Page 6 of What If I See You
“Why can’t you be more like your brothers?”
“Your father is so disappointed in you.”
My mother’s words always seem to cut through when I’m feeling vulnerable. I try so fucking hard to always be a good person. A hardworking reliable person who cares about others more than I care about myself. And I think I’ve achieved that kind of life, especially in my line of work. But on days like today, when it all goes to shit, it’s my mother I hear in my head instead of the proverbial positive energy I try to provide for others.
I feel mildly better after having a warm shower and pulling on comfier clothes than my work clothes, even if they are too big for me. I don’t mind.
Because like I said, I’m wearing Griffin’s clothes.
Griffin Ollenberg.
Professional hockey player for the Anaheim Stars and all-around cutie.
I’m wearing his clothes.
Beats spending the evening in muddy wet dress clothes.
“Nice buns,” Corrigan says with a wink when I step into the living room. She gestures to the cinnamon rolls on the pajama pants Griffin laid out for me.
“Thank you.” I give her a playful wink.
“Feel better?” Griffin asks, handing me a glass. “It’s vodka cranberry. Corri said it’s a fave.”
“Yes. Thank you.” I tip the glass all the way back and swallow it down like an old college pro much to Griffin’s amusement.
“Wow.” He grins. “Expect the unexpected when it comes to Layken Hobbs. Noted. Would you like another?”
I hand him back the glass. “Please.”
“Coming right up. Make yourself comfortable.” He steps toward the kitchen and then turns. “Oh, do you remember everyone? If not I can?—”
“Oliver Magallan, Ledger Dayne, Harrison Meers.” I nod to each one seated around the room. “Barrett Cunningham, August Blackstone, Bodhi Roche, aaaand,” my eyes fall back to Griffin, “Griffin Ollenberg.” I smile. “You may not all know me, but I’ve known most of you for years. I’m a fan.”
“Okay.” He nods with another impressed smile. “Sometimes I forget we’re not just a bunch of average Joes who play hockey together once in a while.”
I snort. “Right. Average Joes who kick ass on the ice, you mean.”
The red-haired woman next to Oliver Magallan stands and offers me a handshake. “Well, we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Scarlett Dayne. Ledger’s cousin and Oliver’s fiancée.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Layken Hobbs. Friend of the coach’s daughter I guess.”
Murmurs of laughter scatter throughout the group.
“We’re really sorry to hear about the job, Layken,” Ella mentions. Everyone nods and adds their apologies as well.
“Yeah well, what are you going to do?” I shrug. “Somewhere someone is always getting the leg up, you know? Life isn’t fair, but I’ll get over it.”
“At least now you can focus on your writing,” Corrigan says.
Ella’s brows peak. “Oh, you’re a writer?”
I bob my head back and forth. “Well, I don’t know that I’d label myself as a full-blown writer or anything, but I dabble in contemporary romance books.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Corrigan pipes in. “She’s already published three books. She’s on her way to stardom.”
“Ooh!” Scarlett nudges her fiancé. “You should hook her up with your sister, Oli.” She turns back to me. “Oliver’s sister is a book editor and she edits lots of romance books. I’m sure she has a few connections.”
“Cool.” I nod. “Maybe I’ll reach out one day if I ever get this next story finished.”
