Page 39 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“You told him hell to the fucking no, right?” Ryan pipes up.

“I didn’t use those words, but yeah, I assured him I’m happy here.”

Ryan adds more weight to the leg press machine he’s about to use. “Good. I can’t deal with more bad news this year.”

“What do you mean?”

Instead of replying, he starts his reps. I turn to Lachy, hoping he can explain.

“I’m as clueless as you are,” he says.

“My mother is dying of cancer,” Ryan blurts out mid-rep.

“Bloody hell.” Lachy’s brows shoot up. “And you just say it like that?”

“How was I supposed to say it?”

“When did you find out?” I ask.

“A few days ago. I spoke to my brother. He’s taking a break from work to see our mother. I’m going with him.”

“Is she still in San Diego?” I ask.

“Yeah.” Ryan leaves the leg press machine and turns to us. “I need to clear it with Coach Haagen first, but it shouldn’t interfere with training.”

Perhaps it won’t interfere with our schedule, but it’ll definitely mess with Ryan’s head. “We’re coming with you.”

His eyes widen. “You don’t need to come.”

“Horse shite. There’s no bloody chance we’ll let you face that alone.”

Relief and gratitude shine in Ryan’s eyes. His shoulders sag forward as he exhales. “Thanks.”

I tap his arm. “Don’t mention it, buddy.”

“Do you think June would come too?”

Lachy’s eyes light up. “Oh, a road trip with our girl. I’m down for that.”

I’d love to spend more time with her, but I hold my enthusiasm back. We aren’t just nobodies, and after the extra attention we garnered thanks to the almost plane crash, we have to be more careful.

“Jake?” Ryan looks at me.

“What?”

“You’re frowning. You don’t think we should invite June?”

I shake my head. “It’s not that. I was just thinking about the logistics. We don’t know if she’ll be able to take time off work.”

Lachy rubs his chin. “True. But our game on Saturday is early, and we have Sunday off. We could go after the game.”

Ryan nods. “That’s probably the best time to go. I’ll tell Cory.”

I should be glad the scheduling conflict was resolved, but I’m not relaxed by any stretch of the imagination. I don’t think bringing June on this trip is a good idea, but I don’t want to be the asshole who ruins it for everyone.

CHAPTER 18

JUNE

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