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My head does the calculations. “If this series goes the distance, that’s the day we’d play game six in Buffalo. Of course, if we sweep the Wolves in four games, we’ll be off that entire week, outside of practices.”
I lead Lilly back to the bench and get us situated again with the blankets around us. We’re just past the Liberty Bridge and the city is magnificent from this vantage point. I wrap her in my arms and we stare at the multitude of twinkling lights from the buildings but more spectacularly as they reflect off the dark river water.
“Do you have plans for a big birthday celebration?” I ask.
“We’ll do something with the other kids on his floor and I’ve invited a few of his school friends. I’ve ordered a cake and I’ll decorate his room.”
“Assuming I’m invited?”
“Of course. Assuming you’re here.”
“And assuming I’m here, can I bring some buddies?”
Lilly tips her head. “Like who?”
“I think Aiden would get a kick out of Coen swinging by on his birthday.”
Her eyes dance with mischief. “Especially since Coen is his favorite player.”
Sadly true, and I can’t compete with that. Coen’s been with the Titans since the time Aiden became a fan. I wag my finger at her. “Ahh… but next to you and your dad, I’m his favorite person.”
“That would be true,” she agrees. Sighing, Lilly burrows in closer. “I still say this is just all so bizarre. Me and you.”
“So weird,” I agree. “Okay… more deep questions. My turn again. Is there a book, movie or piece of art that has significantly affected your life in some way?”
As we cruise the Monongahela and watch the city lights, Lilly ponders her answer and I snuggle in closer, eager to learn more about the beautiful woman who has me captivated.
CHAPTER 13
Boone
Ihunch inagainst the wind, which is making the thirty-eight-degree temperature cut through my sweatshirt. I knew I should’ve worn my coat to walk the half block from the team hotel to grab dinner, but I figured it wouldn’t be so bad. That wind cutting through downtown Buffalo says otherwise.
Shivering, I slip into the hotel lobby and head straight for the elevator. I’ve got a hot date tonight with a turkey sub and later a FaceTime call with Lilly.
We flew into Buffalo this afternoon, attended a light skate at the arena and now we can spend the evening however we wish. We won game two in Pittsburgh and tomorrow is game three. We’ve been on fire this first round and I hope we sweep the Wolves. Not only would it be that nice knife in their back for betraying Drake, but we’ll have a full week off before the next round. That means plenty of rest outside of some light practices, and well… it means more time with Aiden and Lilly.
Okay, as much as I adore Aiden, I’m really looking forward to more time with Lilly. Although much of that will be us hanging out in Aiden’s room during the day. Oh, and his birthday party. Very much looking forward to that as I’ve got a lot of the guys planning to come celebrate.
My phone rings just as I’m getting on the elevator and I recognize my sister’s chime. “Queen Bee,” I exclaim. “Are you all packed?”
“We’re all ready. We can’t wait to see you,” Claire says.
“Same.” I exit the elevator and head to my room. My family is flying into Buffalo tomorrow to watch me play. It’s going to be a family reunion of sorts as my parents live in California now, my sister is still in Duluth where we were raised, and my brother is coming in from New York City. My parents have been visiting Claire, her husband Ben and my niece and nephew, Cora and Nick. They’re all flying in together tomorrow morning, and Damien will come direct from the Big Apple.
“What have you been doing today?” she asks.
“We had a light skate this afternoon and the evening to ourselves. I just went out and got a sub to eat in my room. Most of the guys are chilling tonight.”
“And are your evening plans going to include Lilly?” she teases.
Claire has been relentless in poking at me where Lilly’s concerned, and yes, my entire family knows about her. They knew about her before I ever had any feelings that led me to kiss her because I’d been in contact with them about Steven. And when I say I’d been in contact with them, I’m talking about separate conversations.
With my mom, Patricia, I asked for advice I could pass on to Lilly as the main caretaker of an alcoholic, including the correct words to say to encourage while holding the line in the sand.
With my dad, Thomas, I asked him what he appreciated most out of all the things that were done to get him sober. His answer was simple—he appreciated the understanding and lack of judgment, which helped to alleviate his shame. He told me that’s what motivated him more than anything. “I’m not sure that’s the right way for everyone,” he told me. “But it’s the thing I loved y’all the most for during that time.”
My brother, Damien, is the oldest at thirty-three and while I’m not as close to him as I am to Claire, he’s still a great sounding board. His perspective of being an older sibling to a younger one in need was invaluable in understanding some of the pressures that role entailed. I imagine the conversations Damien had with me when Dad was drinking were nearly identical to the ones Lilly has had with Aiden.
