Page 83 of A Major Puck Up

“Are you?” I counter. “You’re the one playing.”

He smirks and lifts his beer. “You know what I mean.”

I sigh, my chest tightening. “I hate dragging her from place to place, but what choice do I have?”

“You should look into a nanny.” He waggles his brows. “Isn’t that a thing? Single dad and the nanny?”

Just the idea of a woman who isn’t Millie makes my skin crawl. And bringing a strange woman around my child? “Pass.”It’s hard enough leaving her with Ava.

“Come on, take one for the team. You don’t have to hook up with her, but I could.”

I give him my best disapproving look. “You do not need any help finding a woman.”

He grins. “True. But seriously, think about it. You need full-time help, and Ava has a job to do.”

I take a sip of my beer and check on Vivi. Brooks is holding her while he and Sara make silly faces. The house is filled with laughter and loud voices, just like I envisioned it one day would be. Even Vivi fits perfectly. There’s just one thing missing…

“I’ll think about it.”

Daniel grins. “Not trying to push my luck here, but my father should be calling any minute. He’s going to invite you and Vivi down for the weekend. Say yes. Lake can help with the baby, and you can have a little time to yourself.”

I shake my head. “Um, that’s okay. It’s?—”

“He thinks you’re mad at him.” Daniel scratches his head, grimacing in discomfort, but he continues on. “He says he hasn’t seen you since the day he told you Lake was pregnant. He’s worried that maybe the idea of him having a kid has you feeling, like, left behind or some crazy shit like that.”

Damn. I give the kid credit. Speaking up like this, to not only the owner of his team but his head coach, takes balls.

But fuck if what he said doesn’t send a wave of shame barreling through me. I could see why Ford would think I’m upset with him. I’ve been avoiding him because I haven’t felt like I could look him in the eye after his bombshell led to the discussion that destroyed my relationship with his daughter. I’ve been too afraid I’d blurt it out.

“You need friends, and you need help. And if I’m being honest, he needs you. You were the only one to talk sense into him when he tried to walk away from Lake.”

“How do you know that?”

He hits me with a grin. “My dad and I talk.”

I love that. I’ve always been big on being honest and just communicating. “Fine. I’ll say yes if he asks.”

Daniel nods and heads toward the living room, leaving me by myself in the kitchen, hoping like hell his father doesn’t actually call. Five minutes later, though, my phone rings and Ford’s number flashes across the screen.

Guess I’ll be spending the weekend in Bristol.

TWENTY-NINE

MILLIE

April

I climb out of the Uber, desperate for a shower, a strong drink, and another ten hours of sleep.

If I’m going to make things right with Gavin, this is where I need to start. With Lake. With admitting to my father that maybe his idea that I work with her isn’t the worst idea. Why didn’t I see it sooner? What kind of person would pass up working with Lake Paige, international popstar and musical prodigy, to write and sell music?

Being stubborn has cost me everything I ever wanted, and now I’m determined to make a change. Accept help, be vulnerable, open up. New year, new me, or maybe new country, new me. Whatever it is, I’m done getting in my own way.

Of course, when Lake is the one who opens the door, I lose a little of my determination. She looks perfectly put together, big smile affixed to her face, brown hair hanging in waves, makeup perfect and dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a white sweater that shows off her tiny bump. Her pink feathered earrings sway when she steps forward, and when sunlight reflects off her big diamond ring, it practically blinds me.

“Millie!” Her tone is far too loud and full of exaggerated excitement. Clearly, she’s not only surprised to see me, but she’s hoping that single word will draw my father’s attention. “We weren’t expecting you. Come in.” She holds open the door.

With a big sigh and my new I can do this attitude in place, I smile back. “Surprise! Sorry I didn’t call first.”

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