Page 55 of The One Timer

“Oh, it would be pretty special for her, too.” I grin.

“Then let’s do it.”

“I’ll have to warn her, or she’ll be in her pajamas.”

“Call her if you must, but pajamas sound like the perfect thing to wear for the occasion. I think I’ll get into mine right now.”

I laugh because Mrs. W’s sleepwear can’t be compared to my Aunt’s PJs.

“Guess I’ll be the odd person out then in my street clothes.” I laugh, thinking it’s ironic, but Mrs. W frowns.

“Nonsense. I’ll get you some sleepwear so you’ll fit right in with our cozy plans.”

When I call my Aunt, she first snorts in disbelief, but she finally believes me just in time to get her robe on when the limo pulls up outside her house.

I sit on the couch in the library with Mrs. W while we’re waiting for my aunt and catch her up on my family. I tell her about Penny dating Dugan, an assistant equipment manager for the Brawlers, and Gran says she’s invited them all to the gala

“I wonder if he’s going? Let’s check and see.” We go to the library, and Gran sits at the desk, turns on the computer, and opens the file of attendees.

“I didn’t realize you were so hands-on with the charity. You’re amazing.”

“I used to do more, but I stay involved with this particular event, especially the attendees. The office just sent me the final list today. Let’s check it.” She waves me over, so I pull up a chair next to her, and we look down the alphabetical list to check for Dugan’s name.

And there it is—along with Penny and Petra’s names alongside it as guests.

Shit.

The bell to the back door rings. It’s my Aunt Bea, arriving in her PJs.

Double shit.

Chapter Nineteen

CHASE

After the hockey game, we fly home and it’s late, so I stay in Portsmouth. I texted Em to let Gran know. I didn’t want to call Gran in case she was sleeping. Sure. Who am I kidding?

But if I was hoping for some kind of response from Emery, I don’t get it. Instead I get to bed early like I’m supposed to for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve matinee game.

I’ll see her at the gala tomorrow night.

I dress and head to Boston with Sabien, Jason and Link.

“Remind me why this is a good idea to ride together?” Sabien says. “What if we find a lady and we want to leave—without the rest of the guys?”

“That’s the beauty of it. None of us can leave with a lady. We’re keeping each other on the straight and narrow,” I say.

“Who says we need to be on the straight and narrow?” Link says. “It’s fucking new year’s eve, man.”

“I never thought I’d say this,” Jason says, “But I’m with Link.”

“Bunch of degenerates,” I joke.

Sabien flicks my head. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve reserved a hotel room for the night. Thinking ahead. And if goody-two-shoes here doesn’t want to wait and give me a ride home in the morning, I’ll hire a car.”

“Hire a car?” Link says. “You mean take an Uber?”

Jason snorts. “I don’t think Sabien has ever heard of Uber. Ride shares are beneath him.”