Page 78 of The Trophy

“My dad died three years ago, when I was a senior in high school.” Cash says, entering the room in a tight blue t-shirt that hugs his sculpted torso and a pair of athletic shorts that expose his long, muscular legs.

CHAPTER 15

BAGGAGE

CASH

My heart does a weird flip in my chest when I enter the living room and see two of the three women that mean the most to me in the world. The third one is my little sister Carolina.

Fuck.

I normally don’t buy into all that sentimental nonsense, but if I needed any confirmation that I’m falling for Lakyn, the way my pulse quickens doesn’t leave any room for doubt.

Seeing Lakyn in my living room also means that whether I like it or not, the cat is out of the bag.

I wasn’t necessarily trying to hide that I don’t come from money but now that she’s here, she can see for herself how much my family depends on me.

A part of me is relieved that now I can tell her exactly what’s going on and maybe even bring her along if I’m babysitting the twins or coming home for Sunday dinner.

That is if she wants to come along. Maybe this is too much for her and she’ll realize that Blaze and Luca are more desirable suitors. It’s what I was worried about all along.

“My dad died three years ago, when I was a senior in high school,” I say, stopping a couple of steps away from the couch.

“Cash,” Lake greets.

The look in her blue eyes is hard to decipher; she looks happy to see me, but at the same time there’s something there that tells me she isn’t completely comfortable. Is she already looking for a way to let me down easy now that she’s seeing that I come with many strings attached?

“You two catch up,” Mom says, shuffling a little to get on her feet. “I’m going to finish up in the kitchen, before Enid brings back Conor and Carolina.”

I’m about to ask her if she needs any help, but Lake precedes me.

“Is there anything we can do, Lena?”

Mom smiles. “I’d say no thank you, but I know Cash. How about you two set the table on the deck, while I finish cooking?”

I can’t help but chuckle. “She hates to have people hovering around in the kitchen while she cooks.”

Mom heard me. “Only when those people start grazing on everything in sight with the excuse that they’re helping me,” she throws over her shoulder.

Lakyn follows me as I gather the China and cutlery and some place mats.

“While the weather is still nice, we take advantage and eat outside.” I explain, setting down everything on the rectangular table that takes up most of our small deck.

“I don’t blame you,” she says, looking at the beach and the sea right on our doorstep. “The view here is amazing. You’re literally on the beach.”

“Yeah,” I nod. “I’m lucky that I grew up here. I don’t remember any other house. It isn’t grand or anything, but my parents worked hard to buy it and it’s where our memories of Dad are.”

I’ll buy Mom a bigger place if she wants, once I’m on NHL money, but I’ll never sell this place.

There’s a beat of silence between us, all we can hear is the lazy rolling of the waves on the shore.

“I’m sorry about your dad, Cash,” Lakyn finally murmurs.

I take a step closer, stopping right behind her as she sets down the last two pieces of cutlery.

“Maybe I should tell you that it’s alright,” I sigh, moving close enough that I can inhale the floral scent of her long blonde hair. “It’s been three years and the pain should feel dull at this point. It should be like an old injury that hurts when the weather changes or something like that. I’m afraid it’s not the way it is. Dad was the glue that kept our family together and I’m trying my best to be here for Mom and the twins but I don’t think I’m doing a very good job.”

Lakyn turns around to face me. “I don’t know much about the circumstances,” she says, her hands flat on my chest as she’s trapped between me and the table. “But I can tell that your mom is very proud of you, Cash. And she appreciates everything you do for her. That much would be clear, even if she hadn’t said it out loud.”

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