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We pull up in front of the restaurant where the first delivery is. “Yes. We've got it all covered, Owen,” I say. “Just focus on hockey. Everything is under control here.”
“Thanks,” he says gruffly. “I owe you.”
“No, you don’t.”
I want him to understand that this is how it could have been if he hadn’t bailed. Yes, a complex relationship with each other. But we would have had each other’s backs. He just walked away without even trying.
I assure him I can handle everything and end the call.
Brady shakes his head. “Dude needs to get laid.”
That makes me laugh out loud. “No arguments there.”
CHAPTER 31
Owen
I’m pacing in my hotel room as I hit the button to call Chelsea. Brady’s mother is not going to be happy with me. I was fresh out of the shower when I got the call from Cam. My mind immediately went to Luna, but it turns out it’s my son, and I have to admit, I’m worried that the last thing that kid needs is a head injury.
“Owen, hi, what’s up? I’m in a rush. I need to leave soon for the airport.”
“So, about that. It’s not serious, I’ve been assured, but Brady’s en route to the ER. I don’t think he’s going to make the flight with you to Pittsburgh.”
“What? What happened?”
“He had a minor car accident and hit his head.” I run my hand through my wet hair and set the phone down—which I do know how to use, thank you, Brady—so I can adjust my towel.
“He’s okay? You’re sure?”
“Yes. The ER is just a precaution. Concussion protocol.”
“Aren’t you in Seattle?”
“Yes. For the playoffs. Which my team deserves to be at.” I’m super annoyed she was so sure the Racketeers wouldn’t make the playoffs.
“What is that supposed to mean?” she sounds baffled. “And why do you sound salty with me when I’m the one who has to cancel my trip? Again.”
I rub my beard and wince. “Okay, we’re getting off track here. Don’t cancel your trip. Brady can stay in Chicago.”
“He’s not staying with Lydia. I already told him that.”
“Are you okay with him staying with Luna McNeill?” It was a huge relief to me when Cam offered.
It’s actually a huge relief in general to have him calmly handling the car accident and taking Brady to the ER. Luna has a big day with her first wedding cake delivery and I know she’s been stressed about it. Plus, I know Chelsea sometimes gets frustrated with how much I’m on the road and shuttling Brady back and forth between us. It’s even harder now that he’s older because it can be tempting to leave him on his own, which I know would be a mistake.
It’s also reassuring to know that Cam is there with Luna when Alexsei isn’t.
Further proving I am not needed in any sort of relationship with them.
Not that she needs anyone to be with her. It just makes me feel better. She was left alone a lot as a kid because of hockey, and I hate the idea that being with Alexsei would set her up for that all over again.
“His boss? Or your girlfriend?”
That’s a kick in the teeth. Not my girlfriend. I fight the urge to sigh.
“His boss. Her boyfriend Cameron is taking Brady to the ER right now. He’s a… good guy.” I wouldn’t call Cam ‘nice’ exactly, but he’s competent, responsible, and not easy to rattle. I trust him to handle an ER visit.
If I make it clear Cam is Luna’s boyfriend, maybe Chelsea will drop any ideas she might have about me and her.
