Page 60 of Stick Work

Elias is already on his feet, gently but firmly pulling me up. “Bathroom. Now.”

I don’t argue. Instead I sprint to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. While Elias and I are pretty open about most things, there are limits. Like him witnessing my stomach distress.

Ten long minutes later, I emerge feeling relief. I find Elias sitting on the bed, his elbows on his knees, worry etched into every line on his face.

He stands when he sees me. “You okay?”

“I am now.”

He moves toward me, his head angled. “You think it was the food?”

I nod and when he reaches me, I pat his hard stomach. I’ve seen the man eat, and that includes leftovers that I would deem questionable. “Unlike yours, mine is not ironclad.”

Elias wraps his arms around me, pulling me close and as I melt into his warmth, I press my cheek to his chest, and revel in the sound of his strong, steady heartbeat. Strong and steady. I can’t think of better words to describe the man holding me. “Are you up to going, or do you just want to stay in? I’m okay either way.”

I exhale softly, contentment curling through me. “I’m good to go.”

“Okay.” He eases back just enough to study me, his hands settling firmly on my shoulder as his gaze races over my face, concern flickering in the dark depths. Ever the protector, he says, “If at any time you don’t feel well, let me know.”

I nudge him playfully. “Thanks, Grandpa.” He just rolls his eyes at me, and my heart softens as I think of a little Elias running around this place. “You’re going to be an amazing father one of these days.”

He scoffs, smirking. “You mean Grandpa.”

I laugh as his warmth seeps into my bones. “I only call you that because you’re so much older than me.”

Shaking his head at my foolishness, he slides his hand down my back, guiding me toward the stairs. “Grab our coats and I’ll get the casserole and wine.” He nods and I hurry to the kitchen, and carefully put the food, drinks, and our gifts for the exchange into a bag. When I get back to him, he’s holding my coat out for me. I set down the bag, and he helps me into it, and I zip it to my chin. Once we’re both bundled, we make our way outside. The cool air falls over us as we hurry to his car, and I glance out the passenger-side window, taking in the decorations as he drives the short distance to my brother’s. It’s nice that the guys live close, considering they’re best friends.

Numerous cars are in the driveway when we approach and I note the way Elias adjusts his collar, the small shift in his shoulders. He’s always so composed, but I’ve learned that outside of hockey and events with the team, he’s a quiet soul. A homebody. A loner, if you will. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Back in California, his big family events are always filled with ‘acquaintances,’ as he puts it. Hopefully the fact that everyone here today is family in some way will make it easier for him.

We pull up to the curb and Elias helps me out, holding me so I don’t slip on the walkway. I don’t bother knocking. Technically, I still live here. I push the door open and step inside and smile at Elias when boisterous laughter spills out from the living room, followed by a baby’s cry.

“Sahara’s sister-in-law Victoria recently had a baby,” I tell him quietly. “Let’s put the food and wine in the kitchen before we say hello.” He nods, and his fingers brush the small of my back as we shrug out of our coats and boots and head to the kitchen. I put the casserole in the fridge, and grab Elias a beer and pour myself a glass of wine, even though the thought of drinking it teases my stomach, and not in a good way.

Elias lifts a brow, as if sensing my unease. “Ready?”

I nod and we make our way into the living room, where the soft hum of conversation and laughter fills the air. My gaze immediately lands on Kalen’s towering Christmas tree, the twinkling lights casting a warm glow over the room, making it so very cozy. Nevertheless, I still love the sparsely decorated tree Elias and I picked out and put up over music and hot chocolate.

“You’re here!” Sahara yells out, her voice full of excitement, and before I can even react, she’s bounding toward me, and wrapping me in a tight hug. I laugh and hug her back.

She pulls back. “I didn’t even hear you come in.”

I tilt my head toward the kitchen. “I wanted to put the casserole into the fridge.”

She’s bubbling over with happiness when she says, “Did you see my room? Did you know what Kalen was up to? Ohmigod, I don’t know how he managed to keep it from me all this time.”

Her energy is infectious and I laugh. “Yes, yes, and he’s a sneaky one,” I reply, checking off each answer.

“Hey sis,” Kalen greets, stepping forward to pull me into a hug. I squeeze him tight, and out of the corner of my eye, I notice my father rising from his seat. Kalen lets me go and greets his best friend with the same warmth. As they clap each other on the back, another sharp pang grips my stomach—but this time, it’s not from the food I ate. It’s from guilt. I swore I’d never ever come between friends, yet here I am, keeping a big secret from my brother, one that could destroy trust and ruin relationships.

“Are you okay?” Sahara asks her brow knitting together. “You look pale.”

I plaster on a grin. “It’s Winter in Boston,” I somehow manage to joke as I pinch my cheeks. “I’m missing the California sun.” She laughs, nudging me playfully, but the weight in my chest doesn’t ease.

I glance past her shoulder and smile as Dad closes the distance, his arms spread. “Sunshine,” he says, my childhood nickname, as he gives me a big hug. “You’re growing into such a beautiful woman. I’ve missed you.”

My heart beats a little faster. “I’ve missed you too, Dad.”

Miles joins in, wrapping me in a quick hug before I turn to introduce them both to Elias. Dad’s grin is wide as he shakes Elias’s hand, his eyes twinkling with something unreadable.

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