Page 126 of Mr. Broody

We step off on our floor, and Conor stops at my door, resting his shoulder on the wall. “I know this is scary and all, but she’s going to want to help you. She loves you, man, and she loves Bodhi. Who knows, maybe she’s been waiting for this opportunity to show you that she’s ready to step in.” He raises his eyebrows and walks to his door next door.

“When did you become so insightful?” I ask.

He laughs, swiping his keycard. “I’m just as surprised as you, believe me.” He holds open the door to his hotel room and looks down both ends of the hallway before leaning in. “What do you think is up with Tweetie? He seem off since we arrived.”

Conor is right. Tweetie was quieter than usual on the flight here, and his usual banter was missing from the locker room.

“Not sure. Maybe it has something to do with this being his old team?” I shrug.

“Yeah, could be, I guess. Anyway, I’m gonna go try to take a nap before we have to leave. Good luck with your phone call.” He disappears into his room, and I swipe my card.

Dropping my bag on the floor, I go to the edge of the bed and pull out my phone. My gut twists because this is a full-on test. She’s only seen Bodhi act out a few times when he was tired and cranky.

Fuck it, I have no other option.

I press on her name and put it on speaker.

“Hey, you,” she answers. “Shouldn’t you be napping?”

“We just got back to the hotel,” I say. “About to.”

“Henry, what’s wrong?” She must hear the stress in my voice.

“I have to ask you something, and you can say no. I’m sure I can…” Just ask her, man. This is the woman you’re hoping will be your wife and a parent with you one day. “Mack is sick.”

Before I can even ask for her help, Jade steps up. “Does Bodhi need to be picked up?”

“Jade, I’m gone for three days. Two nights.”

Silence descends. Fuck, I knew it. I’m pushing her before she’s ready.

“I won’t be home until late Thursday, probably in the middle of the night.”

She still doesn’t say anything.

“I know, Henry,” she says slowly. “I know your schedule.” Now she sounds weird.

I’m fucking this up.

“Kyleigh is at a fashion thing, my grandparents are in Italy, and…”

“I’m your last option?” I hear the hurt in her tone.

“I don’t want to… he’s not your… I don’t know.” I run my hand through my hair.

She should’ve been my first option. Why am I so worried to burden her with Bodhi? She’s done nothing to make me think she can’t handle it. This is clearly a me thing.

“I’ll pick him up. I’ll pack my bag and stay at your place. And give me Mack’s number so I can call him for Bodhi’s schedule. You’re busy, and this way I don’t have to bother you.”

Bother me all you want, I think.

“Did I just fuck this up?” I groan and rub my palm over the stubble on my face.

She laughs, although it’s not the one I love. “No, Henry, but we should probably talk when you get back. I want you to lean on me for help. I want to be your first call.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” She sounds so sure and positive. “Now, you go nap knowing I’ve got Bodhi taken care of.”

---