Page 59 of Meet Me in the Blue

“The one and only. It’s not every day a small town like ours can claim an NHL star. And Vancouver is doing quite well this season.” He cleared his throat again and lowered his voice.

“And let’s be real, the man is thirty-four years old. This could be his last season. Best to strike now while the iron is hot.”

I didn’t bother asking why he hadn’t thought about this years ago. He hadn’t had an in like he did now. But Reese was a private person even if his persona was larger than life sometimes. He was two years older than Rook, and they’d played hockey together as kids and had hung around in the same circle of friends, but they weren’t as close as they’d used to be. Rook didn’t care about hockey like his brother did. Reese’s dream was to play for the NHL, and when his potential started to show, and his hope had looked more like a reality, he’d spent as much of his time as possible cultivating his talent. He hadn’t come home very often after he’d gone away to Michigan State, and things hadn’t changed much with time. He hadn’t even come home for my dad’s service. Which wasn’t a surprise to me, he was a professional athlete and most likely didn’t have the time, but it stung, nevertheless.

“Um… I’m not sure that’s—”

“Wait.” He held up his hand and sat up straighter. “I have a pitch.”

I laughed. “Let’s hear it.”

“Obviously the paper would pay for your travel expenses, and Zach has a contact, a sportswriter friend who can set up the official interview. It wouldn’t be like we’re calling in a favor because you know him. You’d simply be there to take pictures.”

“Very convenient.”

“I’d like to think so.” He smoothed a hand down his tie, a proud smirk peeking out from under the hairy caterpillar above his lip. “Take your boyfriend with you. I’m sure he’d love to see his brother.”

“How did you—”

“The whole town knows you and Rook are together now.” He chuckled and my face heated. What the fuck? “Brie from the bookstore saw you two kissing. I mean, you were on a public street corner. She didn’t think it was a secret.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose trying like hell to gather some patience. “And how did you find out?”

“What? Are you worried I would care? I’m all about equality and loving freely.”

“Um… sure, but—”

“Stacey told me when I stopped by to pick up my prescriptions the other day.”

“From Rhett’s?”

“I guess Brie was so surprised by the whole kiss and told a few of her friends, and word got out. This isn’t exactly a big city. Anyway, I think Dot told Rhett who told Stacey.”Jesus fucking Christ, this town.“The whole town knows how hung-up Stacey’s been on Rook. That wasn’t much of a secret either. Needless to say, she was heartbroken.”

Heartbroken.

I had to force myself not to roll my eyes. Part of me wanted to ask him why the love life of one of his employees was something he deemed appropriate to chat about at the checkout counter of Rhett’s Pharmacy. But this entire conversation was giving me heartburn, and I thought it best we get back on track.

“About Vancouver,” I said. “I’m not sure I want to leave my mom for that long. It’s too soon.”

“I thought about that.” Of course, he did. “And I spoke to Natalie.”

“You spoke to Mrs. Whelan?”

“To get a feel for the situation… To see if she thought Reese would be receptive to my plan. She thought it was a great idea and assured me Reese would be honored to participate.”

Nat could be persuasive, and I was sure Reese wouldn’t have had the chance to tell his mom no. But I wasn’t sure what the hell that had to do with me or my mom. “That’s great, but that doesn’t change the fact I’m not comfortable leaving my mom.”

“I understand, I do,” he said, giving me a fake sympathetic smile. “But Natalie told me she would make sure your mom was taken care of while you’re gone. You wouldn’t have to go until next weekend. It’s basically a paid vacation for you and your boyfriend.” He waggled his brows, and I exhaled an annoyed breath. “Think about it and let me know tomorrow.” He stood before I could answer. “This could be a big opportunity for you. The team manager said they wanted to sign off on any photos you take. That’s exposure.”

Fuck.

I hated that he was right.

“I’ll think about it,” I agreed, but when I got home thirty minutes later, my mom was waiting for me in the kitchen.

“You’re going,” she said by way of greeting.

“Christ.” I set my camera bag on the counter. “Please tell me my boss didn’t call you and convince you to let me go to Vancouver. Because I swear to God, this day has been a day, and this town… I can’t—”

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