Page 28 of Scarred

“Coming right up,” he winks, heading to the beer display at the end of the bar.

I glance up at the TV and see one of our games playing from last weekend. It still never gets old seeing my number on an NHL jersey. I’ve worked my whole life to get to where I am. I just never expected to be doing it alone.

“Enjoy,” the bartender smiles, setting the beer in front of me with a menu. “I’ll give you a minute to look over that and be right back to take your order.”

Nodding, I take a sip and glance at the menu.

“Cayden?” I look up and see Noah standing at the bar next to me. “I thought that was you,” he grins. “Didn’t expect to see you in our little town.”

I met Noah and his wife Emma at Knox’s wedding last year.

“Noah, it’s good to see you,” I smile, as he takes a seat next to me. “I had an appointment in town and thought I would grab some lunch before I left.”

“You came to the right spot. Order the fish tacos,” he says, gesturing toward the menu. “You can’t go wrong.”

“I’ll do that.”

The bartender appears just then and grins at Noah.

“Your lunch will be right out.”

“Thanks, Rusty. I’ll have one of those, while I wait,” Noah says, pointing to my beer.

“You got it.” Rusty looks at me, and I hand him the menu.

“I guess I’m having the fish tacos Noah sold me on.”

“He’s right,” Rusty grins, walking away.

“So, he’s the owner?” I ask, nodding at Rusty as he pours Noah’s beer.

“That would be him. He’s been here for as long as I can remember. Hell, my parents too,” he chuckles. “So, how are you liking Crystal Isle?” He asks, taking a sip of his beer that Rusty set down in front of him before tending to another customer.

“I like it. It’s…quaint and…” I search for the right word. “Charming.”

“That it is,” he chuckles. “If you ever want to get out of the big city, give me a call. I have a few houses I just renovated that just might be perfect for you. This is a great place to raise a family. Jax, Holden, and Grayson could use a little girl around here to keep them in line,” he laughs, mentioning his son along with Travis and Maverick’s, all close to Scarlett’s age.

“She would be the one to do it,” I laugh, remembering her ability to get me to bend to her every will.

Rusty appears with a takeout bag and my lunch, sliding the plate in front of me. Noah was right. These look damn good as I take in the fresh display in front of me.

Standing up, Noah signs the check and finishes the rest of his beer. “Sorry, I can’t stay longer. I promised Emma I would bring her some lunch at the library. It was good to see you, Cayden,” he smiles.

“Likewise,” I grin. “Will I see you at Miles’s wedding in a few weeks?” Knox’s brother-in-law is getting married and extended the invite to a few guys on the team.

“Emma and I will be there along with Bella and Maverick. You’ll get to meet my youngest sister, too,” he adds, grabbing the takeout bag. “She wasn’t able to make it to Knox’s wedding.”

“I didn’t know you had another sister.” I try to remember if it’s ever come up, but my mind goes blank.

“She’s the easy one. Don’t tell Bella that,” he chuckles, slapping me on the back as he walks away.

I finish my lunch while I people-watch down below. Families are gathered on the beach, building sand castles or searching the shoreline for shells. The water is still cool this time of year, so very few are brave enough to wander in.

A little girl about Scarlett’s age holds her mom’s hand as she dips her toes into a small puddle that has formed in the sand. Even at this distance, I can see the joy on her face as she splashes in the little hole, her mom laughing at her excitement.

A scene like that used to bring me to my knees, but now the pain is quieter. It’s still there, but it’s softer somehow—distant.

Luna comes to mind with her bright eyes and carefree smile. I can almost feel her next to me as if she’s sat in this exact same spot and looked at this exact view. This town feels like her.