Page 34 of The Captain

I never realized how sensitive my friend was until I found out about his real relationship with Cassie. Just goes to show that I really was a piece of shit there for a while, only worrying about myself.

“Listen, we’ve gotta get started.” He nods to his group, then turns to me. “But man, I know how much you care about her, and I know she cares about you too. Don’t give up on that, all right? She may just be the best thing that ever happens to you.”

With that, he skates onto the ice and starts to gather up his kids. I quickly sit and put my skates on, thinking over his words and wondering what I can do to make her see that I’m in this for the long run. I’ll do whatever it takes to get her to see me again.

I tug at the collar of my button-down and sigh. I was currently in dress shoes, slacks, a button-down blue shirt that I didn’t know I owned, and my hair was styled as well as I could get it.

I refuse to wear a jacket and tie, given that it was just dinner with my sister and her fiancé, plus some of his friends.

Tonight was just a simple dinner with everyone who was going to be in the wedding, minus Cassie, who had something that was keeping her from coming tonight.

Or she didn’t want to see me and came up with some excuse.

I don’t want to sound like everything is about me, though, so I kept that thought to myself.

The clicking of heels sounds, and I turn to find my sister rushing toward me, arms outstretched.

“Mickey!” I say, wrapping my big sister in my arms and spinning her around. She was so damn busy that the only time I’ve seen her lately was her engagement party, and that hadn’t exactly allowed for a lot of talk time between us.

Tanner steps up, smiling at us, and holds out his hand. I shake it, and we turn to head into the building. It was a fairly casual restaurant, with low lighting and music playing overhead. I almost feel overdressed, but a glance at my sister’s fiancé and I fit right in.

We head to a table in the back and find a group already there waiting, including Devon Halloway and his wife, Robin. Victoria, my sister’s best friend, is here, and so is our cousin, Joey, who moved here for school because she was just recruited to the women’s hockey team at Rose Hill.

I give her a huge hug and sit down next to her, draping my arm over the back of her chair.

“How is my little cousin doing?”

Jo rolls her eyes. “I’m younger by one year, Linc, don’t get a big head.”

I mock gasp. “I would never.” I tug a piece of her hair. “Glad you’re here though, you can help me get through all of this.” I nod to the happy couple that’s seated across and diagonal from us.

She smiles brightly. “Are you kidding? When Mickey called me, I was thrilled. I can’t wait to be a part of the wedding.”

Of course, she was excited. I was excited too, for sure. But…it was still a wedding. Surely, I wasn’t the only guy who felt this way.

“Sorry! Sorry, I’m late.” I glance up and choke on the water I just took a sip of.

Cassie was standing at the edge of the table, her long blonde hair in big curls and her body encased in a tan dress that hugged her curves.

She looked at me and then her eyes slid over to Joey, and her eyes narrowed slightly. The gentle curve of her lips angled down, and I glanced to where my arm is still around the back of Joey’s chair and snatched it up.

Standing, I wait until she hugs Mickey and settles into her seat before I take a seat myself.

“Good evening. Do you want to start with any drinks?” The waiter stands at the edge of the table, his eyes landing on Cassie appreciatively, and I growl under my breath.

“Yeah, iced tea, please,” I cut in, grabbing his attention.

Joey bites her lip and gives her attention to the waiter. “Same, please.”

I glance at the woman seated directly across from me and swallow. Her eyes roll, and she directs her attention to the douche who’s taking our order. “Can I get a Manhattan?”

“My pleasure.” He winks and I grip my water glass tightly. This fucker wanted to meet Jesus tonight, huh?

“So.” Joey clears her throat as the waiter finally moves to the other end of the table. “How do you know Mickey?”

“Mickey?” Cassie questions, not used to strangers using Mick’s family nickname, obviously. “She’s my best friend.”

“And mine!” Victoria says from the other side of Joey, where she was already slurping down some alcohol. Two questions: where did she get hers so quickly? And why did I give it up?

---