Page 97 of Never You

“Likewise, sir.”

“How was the trip?”

“It was good,” I reply genuinely, trying to hide the loop of memories involving his niece that’s going through my head. “I’ve never been on a trip across the country, but it’s been fun.”

Johnny eyes me, and I swear I can briefly see a hint of wariness, and I don’t like it. Now that I know how close he is toRae, I want him on my side, and I have a feeling he’s not going to be the easiest person to please. Not like her little sister, who I already wrapped around my finger by telling her how much I loved her collection of gemstones.

“It’s a long trip, but it’s a beautiful one,” Johnny agrees. “Did my niece continue to give you a hard time?”

I think back to the first two days of our trip, and the glaring looks she gave me, but they are quickly replaced by her vibrant smile, fueling my good mood.

“At first, yes. But eventually, she loosened up.”

“She’s a good girl.” His focus goes to Rae sitting on a bench in the back of the yard, with a girl which I’m assuming is her cousin that possesses her same vibrant smile, yet her hair is a chocolate brown. “She’s been through a lot.”

“I assumed so, sir.” Though I’m not sure what he means.

“Did my sister give you and Bodi the guest room?” Johnny asks with a wary look.

“Yes, sir.”

He nods, his eyes narrowing in a clear warning. “I suggest you stay there as soon as it’s lights out.”

I press my lips together, suppressing the laugh that wants to break out at his comment, acting like I’m twelve. Normally, I’d be pissed, but I don’t think there is anything that can turn my gleeful mood.

My phone dings in my hand, and I quickly glance at it.

EMILY:I miss you. When will you be in New York?

I clear my throat, annoyed.

“Everything okay?” Johnny asks, eying my screen.

“Yeah. Everything is fine.” I give him a tight smile, which he returns with a skeptical nod.

He probably doesn’t believe a word I’m saying. The mood becomes a bit awkward as we silently watch Rae, before I turn my attention back to Johnny. A sadness creeps into his featuresas he stares at his niece. Suddenly, he looks older than the forty years he has been alive, and nothing like the man I know as my General Manager.

There’s a fatherly love in his eyes I’ve never seen before, and at this moment, I respect him even more for it, even if he’s still on the fence about me.

“She briefly told me she had a hard time as a teenager?” I ask, hoping he will tell me more.

“She did. We almost lost her.” The words sound ominous, and a tight feeling enclasps my chest as I continue listening to him, curious in what way. “My sister couldn’t handle her. Neither could my brother-in-law. I was the only one who got through to her, but I lived on the other side of the country. She hated me when I took her to LA, but I couldn’t do anything else. This was the only way to let her keep her freedom and keep an eye on her.”

My mind is running overtime, trying to understand what exactly he’s saying. She told me she had a rebellious phase, but this sounds like there is more to it than just some teenager going to a few parties too many. My gut spurs me to keep asking questions, but for some reason, I feel like I should ask Rae first, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Glad you did, sir.”

He twists his head to look at me, a coy smile now clearly visible. It could be nothing, but it feels like a small victory. “I like you, Jensen. You’re a pain on the ice, but you’re a good guy.”

I expect him to tell me more, at least threaten me a bit like the big brother he seems to be for her, but unexpectedly, he stays quiet.

“That’s it? You’re not going to tell me you’ll break my legs if I hurt her? That you will destroy my career if I break her heart?”

He snorts, amused. “From what I can tell in the tabloids, you have a few things to figure out first. Besides, the look in youreyes tells me you’re fucked anyway.” He slaps my shoulder, then squeezes it for a second. “Just be patient with her.”

A smile slips in, knowing he’s right.

I’m fucked, and I don’t even care.

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