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“Yeah, at least I’m healing well,” I say. It suddenly dawns on me that we told Kaleb to come over for an engagement party on Friday. I never got around to messaging the guys about inviting them over. Patty also hasn’t mentioned anything about my engagement to Ellie. I don’t think I should be the one to bring anything up, considering she is good friends with Ellie.
With Sybil coming to town, Ellie and I were so wound up over my appointment with the lawyer and seeing Sybil that we both flaked. I’m just surprised Kaleb hasn’t said anything to the guys about the whole situation.
We head back out to the car.
“So you’re going to be good as new,” Patty says to me. “I’m happy for you, Connor.”
“Thanks,” I reply. “How about you? Do you plan on going back to the team for the start of the season?”
“Nah,” she replies, looking out onto traffic. “I’m going to be laying low for a while. I’ve committed to a job at Rebel’s clinic. Working for a hockey team is a lot of work.”
Something about Patty seems different lately, but I can’t place why. She’s calm, serene. She looks happy and chill. Whatever it is, I’m happy for her.
“It’s hard. I always feel bad leaving Syd, but I’ve got some good years ahead of me. I need to make the most of them.”
“How are things going with Ellie? I assume they are good if she joined Syd on her outing with her mom,” Patty says.
“Syd absolutely adores her. Hiring her was the best decision I ever made, but I have you to thank for making the introduction. Syd is. . .” I smile as I think about how much she has opened up since Ellie came into her life. “She’s happy.”
“I’m really glad. I had a good feeling about this. I told you from the beginning,” Patty says.
“Yes, well, you did embellish her work experience with kids, but honestly, Ellie is a natural,” I say. “It’s because she is so kind and caring.”
“Whoa,” Patty says, and she gives me a side glance since we are at a red light. “Do you have a crush on my friend?”
I don’t want to lie. “Ellie and I have become close. I’m just saying that I can see she is a good person. She’s really come through for us since I’ve been injured.” There, I’ve given the non-lying political answer. I’ll let Ellie break our engagement to her friend the way she wants.
“Do you mind if I make a pit stop?” Patty asks.
“Go ahead. I feel bad you’re driving me. I really should’ve Ubered.”
“That’s what friends are for, Connor,” she replies, and I do appreciate it. After being on our own for so many years, it’s nice to have the support of people who care.
Patty stops in front of an ice cream shop. “Do you want a milkshake?” she asks.
“Why the hell not,” I say and exit the car. I could use a good dose of sugar as I think of Ellie and Syd with Sybil and Warren.
I leave the car and treat Patty to a cookies and cream shake. I get one for myself too.
When I really look at her, I realize she is glowing, and the way she is enjoying that milkshake. . .it reminds me when Sybil was pregnant with Syd at the beginning. I keep my thoughts to myself because it isn’t my business.
We head back to the apartment after. We head up in the elevator. Patty lives a few floors beneath me.
When the doors open in the lobby, Kaleb enters and my stomach dips.
“I didn’t realize you guys were back already,” Patty says to him.
“We just got in,” he says. “The guys are still back at the arena. I took a cab on my own,” he explains. Things are going well for the team. I’m pretty sure they are going to make it to the finals. A part of me is jealous I won’t be a part of the victory because a Stanley Cup sure would’ve been nice, but I count my blessings.
“Connor, did you invite the guys yet? Because no one has said anything about Friday,” Kaleb says, looking to me.
Oh shit.
“What’s on Friday?” Patty asks.
“Ellie and Connor’s engagement party,” Kaleb replies.
Patty sprays her milkshake into the air. She gets both me and Kaleb. “Excuse me?” she asks.
