Page 35
I’m assuming it was you who cleaned my truck and my hat?
Kenni
Yup, thanks for taking care of me. The coffee was a godsend. Next time, though, make sure you set up an IV drip.
Me
Next time?
Kenni
You know it.
I don’t know if I should circle back and tell her I’ll always take care of her. That it was my pleasure to bring her coffee, that maybe next time, we can go together. I want to ask what she’s done the last three days.
Fuck, I just want to talk to her. But can I? Should I?
Between her sister being my baby mama and my sister being her best friendandher just filing for divorce, can I really talk to her like I want?
Fuck. I feel like I’m eighteen again, just wanting a fraction of her time.
As if I’m once again leaning in to kiss her before I’m yanked away.
When my buddy Liam Cutler sits beside me, he hands me a beer before leaning back into the wall. He played for the Belles before my game and usually comes to sit with me before I hit the ice. He taps his beer to mine, and we both take long pulls.
“I’m not going to make it out tonight. I have a super-early morning. We’re heading to Knoxville for a tournament.”
I nod. He already told me this, but since he’s mentioning it again, something must be up. He coaches the 16u-18u travel teams for the Ice Thistle with his daughter. His boys are super talented, and he has kids coming in from all over to play for him. He’s a damn good coach. So is Chelsea.
“No worries. I’ll drink one for you and take a pretty girl for a whirl.”
I wink and he snorts. “I’m sure that’s no hardship. Though, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Kenni to go out with you.”
I roll my eyes. “Why would I do that?” He gives me a knowing look, and I shrug. “She’s just coming out of a marriage.”
“That ended six years ago,” he says, like I don’t know every detail. I’m always thankful that Missy has a bigger mouth than a largemouth bass. That’s the only reason I know anything about Kenni.
Unable to handle what he’s throwing at me, I ask, “You excited for the tournament?”
Liam sighs deeply, and I smile knowingly. I knew something was up. “Chelsea is bringinghimwith her.”
I hold back my grin. “Him? You mean her boyfriend, Jackson.”
Liam glares at me. “Why does he need a title?”
I guffaw at that, taking a long pull of my beer. Licking my lips, I ask, “What are you going to do when they get married?”
His eyes widen to saucers. “What the fuck, man?”
“Come on,” I urge. “You can tell she likes him a lot, and he adores her.”
Liam shakes his head. “I don’t like it.”
“Will you like anyone?”
Liam shrugs. “Maybe when she’s thirty.”
I laugh as I knock my shoulder into his. “Give him a chance.”
