She puts her laptop bag over her shoulder, and we start walking. “She doesn’t come to your games?”
“Uh, no. But it’s not a big deal.”
“Is she … okay?”
I get what she’s asking. Her mom probably missed tons of her brothers’ games due to her illness. “She has a mental illness that keeps her from traveling. But it’s okay. I’m not complaining.”
Liesel stops me with a hand on my arm. “That doesn’t sound okay. I bet that’s been hard.”
I shrug. “Everyone’s going through something. But the Kellogg family is doing just fine. My mom is awesome. She does everything she can.”
She smiles. “It sounds like you’re a good son.”
“I try,” I say honestly.
At the ballroom’s double doors, we stop. As soon as we leave this room, we’ll have to separate. We can’t be seen walking together, or the fallout from my boss and her dad could be disastrous.
“Have a good massage,” I say.
“Oh, I intend to. Have a good … breakout? What are you doing next?”
“Whatever Doug tells me to do.”
“Well, enjoy.”
“Don’t have too much fun without me,” I can’t help saying as she opens the door.
She rolls her eyes but smiles.
CHAPTER TWELVE
LIESEL
With my feet soaking in the tub at the pedicure chair, I check my phone and see no less than twenty messages from my brothers in our group chat.
I don’t check them.
Instead, I snap a selfie and send it to Jules.
Liesel
I’m officially taking advantage of the spa! Aren’t you so proud of me?
Juliet
Holy freaking fruitcake. I never believed this day could arrive. It’s a Christmas miracle!
How are you liking it?
Liesel
You’re supposed to stay stiff as a board for the entire massage, right?
Juliet
Hardy har har. Were you seriously too tense?
Liesel
