The Playboy Next Door

by Christina Tetreault

  That explained her absence today.

  “I still can’t believe she’s moving to California,” Jessie said. “It’s going to be strange without her around.”

  Tony’s thoughts mirrored Jessie’s 100 percent.

  “I wouldn’t mind living there for a few months, but not forever. I’d miss everyone here too much.” Kelsey waved at someone on the field. “We’re over here, Ella,” she called out.

  Now seemed like a good time to go. “I’ll see you all later. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “If you change your mind, just stop by on Monday,” Mack said before he went back to listening to his daughter.

  Tony nodded. It seemed like the appropriate thing, even though he had no intention of joining his friends for the game.

  The first two quarters of the game progressed much as Coach had predicted. Although the team from Danvers played well, North Salem’s defense stopped them on almost every play. By halftime, it looked as though North Salem had the game in the bag. Of course, that was when things started to go downhill.

  On the first play of the third quarter, a defensive lineman tackled Hunter Greerly. Everyone on the sideline heard the crack when Hunter went down. Things just got worse from there. On North Salem’s next possession, Dan Law was taken out of the game with an ankle injury. The team didn’t score a touchdown again after that. Thankfully, however, North Salem’s defense managed to hold Danvers back, and they didn’t add any more points to the scoreboard either.

  “That was the worst Thanksgiving game we’ve had in a long time,” Tony overheard Striker say to his father as he passed by the office inside the locker room.

  These days, he didn’t agree with much of what Striker said, but he did agree with that statement. They’d won, but barely.

  “A win’s a win,” Coach said. “But I hope Hunter’s break isn’t too serious. Later today, I’ll call his parents and check in on him.”

  “He lives down the street from me, Coach. I’ll stop by and check in on him if you want.” Tony paused at the office door.

  Both Striker and his dad looked in Tony’s direction. “Call me after you do. And tell them to call me if they need anything,” Coach said, reminding Tony of the time he’d sprained his wrist during a playoff game. Coach had called his mom that night to check on him. Since he’d also played basketball and baseball in high school, he’d had other coaches, but none cared as much as Cat’s father.

  “No problem. Unless you need anything, I’m heading out. All the players are gone.”

  Coach Striker nodded. “See you later, Tony. Have a nice Thanksgiving.”

  “You too.”

  Tony took the long way to his parents’ house. He hadn’t spoken to either Mom or Dad in over a week. In fact, the last time he’d talked with Mom it had been to confirm what time he and Cat should arrive for dinner this afternoon. Was she still expecting both of them or had she heard he and Cat had gone their separate ways?

  Normally, gossip spread quickly through town. Since she hadn’t called to lecture him or ask him what he was thinking, he suspected she hadn’t heard yet, which meant she’d grill him today the first chance she got. As much as he’d rather skip that interrogation, he couldn’t miss Thanksgiving dinner with his family. With the exception of one year, he’d always spent the holiday at his parents’ table. The one year he hadn’t, he’d joined Isabella’s family instead. It had been the worst Thanksgiving dinner he’d ever eaten. While Isabella’s mom had been a sweet lady, she couldn’t cook a decent meal even if her life had depended on it. More than once, he’d suffered through meals with Isabella’s parents, and every time afterward, he’d grab something to eat on the way back to campus.

  The day he’d joined Cat and her parents, Mrs. Striker hadn’t cooked, but the pies she’d made had been fantastic. He’d finished the extra apple pie she’d made him in two days. During their time together, Cat had cooked for him several times, and he’d enjoyed everything she’d made. Whoever she married someday wouldn’t need to worry about inedible meals.

  Without intending to, Tony pictured Cat greeting a guy who looked an awful lot like Zack as he walked into her kitchen. In his vision, she kissed the Zack look-alike before they both sat down at the table with two little girls who resembled Cat.

  Grinding his teeth, he forced the imaginary scene away. He didn’t care if Cat got married and had a dozen little girls who looked just like her. She was free to get on with her life. Maybe she’d get back together with Zack. The creep had obviously realized what a mistake he’d made when he broke up with her.

  Actually, it wouldn’t surprise him at all if Zack hadn’t already stopped by Cat’s apartment and tried to change her mind, despite his warning at Peggy Sue’s.

  “It’s none of my business.” He tried not to think about the way Zack had corned her that night at the party as he pulled into his parents’ driveway. She’d managed to take care of herself that night. If Zack pulled another stunt like that one, she’d be able to handle it herself again.

  The smell of turkey hit him head-on and saliva pooled in his mouth. He took in a deep breath, inhaling the wonderful smells filling the entire house.

  “Tony’s here,” his nonna called out when he walked into the living room. “I’ve been anxious for you to get here. How was the game?” she asked, a wide smile on her wrinkled face.

  Except for the years when he’d played football, Nonna never went to the games. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Hi, Nonna. It was a tough one.”

  “Oh, well, that happens.” She waved a hand and glanced behind him, as if looking for someone else. “Where’s your girlfriend. Your mom said she was joining us today.”

  Unlike Gramma and Grampa, his father’s parents, Nonna no longer lived in North Salem, so she rarely knew the latest news in town. “We’re not together anymore.”

  “That’s a shame. Patty told me how happy you seemed lately. She thought you’d found the one.”

  “Are you talking about Catrina Striker?” his Gramma said, joining them.

  “Tony said he’s not seeing her anymore,” Nonna said.

  “I ran into Shelly at the café. She told me Catrina’s moving to California,” Gram said, referring to Cat’s grandmother.

  “By herself? She shouldn’t be going that far away alone.” Nonna sounded outraged and he cracked a smile.

  “Things are different now. It’s not like when we were their age.”

  He listened as his grandmothers took a trip down memory lane grateful they’d moved onto a new topic. If he hoped to enjoy the day, he didn’t need them reminding him of the one person he wished was with him.

  “Tony, can you help me?” his mom called from the kitchen down the hall.

  When he walked in, he grabbed a coconut macaroon off the platter on the counter and popped it in his mouth before his mom noticed.

  “I saw that,” she said as she started mashing the potatoes. “Can you get the glass bowl in that cupboard down for me?” She gestured toward the corner cupboard with her elbow, not that she need too. He knew just which bowl she wanted. She only used it for special holidays.

  “Here you go.” He put the bowl down before grabbing another one of the macaroon’s his Nonna had made. “Do you need anything else?”

  “Do you mind grabbing the rolls from the oven? The bread basket for them is on the table.” His mom added more milk to the pan. “What time are Edward and Jane expecting you and Cat tonight?”

  And here it came. “I’m not going.”

  His mom turned around, the potato masher still in her hand. “Why not?”

  “We’re not seeing each other anymore.”

  “I don’t understand. What happened? Just the other day, she was living with you.”

  “She got offered a promotion in California. She’s out there now looking for an apartment.”

  “And you didn’t try to change her mind?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, hoping to dislodge the tension that had set in. “Wh
y would I do that? If the table was reversed, I wouldn’t want someone to hold me back.”

  Mom’s hands settled on her hips, and a blob of mashed potato hit the floor. “Because you love her. Deny it all you want, Tony, but I know you do. A mother can tell these things.”

  First Sean and now Mom, why did everyone insist on telling him how he felt? He knew his own heart. Why didn’t I go home after the game?

  “You’re being foolish,” she said, pointing the masher at him. “And I’m only saying this because I love you and want you to be happy. Reconsider your decision before it’s too late.”

  There was nothing to reconsider. He’d made up his mind, and his future didn’t include Cat.

  Chapter 13

  Tony read through one of the new fitness equipment brochures the sales representative had left with him. From what he could tell, the new treadmills listed didn’t appear any different from the ones the gym already had, but perhaps he’d missed something on his first pass through the information. Before he made any decisions, he’d go over the brochure again and compare it to the machines on the floor.

  “You left your phone on the counter,” Richard said, entering the office. “You missed a call.”

  “Thanks. Before you go, take these with you. Let me know what you think.” Tony handed his partner a few of the other brochures. “I don’t think there’s anything in there we need, but I want you to double check in case I’m wrong.” Although Tony knew his way around the gym, Richard remained the expert when it came to fitness and weight training.

  With a nod, Richard took the materials and walked away. Once again alone, Tony checked his phone. He didn’t get many calls during the day, and he wasn’t expecting a call from anyone. The number on his screen now didn’t have a name listed with it and it took him a few seconds before he realized it was Charlie Sherbrooke’s number. Sean’s younger sister had called him the week before too, and he’d meant to add her new number to his contact list.

  Curious as to why she’d call now, he pressed the redial icon.

  “I was just about to try you again,” Charlie said, and he assumed she had his number and name listed in her contact list. “The party tonight is going to be at Turin instead of The Scarlet Letter.”

  He hadn’t been looking forward to the little surprise engagement party anyway and now he was looking forward to it even less. He hadn’t been to Turin since his and Cat’s first date.

  “Why the change?”

  “The Scarlet Letter called this afternoon. They made a mistake and already have a large party scheduled for tonight,” Charlie answered.

  He knew if she’d wanted to, Charlie could just do some name-dropping and the manager of the restaurant would contact the other party and tell them to reschedule. After all, not many people said no to a Sherbrooke. However, Charlie would never do that.

  “It’s at the same time.”

  “I’ll be there.” In the long run, it didn’t matter where the party was held. Sean was his closest friend, which meant he’d be there to celebrate the guy’s engagement.

  He knew of at least three different ways to reach Turin. Tonight, he took the one that lead past Cat’s apartment. From the street, he saw the light in her kitchen on and considered stopping. He hadn’t seen or heard from her since he told her to take the position in California. Had she found an apartment? Was she getting excited about the move or was she nervous. A place like Anaheim, California was quite different from the North Shore of Massachusetts.

  While Striker no longer gave him evil looks, they still only conversed when they had no other choice, so he didn’t get any information from him. Coach hadn’t mentioned his daughter’s plans either. Right after Thanksgiving, he’d considered stopping in Quinn’s Hardware and asking Jessie for news. She might not know all of Cat’s plans, but she’d know enough to satisfy his curiosity. However, he’d decided that might give Jessie the wrong impression, or worse. She might say something to Cat to make her think, he’d changed his mind. The last thing he wanted to do was stand in Cat’s way, especially when he hadn’t changed his mind and never would.

  It took effort, but Tony continued past Cat’s apartment and turned the corner.

  The same hostess who greeted him and Cat months ago led him toward the private room in the back.

  “I was about to call you,” Charlie said, coming over to give him a hug. “Sean and Mia should be here any minute.”

  “Sorry, I got stuck in traffic. Who’s bringing them?” Jake, Charlie’s husband, Mr. O’Brien, Jessie, and Mack were already seated at the table.

  “Ma and Ray. She told them she wanted to celebrate their engagement and take them to dinner.”

  “They’re coming,” Taylor said, practically running into the room. “Hi, Tony.” She waved at him before dropping into her seat between her father and Jake.

  The congratulations started up the moment Sean and Mia entered the room, and Tony watched as the happy couple accepted hugs. Somewhat to his amazement, Sean even accepted a hug from his dad. He’d known that since Mr. O’Brien reentered Sean’s life that summer, they’d been spending more time together, but Tony also knew Sean still held some resentment toward his father. Tonight though, he didn’t see any of that. Even Sean’s mom appeared at ease around her ex-husband. Of course, that might have something to do with the fact Ray, her new husband, never left her side.

  “You knew about this and didn’t tell me.” Sean stopped next to him and elbowed him in the side.

  Even as kids, Sean hadn’t been big into surprises. He preferred to know just what he was walking into. Tony understood and shared that characteristic.

  “Sorry, but I promised Charlie. She would’ve had my head if I told you.” Of course, in order to tell him, he would have had to see Sean. Since the night Sean drove him home because he’d consumed one too many beers, he hadn’t seen the guy.

  Sean laughed. “Anyway, I’m glad you managed to drag your sorry ass out of your house tonight.”

  He wanted to refute Sean’s claim, but decided against it. “Nothing would’ve stopped me from coming tonight.” And that was about as close as he’d ever come to telling Sean he loved him like a brother.

  “Mia’s already started planning. She asked both Charlie and Taylor to be in the wedding. I’d like you to be my best man.”

  “No one plans a better bachelor party. Remember John’s?” he asked, referring to his younger brother.

  “No strip clubs, Tony.”

  Oddly, the idea of going to a strip club, even if it was for a bachelor party, didn’t sound remotely entertaining. “Whatever you say. We should do something different anyway. I’ll think of something.”

  After their short chat, Sean joined Mia across the table and various conversations started up around Tony. While he could have joined in any of them, his thoughts strayed away from the here and now and focused on his last visit to the restaurant.

  Had a handful of months already passed since that night? It didn’t seem possible. Maybe there was something to that old adage, time flies when you’re having fun, because his time with Cat had gone by in the blink of an eye. He couldn’t recall when months had passed by that quickly. He also didn’t remember the last time he’d been so happy either. Not that he’d been unhappy before, but when he’d been with Cat, he’d felt different. More alive somehow. As if he was where he belonged with the woman he belonged with.

  I’m losing it. All the talk around him about wedding dates and color schemes was messing with his brain. When he woke up tomorrow, he’d be thinking clearly again rather than wondering if he’d made the biggest mistake of his life.

  “Jessie, are you going to be around tomorrow?” Charlie asked from further down the table.

  Next to him, Jessie put her water glass down and looked in Charlie’s direction. “Kelsey and I are helping Cat pack in the afternoon.”

  Cat had told him the company wanted her in California by the New Year and she had already gone apartment hunting. Still, the i
dea of her packing up her place made the move all the more real.

  “How about at night then? Sean can babysit Jake for me.”

  “More like put me to work. The last time you left me with your brother, he had Tony and me tearing apart a bathroom.” Jake said good-naturedly. “What are you up to tomorrow, Tony? It might be safer if I hang out with you instead.”

  Tony liked Jake Sherbrooke. Despite the fact that Jake’s father was the President of the United States and had more money than he knew what to do with, the guy remained down to Earth and approachable. “I’m up for anything.”

  “Since Jake’s got a babysitter, I’ll call you when I’m done at Cat’s,” Jessie said, looking in his direction.

  “Great.” Charlie turned her attention to her half-sister, Taylor, who was telling Mia about something that had happened at school that week.

  Jessie’s arm brushed against his as she leaned closer. “Cat found an apartment while she was in California.” Her voice was low, but he had no trouble hearing it, and the comment sent another stake through his heart.

  “That’s good. She must be glad that’s taken care of.”

  “I guess, but she still doesn’t seem like herself.”

  “She’s stressed out. That’s understandable. Once she gets settled, she’ll be fine.”

  Jessie looked over at Mack and then she touched Tony’s arm. “That’s not it. I’ve known Cat a long time, and this isn’t how she acts when she’s stressed.” She stopped as if to consider her next words. “She misses you.”

  Tony opened his mouth to speak, but she didn’t give him the opportunity.

  “Striker would be furious if he knew I said this, but maybe you should reconsider. Whenever I saw you guys together, you both looked so happy.”

  She was right on both accounts. “I won’t tell Striker you said that.”

  “Tony,” Jessie paused and then sat up straighter in her chair. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

  Tony wished he could forget a lot of things these days. Unfortunately, that had become impossible.