Las Vegas Sidewinders: Jared

by Kat Mizera

  “April sixteen was our first date,” he said automatically.

  Daisy giggled and Renee had to smile. “So about two months.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you go to the same college?”

  Fabrizio nodded. “I’m Swiss, but we lived in the U.S. for a long time when I was little, so I actually spoke English before Italian or German and my father wants me to continue my education in English. I went to an English high school and depending on what direction I go with my studies, I may go to the U.S. for my master’s.”

  “What are you studying?”

  “Architecture.”

  “Nice.”

  They talked all through breakfast and after, as they strolled through town. She’d been afraid she wouldn’t like anyone Daisy dated after the jerk she’d gone out with in high school, but so far there hadn’t been a single red flag. He was as polite and kind as she could have hoped for her daughter. They held hands, but kept any other public displays of affection at bay; he opened doors for them, made eye contact when he spoke to either of them, and was generally a sweet, intelligent young man.

  “Zio, look, isn’t that the Avenged Sevenfold T-shirt you’ve been looking for?” Daisy tugged him by the hand towards a shop and Renee watched them in open-mouthed shock.

  Zio?!

  It couldn’t be. The world couldn’t possibly be this small, could it? Was Fabrizio a common Swiss name? Was Zio a common nickname? Her legs felt wooden as she followed them, her mind reeling. She’d managed to put Jared out of her mind the last few days, but now she wouldn’t be able to think about anything else.

  Impulsively, she pulled out her phone and opened the text program, sending him a message:

  RENEE: Where are you right now?

  He answered immediately.

  JARED: In the Lugano town center.

  RENEE: Did you know???

  “Hey, beautiful…you lookin’ to get some strange?” Jared’s voice behind her made her jump and she whirled around, hand on her chest.

  “Dammit, Jared!” She shook her head. “And that line is getting old.”

  “It works, though.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Sorry.” He was laughing. “And honestly, it wasn’t until Zio brought Daisy to the house yesterday that I figured out what was going on. She looks just like you, and Daisy isn’t the most common name.”

  “Did you tell them?”

  “That we’ve slept together?” He looked affronted. “Of course not. I did tell Fab I’d met you, because it would be stupid to say we’d never met, but I didn’t tell him in front of the others. Duh.”

  She shook her head. “Well, I will admit it’s nice to see you.”

  “You too.” He leaned over and lightly kissed her. “I’ve been looking forward to running into each other.”

  “Me too.”

  And she had been. He looked amazing in khaki shorts, a black polo shirt and a baseball cap on his head backwards. With his sunglasses on and a deliciously telling smile on his face, he looked almost as young as Zio, just a lot more filled out. Lord, did he fill out his shirt. And those shorts. She had to tear her eyes away.

  “Mom, what are you…” Daisy’s voice trailed off as she looked from Renee to Jared and back again.

  “Uncle Jared!” Zio seemed perfectly at ease, grinning at them.

  “You know my mom?” Daisy looked confused.

  “Jared came in as one of the assistant coaches for the Sidewinders when Coach Gagner had his heart attack,” Renee interjected smoothly. “Remember I told you about that? We met at the after-party at Andra’s house.”

  “Oh!” Daisy looked…delighted? Renee was fairly certain there was a mischievous glint in her eyes that was going to embarrass someone. Most likely Renee. “You didn’t mention you knew my mom.” She was looking at Jared accusingly.

  “I didn’t make the connection right away,” he lied smoothly.

  “So you guys are dating?” Daisy asked happily.

  “We’re friends,” Renee gently corrected her.

  “This is so fun!” Daisy said. “Now we can double-date.”

  11

  Jared felt a little bad for Renee, who looked somewhat uncomfortable. Daisy was chattering away, window shopping as they continued through the scenic town. Zio was completely smitten, and he understood why—she was as adorable as her mother, in a young, much more innocent sort of way. She seemed oblivious to how quiet her mother had gotten and when the young couple moved into a store, Jared called out that they were walking to the lake and then took Renee’s hand.

  Lake Lugano was a beautiful deep blue, with people walking along the shores or cruising along on boats. Sitting by the lake was one of his favorite things to do whenever he was in Lugano and he hoped Renee would like it too.

  They didn’t talk as they walked and it wasn’t until they got to a barrier that overlooked the lake and its surrounding areas that he said, “Why did you blow me off the night before I left Vegas?”

  “I thought it would be smarter than starting something that was bound to end badly.”

  “Why would it end badly?” he asked softly.

  “You don’t know if you’re staying in Vegas…and I certainly have no plans to live in Boston. I’ve been alone for a long time but the idea of getting involved in a long-distance relationship would be like putting salt in the wound. And to be honest, a young guy like you, well, chances are, you’re looking for someone younger, someone who—”

  “You made all these decisions without even giving me a chance?” he interrupted impatiently. “I told you I wanted to see you again.”

  “Jared, look.” She put a hand on each of his shoulders. “I like you. A lot. But I’m not good at relationships, and after so many years, I’m not even sure I want one. I’m human, though, and something tells me I’d get attached to you. Things between us were hot and sexy and memorable, but you said yourself you’ve been a loner since your divorce. Two people that are anti-relationship don’t have good odds. Why start something that’s doomed?”

  “I never said I was anti-relationship,” he protested. “When Elsa left, I was in no condition for anything. Surgeries, rehab, all of that lasted almost two years. By the time I got on my feet physically, I was pissed at the world. I’d lost my career, my marriage, most of my friends… I wasn’t looking for anything but peace. And a job. When I started to settle down, accept my new reality, I still wasn’t a nice guy so I wasn’t relationship material. But it’s been a decade now. I’m older, and while I wouldn’t say I’m wise, I’m wiser than I was. I haven’t had a relationship because there’s never been anyone who fit into my lifestyle either. Do you know how busy a hockey coach is at the college level?”

  “Probably not as busy as an NHL coach.”

  They eyed each other.

  “You’re successful and busy, with a grown child and your own career. You’re gorgeous and the sex was fucking incredible. If I was ever going to give dating a chance, the time would be now.”

  Renee narrowed her eyes slightly, a strange look on her face. “You know, I may be a little out of practice with all this, but I’m willing to bet all of the deep reflection after two dates isn’t how dating is supposed to work.”

  “Is there a guide book? A set of rules?” He was trying not to laugh.

  “I’m not good at this, Jared. I feel stupid, like I’m making a fool of myself, and for me, that’s the worst feeling in the world.”

  “Aw, darlin’, don’t feel like that.” He looped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “You’re not stupid. We’re both sort of dipping our toes in the dating waters and it’s new. How about we just take it one date at a time? In fact, if it’s easier for you, I’ll go home now and leave you to—”

  “Play chaperone for Daisy and Zio?” The look on her face was one of pure horror and he burst out laughing.

  “Then let’s spend today together, and tomorrow you won’t see me at all because Fab and I are heading to a place
that makes custom skates and it’s a few hours away, so we’ll be gone all day.”

  “You make it sound so simple.”

  “You really have a tough time with this relationship stuff, huh?”

  She smiled, but let out a little sigh. “Yes. I really do.”

  “Well, I got the job in Vegas, so the long-distance thing is now a non-issue.”

  “Oh, Jared, congratulations.” She turned in his arms and lifted her lips to his, kissing him lightly. “I’m really happy for you.”

  “Thanks. It’s going to be insane. They want me to report the beginning of August to start gearing up for the season. They wanted me a week earlier, but I told them I’ve already committed to a bunch of things here in Europe and I’ll need a week when I get back to find a place to live. I kind of wish I could get back earlier, but I hate giving up time with Fab and the family.”

  “I’m happy to help you get settled,” she said gently. “And honestly, you’re welcome to stay with me. Even if we’re not dating or whatever, I have three empty bedrooms, so you can crash in one of them while you’re getting settled.”

  “Thanks.” He looped his fingers through hers. “So, what do you think the kids are going to want to do today?”

  “Daisy wants to shop. She always wants to shop, and Zio seems happy to do whatever she wants.”

  He laughed. “Young love is the best.”

  “It is.”

  They grinned as they walked back across the street.

  It was a nice day, browsing shops as they walked through the town center area and having dinner overlooking the lake at sunset. After dinner, Daisy and Zio went to a club to listen to music while Jared and Renee headed back to her hotel, which was right on the square.

  “I’m guessing you’re sharing a room with Daisy and we’re not going to be getting naked any time soon,” he mused as they walked.

  “Yes, we’re sharing a room, and there won’t be any getting naked tonight. Are you staying with Zio’s family?”

  “Yeah, and bringing a woman home for a sleepover is…”

  “Weird?”

  They chuckled.

  “We’ll figure it out.” He paused in front of her hotel. “Besides, I think you need some time to wrap your head around this dating stuff. So you take a few days, think about how it feels. If you want to see me again, reach out. If not, no hard feelings. I’ll see you back in Vegas and we’ll be friends.”

  “That sounds good in theory, but it never really works in practice.”

  “It will. You have my word.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you soon, Renee.”

  “Good night, Jared.”

  It was a little after midnight when Daisy came in. Renee was in bed checking email on her laptop and looked up with a smile. “It’s early. You already called it a night?”

  “Yeah, Zio was giving Jared a ride and he kind of nudged us along. Besides, I want to spend time with you.”

  Renee made a face. “More than you want to spend time with your boyfriend? Come on, I know you love me, but no teenager wants to dump her boyfriend for her mom.”

  “You’re not like most moms,” Daisy protested, kicking off her sandals and flopping on the bed next to Renee’s. “And I see Zio every single day at school. He’s really great, but I don’t need to be with him every minute of every day.”

  “You’re so much more mature than I was at nineteen.”

  “You were married at nineteen!” Daisy laughed.

  “I was, but I also made your dad my whole life and let almost everything else go. When he died, I didn’t know how to move on without him because I’d never been with anyone else. I’m glad you’re not so clingy.”

  “You’ve never had sex with anyone else?” Daisy asked, wide-eyed.

  “Oh god, of course I have.” Renee laughed. “But when he died I hadn’t, and it took me years before I worked up the nerve to do it. Marrying your first love is romantic and sweet, but sometimes it backfires. I just want you to live a little before you settle down, that’s all.”

  “Don’t worry, Mom. I have no desire to get married any time soon. I love living in Switzerland, exploring Europe and enjoying everything about college. Except homework, but that’s the trade-off, I guess.”

  “It is.” Renee smiled fondly.

  “So don’t worry so much. I’m good. Zio and I are taking things slow.”

  “But you’ve already…” Renee had never asked about her daughter’s sex life, but somehow, she wanted to know, just in case she needed to talk about anything.

  Daisy licked her lips. “Mom, you don’t really like it when I tell you stuff like this.”

  “I know, but I want to be better. I want us to be better. I want you to feel like you can tell me anything. You’re an adult. I sent you here because I wanted you to do exactly what you’re doing—exploring the world and growing up. All I ask is that you do well in school.”

  “Yes, Zio and I have made love. He wasn’t the first, you know.”

  Renee grimaced. “Okay, I’m pulling up my big-girl pants. Just give me a second to breathe.” She inhaled through her nose and slowly let it out. This was going to be hard, but deep down she’d known. “It was that awful Bruce Garland, wasn’t it?”

  Daisy fell over laughing, shaking her head. “Oh, gross, no! It was Ben Tucker.”

  “Oh.” Renee was thoughtful. Ben had been such an ass. He’d been a year older than Daisy and tutored her in precalculus her junior year. He’d been a little nerdy at first, even though he played varsity baseball, but he’d turned into a world-class jerk the more she got to know him.

  “He was my first. You didn’t really believe he came back from college to take me to senior prom because we were such good friends?”

  “You did it prom night?”

  Daisy rolled her eyes. “No, we did it my junior year. He broke up with me when he went off to Yale. Why do you think I started acting out? I was heartbroken but afraid to tell you I’d lost my virginity and then… I don’t know, we were butting heads and you were always mad and I was always sad. I didn’t know how to talk to you and when Ben came home for Christmas, he said he wanted to talk. We didn’t get back together, but we talked things out and he promised he’d be home to take me to prom. I was kind of lost and I guess I didn’t have anyone to take it out on but you.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry you felt like you couldn’t talk to me. I thought we were closer than that.”

  “You were really stressed by the book that didn’t do very well and that cover model who was talking shit about you.”

  Renee nodded. “I’m sorry. I tried to keep that from you. I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “And I tried to keep my problems from you because you already had enough on your plate.”

  They eyed each other wearily.

  “Well, aren’t we special.” Renee held out her arms and Daisy crawled into them, hugging her tightly.

  “I’m sorry, Mom.”

  “I’m sorry too, sweetie.”

  “What do we do now?”

  “Well, tomorrow we’re going to take a bus to Milan and go shopping. How does that sound?”

  “Awesome!”

  “And then we’re going to have a long talk about birth control.”

  12

  After three days, Jared hadn’t heard from Renee and figured he wasn’t going to. While part of him was disappointed, he’d had a feeling she would cut and run, and he didn’t have it in him to chase her. As much as he liked her, she seemed determined to keep distance between them and he’d been telling her the truth when he’d said they could still be friends. She was sweet and beautiful, but there were lots of fish in the sea and he had enough of his own demons without taking on any of hers. If she wasn’t interested in exploring the passion they’d found with each other, far be it for him to make a nuisance of himself. God knows, it hadn’t worked with his ex-wife.

  “Tonight we go out,” Fab’s wife, Chiara, announced at breakfast. “I’m not cooking
or cleaning. There’s a great pizza place in the piazza that we like and then maybe we can have a few drinks.”

  “Whatever you want, my love.” Fab kissed the side of her face.

  “I’m easy,” Jared said, smiling. “I’ll do whatever you guys want to do.”

  “Is Zio already gone?” Chiara demanded.

  Fab nodded. “He left to go meet Renee and Daisy for breakfast.”

  “Why doesn’t he invite them over?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips. “I want to meet her mother.”

  “Probably because of me,” Jared admitted. “I guess she’s not as into me as I am her, so she’s avoiding me.”

  “She’s not into you?” Chiara frowned. “Handsome devil that you are? What did you do to drive her away?”

  “Nothing. I swear. Not this time. She said she’s not interested in relationships.”

  “So you two are perfect for each other,” Fab chuckled.

  “That’s what I said, but she hasn’t called and this is the second time I’ve left the ball in her court. I can take a hint.”

  Chiara wrinkled her nose. “Then it’s her loss. She has no idea what a gem of a man you are underneath the rough exterior.”

  “My exterior is rough?” Jared teased. “You just called me a handsome devil.”

  “Your exterior personality, which is all salt and vinegar.” She paused. “That’s not right. What expression am I looking for?”

  Jared laughed. “Piss and vinegar?”

  “Yes!”

  “I don’t think it’s my piss or my vinegar—it’s her losing her husband in a car accident and deciding she doesn’t want to risk her heart ever again.”

  “Difficult,” Fab agreed. “But nothing ventured, nothing gained, you know?”

  “I know that. You just have to tell her.”

  “Perhaps we can invite her and Daisy over for dinner before they leave for Italy,” Chiara mused. “Leave this to me.”

  Jared smiled. “Leave it alone, Chiara. This obviously isn’t meant to be.”