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“I know. I recognize you from the pictures Jay has on his mantle,” Hunter answers, running a hand over his stubble, sounding not the least bit interested. Definitely no lip biting on his part.
“I’m Drew,” the blond guy says, flashing me a sweet smile before he hugs me.
“Nice to meet you,” I say, letting him go.
“I’m Mac,” the older man says, shaking my hand. He winks noticing Jay is still staring at me. Mac drapes his arms over Hunter’s and Drew’s shoulders. “Come on, boys. Let’s give them some space. Nice to meet you, Sky,” Mac says, before pushing the guys toward the truck and leaving us alone.
“So,” Jay says hesitantly, clearing his throat.
“So,” I repeat, not knowing what to say now I’m here.
“Want to grab a coffee on the deck, you must have had a long trip?” he asks, wiping a hand across his forehead.
“Sure. Lead the way,” I answer, following him up the porch steps.
Walking around Jay’s living room, I try to picture myself staying here. It’s nothing like I expected it to be. I thought he would be spending his time in a real bachelor pad, not in this family-style home. It’s cozy with pictures on the wall of Jay riding his BMX bike or catching a wave. I pick up a picture from the mantle of Jay and me on the beach holding hands, taken when I was a toddler. Setting it back, I explore some more, listening to Jay make coffee in the kitchen.
I gaze out one of the big windows; Drew is busy getting the BMX bikes out of the trailer with Hunter’s help. Something falls on the kitchen floor, followed by Jay’s swearing.
I peek around the corner and ask, “Everything okay, Jay?”
His cheeks are flushed, and he has his baseball cap on backwards. Being with him now, up close, he doesn’t look forty-two at all. Wearing a faded Metallica T-shirt, camo shorts and flip-flops, it’s like he’s reliving his twenties all over again. Jay’s sporting a short beard, and his big brown eyes tell me he’s scared shitless of me being here.
“Jay,” I begin, leaning against the doorframe.
He flashes me an awkward smile. “Yeah?” he asks, brushing a free hand through his long hair.
“The coffee?” I reply, motioning to the coffeepot he’s clutching in his hand. Seeing Jay is as nervous as I am is actually a little comforting.
“Shoot, you drink it black? Or milk and sugar?” he asks, opening the fridge and peering in.
I smile. “Black is good.”
“Okay great, good, milk it is,” he replies, filling two large cups, and spilling the milk. “Let me get a tray.”
“Jay,” I say, chuckling.
He mumbles some expletives. “Yeah?” His eyes dart around the kitchen, not meeting my gaze.
“Relax. I’m not here to rob you or anything.” I pick up a cup, trying not to make a face looking at the creamy substance. He’s probably freaking out right now; five years is a long time not to see each other, minus the short calls on my birthday every year.
“Rob me. Good one.” He laughs and coughs at the same time, taking a sip from his too hot coffee.
Smiling, I follow him out onto the porch overlooking the training grounds. I take my seat in a big white chair. We don’t say anything, and just stare out across the backyard to the BMX track. Uncomfortable is the understatement of the century.
“Fuck kiddo. I can’t believe you’re here,” Jay tosses his baseball cap on the table in front of me.
“I know.” I flash him a half-smile.
“I feel like I’m dreaming, with you sitting here,” he rasps, locking eyes with me. “How did you know we’d be here? Fuck, I sound like an asshole; it’s great, don’t get me wrong. Damn. I should probably stop talking now.”
“I checked your itinerary online,” I confess, hiding my smile behind the coffee cup. “You’re still the same as I remember. I can’t say the same for this place,” I glance around the lawn spreading all the way to the track, there is even a skate ramp, and a fire pit. “Your place is great, Jay.”
A lopsided grin warms his face. “Thanks, I never did get the grownup memo, and those boys certainly aren’t helping,” he says, shaking his head, but I pick up on the love in his voice.
“They seem nice,” I say softly.
“They’re both pains in mine and Mac’s asses, but their hearts are in the right place.” He taps his fingers on his knee, not saying anything for a while. “You okay?”
