Page 115 of Win Big

This reminds me of New Year’s Eve when I was supposed to share that room with Taylor and ended up passed out in Wyatt’s bed. I squeeze my eyes shut against more burning tears and plod into the bedroom.

Lacey’s so sweet, bringing me water, a nightie to sleep in, clean towels. “I love you,” I whisper to her, hugging her again.

“Love you too. It’ll be okay. You’ll be okay.”

I nod.

Right now it doesn’t feel like it. But I will be okay.

The Condors playthe Golden Eagles on Sunday here in Santa Monica. Mom is going to the game because Harrison has been called up from Pasadena, so I decide to attend also. To watch my brother.

Who am I kidding? I’ll be watching Wyatt.

I can’t stop thinking about him. I admire him so much for what he’s done to help his friend’s family. What he’s sacrificed for them. Leaving the team that drafted him, in the year they won the cup—the ultimate sacrifice for a hockey player. Moving across the country. Spending his time helping them. I ache for what he went through, now knowing the tragedy he survived. I can’t believe he would actually marry Heather out of guilt. I want to try to stop him from doing that. But who am I to tell him it’s a mistake?

My heart is crushed, bleeding and throbbing. I love him so much. I trusted him enough to tell him the truth about Gage, knowing Lacey was right. You can’t have real love and intimacy unless you’re honest. And then he was honest right back and broke my heart. I press a hand between my breasts, the ache there stealing my breath.

We’re up in Dad’s box. Théo’s here, of course, but JP is playing against us, with Mark coaching him. Matthew is just down the hall in the visiting GM box to cheer on his team, and on the other side of us, Asher’s in the press box. Damn near a family reunion.

It’s been a while since the Condors beat the Eagles, but this is a different team this year and they’re giving it their best shot. The score is tied at two after the second period, which should mean an entertaining third period.

Asher pops in during the intermission to say hi.

“Condors are playing great defense,” he says to Dad. “Totally responsible in their own end. Bell is really playing strong this year. I don’t think anyone else on the team has the same ability to keep track of multiple layers of offense like he does. Smart guy.”

My throat aches. Even while I feel proud to hear this about Wyatt, it emphasizes how much I miss him.

“And Harrison is really standing out,” Asher adds. “He’s playing fantastic tonight.”

At that moment, Matthew pokes his head in. “Hey, Wynn family. Are we having a reunion here?”

Dad turns and narrows his eyes at his oldest son. Before he can snarl anything, I impulsively say, “Yes, we are. Come in.” I gesture.

He strolls in, dressed in a suit and tie, of course, as are Dad and Théo. Asher’s more casually dressed in a button-down shirt and dress pants.

Mom’s eyes dart back and forth between Dad and Matthew. Asher looks at me and raises an eyebrow. I smile.

“I’m glad you’re here, Matthew,” I say. “We don’t often get this many of us together unless it’s a big holiday. I have something I want to say to you and Dad.”

Théo’s eyes bulge out behind his glasses.

“I know this wasn’t the plan,” I say to him and Asher. “I don’t really give a shit anymore. This feud is ridiculous.” I turn my focus to Dad and Matthew, who are both frowning. “We got a copy of the lawsuit. We know what happened. Dad, you need to pay back that money.”

Mom speaks up. “Everly. This isn’t the time.”

“Whenisthe time, then?” I’m getting a little heated. I need to calm down. “Dad. We’re all worried about you. About your health.”

“I’m healthy as a horse,” he growls.

I scoot my chair closer to him to look him in the eye. “You’re forgetting things. You get confused. You know this is happening.”

His blue eyes gaze back at me. “That’s bullshit.”

“It’s not. You need to go to the doctor. Mom’s been trying to convince you and I’m telling you the rest of us agree. I’ll take you myself. I—” My voice breaks. “Dad. I love you. I’m worried about you.”

His face suddenly looks tired. He pats my knee. “Evvie. Don’t worry.”

I smile. “You should know me better than that, Dad. Worry’s what I do.”

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