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Her eyebrows shoot up. “Are you talking about it with someone else?”
Her husband, Bash, joins us and kisses the top of Lenny’s head. “What are you getting all excited about, Len?”
“Sawyer likes a girl,” she singsongs.
“The fuck?” I question, then look down at Maverick, whose eyes never open.
She turns away from us and scans the room. “Where’s Hud? If you’re seeing someone, he’s gonna know.”
“Eleanor,” Bash stops her. “Leave your brother alone.”
She tilts her head back and glares at her husband. “It’s like you don’t even know me.”
Bash sighs and pats my back. “Sorry, man. I tried.” Then gently takes Maverick from my arms and abandons me to his wife.
“I’m not seeing anyone, Len. Not yet. Probably justnot. But if that changes, I’ll let you know.” I can’t tell her I’m not even sure if I want to be seeing this person because that’s a straight-up fucking lie. One I’m not ready to deal with yet.
“Fine,” she pouts. “But someone’s caught your eye. At least admit that.”
“Yeah, Len. Someone’s caught my eye.” In a really big, fucking way.
* * *
Later, I join Max and Jace, whose eyes are both glued to the Revolution game on the big screen. “What’s the score?” I ask.
Neither of them looks up. “It’s tied, 2–2. Boston’s got a power play with ten seconds left on the clock.” Jace leans forward as if he can feel the ice under his feet. The kid’s an incredible hockey player. He was on the US men’s hockey team in the Olympics last year, and we all flew over to see him play. I’m not sure I was ever as proud of anyone or anything as I was of him, when he stood on that stage with his team, while the national anthem played over the speakers and gold medals hung around their necks.
It was incredible.
I drop down on the couch between the two of them, just as Boston scores, and both brothers groan.
Jace stands up and stomps out of the room.
“Fuck.” Max throws the remote down on the table. He’s the general manager for the Revolution, and he’s never been a great loser.
I guess none of us are.
“I’m surprised you’re here tonight, Maximus. I figured you’d have been in Boston with the team.”
“Yeah, well”—he leans back and crosses his leg—“I promised Daphne I’d balance work and life a little better this year.”
“I get it.” We sit quietly for a few minutes before my niece Serena toddles over to her father and throws her chubby hands into the air for Max to pick her up. Her soft sandy-blonde hair is held back by a red-white-and-blue bow that matches her Revolution jersey and tutu.
We’ve got babies and toddlers everywhere these days. And while some guys my age may get cold feet at the idea of kids, I have no doubt I’ll be ready when I find the right person. It’s thefindingpart that’s been the issue.
Not that I haven’t had fun in the meantime.
“Have you read the proposal I gave you?” Max bounces Serena on his knee while she claps and giggles.
“I read it, brother. But I’m not sure why you think I’m the right fit. I’ve never worked nine-to-five a day in my life. I’ve never been corporate. Never had to punch a clock and answer to anyone but myself. I don’t screamgood fitfor King Corp.”
I knew he’d ask tonight.
And I knew I wouldn’t have a real answer yet. “I’m just not positive I’m ready for that, or whether I even want to be. Hell, I don’t know if I ever will.”
“Just don’t say no yet, okay? Think about it. I want you there. I want you to be more than a shareholder of the company. You’ve got one of the best business minds I’ve ever seen, Sawyer. We could use you.”
“Stop blowing smoke up my ass, Maximus.”
