Page 133 of Goaltender Interference

“Sure, I can do that. We’ve got an away game next week. I could get it for the bus ride.”

“Perfect. Good thinking.”

Nolan glowed. “Thanks for the help.”

“Any time.”

“Nolan!” one of his cousins called out. “C’mon, we’re gonna do some shooting downstairs!”

“Gotta go!” With that, Nolan was gone and Jesse returned his attention to his food.

“You’re good with him,” Pat said a moment later.

Jesse glanced up, a mini quiche hanging half out of his mouth. “Umm,” he managed after he’d chewed and swallowed. “With Nolan?”

“Yeah.” Pat took a seat nearby, the chair creaking a little under his weight. “I’ve been trying to spend some extra time with him since the divorce. Con’s busy and I didn’t want Nolan to feel … neglected.”

“Connor would never neglect his son!” Jesse said hotly.

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it likethat,” Pat hastily added. “Of course he wouldn’t. But I know it’s hard when you guys are on the road.”

“True.”

“So I go to his games when Connor can’t.”

“That’s nice of you,” Jesse said.

“I’ve just been worried about him lately. He’s been quieter than usual.”

Jesse nodded.

“Has he confided anything to you? I saw you two talking and it looked pretty intense.”

“Umm,” Jesse said because that was going to be difficult to answer. “Sort of? But I honestly think he’ll be fine.”

“Have you talked to Connor about it?”

“Uhh?”

“Has Jesse talked to me about what?” Connor said, appearing over Pat’s shoulder.

Oh my God, where does everyone keep coming from?

Pat turned in his chair to face his brother. “About Nolan. He’s been quiet lately. I was getting worried.”

Connor pursed his lips. “He and Jesse spoke. Jesse talked to me about it but didn’t say what was going on.”

“Ican’t,” Jesse protested. “Nolan deserves privacy.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Pat sounded scandalized as he looked up at his brother.

Which … that didn’t really surprise Jesse. It did seem like this family was all up in each other’s business a lot. It was taking some getting used to.

“I trust Jesse,” Connor said firmly. “He said he’d tell me if Nolan was dealing with something dangerous or harmful.”

“I would!”

“So if Nolan feels like Jesse is someone he can go to about whatever it is, that’s what matters.”

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