Page 109 of Scores Of The Heart

“Thanks a lot,” I chuckle at his brutal honesty. We’ve always been like that and I don’t take offense.

“You look like the weight of the world is on you right now. Shouldn’t this be the best time of your life with the Cup and that gorgeous girl you’re hooking up with?”

Yes, he knows about Cindy.

“Yah, it should be,” I say as I take a seat and shrug out of my jacket. The server comes over and offers us both a menu. I order a black coffee with an extra shot, tempted to ask for a whisky while I’m at it, but I don’t because it’s early.

“You seem different,” he says, looking at me as he sits down.

Luke is a broad guy, solid, with blonde shaggy hair and brown eyes. He has that baby face that’s always made him a hit with the ladies.

“I feel different, trust me.”

“Banging the coach’s daughter is that good, bro?”

I chagrin. “That ain’t exactly what’s bothering me right now. I wish it was the least of my troubles. We’re talking to her dad this weekend, then I have to make it official with the committee. It should be pretty straightforward from there. Though I am kinda worried about what her dad is gonna say. I respect him a lot. I’ve known him a while now.”

“You’ll work it out, Ty. You’re a good person, he knows that.”

“Thanks, man. But the best for his daughter?”

“Why the hell not?”

I chuckle darkly. “You’re biased cos’ you’ve known me a lot longer.”

“And I’ve seen the shit you’ve been through with women. The last one was no ride at Disneyland.”

“Speaking of which,” I sigh. Settling on a burger and fries when the server comes back to take our order and to deliver our drinks. I’m too exhausted and brain fucked to even take in what is on the menu.

He looks up at me, drinking a soda while I sip on my strong coffee.

“What’s going on?” He asks.

“I got the weirdest text when I was in Florida,” I start, then run a hand down my face.

I’m so fucking nervous about this whole thing, my hands start shaking.

“You’re almost scaring me, Ty.”

“Well, she scared me,” I sigh. “She said she’s pregnant and the kid’s mine.”

He almost splutters his mouthful of soda all over the table. “Pregnant? What the fuck?”

“So she claims.”

“But hasn’t it been months and months?”

“Over six months.”

“I’m not even comprehending anything you’re saying. Let me get this straight, you haven’t seen her in over six months and she texts you while you’re in Florida to tell you she’s pregnant with your kid?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“I think you need a double shot of whisky.”

“I would, but I’m driving to see her after this.”

“Where?”

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