!” Cassie’s eyes widened. “But maybe kinda romantic?”
Terri laughed. “No, not at all. I didn’t panic until the snow started drifting over the hood of the car.” She shuddered at the memory. “I’ll never forget that. So cold, then dark when the snow buried the entire car.”
“What did you do?”
“Steve called our parents to let them know we were okay, but stuck. They got his location from his phone’s Find Friend app. We had to wait it out.” Terri laughed softly. “Like an Eagle Scout, Steve had blankets, battery lanterns, emergency food, water…plus what we’d bought at the store.”
“How long were you stranded?”
“Twenty-four hours.”
“How’d you stay warm?” Cassie wondered.
“Body heat. We climbed in the back and wrapped ourselves in blankets. I’d have lost it if not for Steve’s calm and the warmth…make that the hot heat that he generates. Eh, that’s when things turned romantic.”
“So, the end of Tomboy Terri in Steve’s eyes?” Lauren guessed.
“Pretty much. When you’re freezing cold, that bro-code flies right out the window.”
“Details?”
“One of these days I’ll tell you the story.”
“Promise?” Cassie pictured an ultra-romantic scene. She turned when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Her…friend…flashed a smile. “Amelie, nice to see you.”
“Hey, Cassie. I hope you’re not too angry with me. I don’t remember much after you took me home, but I know I acted like a bitch.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin our friendship?”
Sincere? Give her the benefit of the doubt? “Not ruined, but I’m not your designated driver the next time you want to go dancing and drinking.” Her smile softened the words. “Anything new?”
“Working.” Amelie looked around the box and waved at a group of women. “Your first time here?”
“Enjoying every minute, especially the view as the guys warm-up.” She watched as Amelie’s eyes turned toward the ice. “So, Chance is cleared to play? That should cheer him up,” Cassie commented.
Amelia grinned but didn’t respond.
“You’ve seen Chance?”
“Just texting and chatting. Guess the concussion recovery took longer than he wanted.”
Terri leaned forward to reply. “Post-concussion headaches are no joke. Glad he passed all the tests to clear him.”
“If he weren’t so stubborn, I could have brought him chicken soup or something.” Amelie’s expression morphed into a hint of a pout. “Said he needed nothing but dim lighting and quiet. So, I sent him a care package via Uber Eats.”
“Thoughtful,” Cassie said. “Does he live close to you and Cam?”
“A few blocks over.” Amelie smiled coyly. “I’ll surprise him one of these days.”
“You may want to call first,” Terri warned. “He’s got a reputation. Be careful.”
“Absolutely will.” Amelie touched Cassie’s arm. “Want to go to the beach or shopping this weekend? I’m tired of the stores within walking distance.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll check with Caryn and let you know.”
18
Like clockwork, Cassie’s mother, Amanda, called each Saturday morning at ten a.m. Tampa-time. While she bristled a bit at the thought her mother felt she needed to check on her weekly, Cassie enjoyed hearing the news from Vancouver. Fall had given way to winter’s chill early, and when Amanda mentioned the first snowfall, Cassie shuddered.
“I probably shouldn’t tell you how beautiful and warm Tampa is right now?” Cassie said. “Or that we’re going to the beach later today?”
“Only if you want to hear me cry!”
“Forget I said that. It’s raining and miserable here.”
Amanda laughed. “Have you started thinking about your next steps after this gap year ends? The year’s quickly passing.”
Cassie paused before answering, a sudden feeling of dread dropping over her like a shroud. “I’m looking at a lot of options. I’m torn between taking dance, teaching preschool, or maybe even communications like Lauren and Caryn.”
“Cassandra, that’s all over the map. Have you analyzed each option and identified where you’d study?”
“Working on it.” Cassie tried to keep the prickly tone from her voice. “Trying to decide where I want to spend the next four years. I like Tampa, and there are opportunities here.”
“And the universities that accepted you last year?”
“I need to see if any offer the programs I’m considering.” Cassie absently played with her hair, wrapping some around her finger.
“Maybe try to narrow it down, Cassie,” her mother suggested. “You can take dance classes anywhere. Maybe think about teaching versus communications. I’m sure many universities offer both programs, and Lauren can help you narrow your choices. That would be a place to start.”
“Always the practical answers.” I can’t tell her I’m considering not going to college. Not yet. Not everyone needs to go to the uni.
“Don’t wait too long,” her mother advised. “I’m sure deadlines for applications aren’t too far in the future. Have you made arrangements to visit us at Christmas?”
“I need to talk with Caryn. Andrew has a three-day break over Christmas, so if I come, I won’t have mu
ch time. But I’d miss seeing you, Dad, and Taylor.”
“Speak with your dad. Last I heard, he planned to book a Disney Christmas cruise. But your grandmother and I would love to have you visit. I don’t suppose Lauren’s mentioned their plans?”
“We haven’t even thought about Christmas. With this weather, it’s tough remembering what month it is.” Cassie glanced at her watch, double-checking that October still had another week. “I’ll start working on all the above. Maybe I’ll have narrowed my choices in a few weeks.”
Phone conversations with her mother left Cassie feeling anxious. She liked to live in the moment, not plan years into the future. She loved her job, loved living close to Lauren and Dave, and loved the twins more every day. I need to find a way to do both—work for Caryn and Andrew and enroll in school to study…something? Can’t keep putting it off. Maybe more research into the schools here?
She opened her laptop and quickly checked the universities that had accepted her last year. All offered Early Childhood Education, but Communications programs proved not as easy to find. The university in Tampa offered a wide choice of communication majors. Public Relations? Marketing? Something like Lauren and Caryn’s company? Wonder if they’ll eventually hire an assistant? Lauren could tell me what I’d need to choose as my major.
Cassie logged off her computer and wandered to the living area. The twins had pulled every toy from the bin, or most of them, dragging them to all corners of their play area.
“They look so pleased with themselves,” she told Caryn with a laugh.
“Very proud. I tried to contain the hazard to just part of the room.” She showed the soft cushions that prevented Jenna and Daniel’s access to the entire open area. “Once they figure out how to climb…we may have to consider a playpen.”
“Somehow, I don’t see them…” Cassie stopped mid-sentence when Andrew and Tom entered the house. Tom’s face was flushed as if he’d just come from practice. “Is the team doc working out during practice?” She captured Tom’s brown eyes as a teasing smile crossed her face. “Or trying out for a spot on the roster?”
