Page 52 of Sweet Redemption

Not good.

No one in the family knows anything about Livvy and Logan yet.

Jesus. When did our family become so good at lying to each other?

“How do you even know who they are?” Pretty sure I know the answer, but I ask anyway.

If nothing else, it’ll earn me a few extra minutes to come up with an answer.

“Some of us actually love hockey, Serena.” Saylor crosses her legs as she leans back. “Of course I know who they are. I know my dad has had his eye on Rafe Langley for a while. I also know Rafe’s on Dad’s short list of players he’d like to get. Kind of like Hendrix Sinclair was.”

Shit.

Of course it swings back to him.

“Well . . . There’s nothing going on with Rafe and me. He’s just a friend.”

She nods as Aurora stands. “I’m getting more cookies. Does anyone need anything?”

We both shake our heads and watch as she makes her way to the bakery case. “I swear she’s got the metabolism of a five-year-old.”

Saylor kicks me under the table with the pointy edge of her shoe. “You know, I also heard you and Hendrix were talking outside the locker room earlier this week.”

My stomach drops, and there goes the cupcake.

“Your brother has a big goddamn mouth,” I groan, knowing that’s exactly who she heard that from. Cohen gave me a look the other night as he was leaving the arena. One that wordlessly asked if I was okay.

Saylor’s smile is instantaneous. “He does. He also mentioned that you two looked . . . close.”

“I haven’t seen him in years, Saylor.” And just like that, I’ve lost my appetite.

“So you said. But here’s my question . . . Why are you going to the wedding with Rafe—as friends—if Hendrix is home and you’re both finally single?”

“How about because his wife just died,” I snap, ready for this conversation to end.

“Nope. I don’t buy it.”

“I don’t care what you buy. It’s the truth,” I try, ignoring the way the coffee shop grows warmer and quieter, like I’m in a tunnel. A small one. “He has a little boy who lost his mother. He moved home for help, not a replacement. We’re not in a rom-com.”

“That’s . . . Shit, Serena.” Her face pales, and my throat closes. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know,” I finally tell her once I find my voice again. “But that’s how it is.”

HENDRIX

My house. Poker. Seven tonight.

It’s been a shit day.

Not sure I’m in the mood for a bachelor party.

It’s us and Maverick and Jamie. Finn’s working.

I wouldn’t call that a party, asshole.

I don’t know.

I have a dead wife, a toddler, moved home, and live next to my sisters.