Page 174 of Goaltender Interference

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

THANKSGIVING

In the morning, Jesse looked like death warmed over and Connor felt even worse. The drinks had flowed and they had gotten to bed very, very late.

It didn’t help when Viv stopped by to drop off the girls.

They were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement about going to the Thanksgiving open house at his parents’ house soon and Connor bit back a groan at their noisy chatter. He loved them, but wow did they make a lot of noise. And right in hisear. He would swear he could feel Maura’s high little voice rattling around in his poor battered skull.

To Connor’s surprise, Viv lingered inside the front door, looking a little hesitant. “Could I talk to Jesse for a moment?”

Connor lifted an eyebrow but nodded, setting Maura down. “Uhh yeah, let me find him.”

Jesse was standing in the kitchen, holding a mug of coffee and staring at a wall.

“I’ve heard it helps if you actually get the coffee inside you,” Connor suggested.

“I’ll get something inside you,” Jesse muttered back.

Connor snorted, then regretted it immediately.Fuck, his head was pounding. He really should have had a lot less alcohol or a lot more sports drinks before he fell asleep.

And probably not fucked Jesse into the mattress in celebration. But where was the fun in that?

“You got a minute?” Connor asked. “Viv wants a word.”

Jesse straightened, looking mildly alarmed but a lot more awake. He set his mug down and walked to the front door.

“Hey, Viv,” he said.

“Hi, Jesse.” She gave him a tentative smile. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry about the other day. I—I didn’t react well at the riding stable and I’d like to apologize.”

“Oh.” Jesse’s worried frown turned into an easy grin. “Thanks. No hard feelings though.”

“I want to try to work with you in the future,” she said earnestly. “For the kids.”

“Sure, I’d like that,” Jesse said. He reached out to hug her and she tensed.

Connor opened his mouth—to say what, he had no idea—but she reached out, hesitantly patting Jesse’s back.

“Well, Happy Thanksgiving,” she said when she pulled back, smoothing down her hair. “Have fun with the kids today.”

“Thanks. Have a good day,” Jesse said. He glanced back at Connor, then looked at Viv again. “Look, I dunno if youwantto join us but I’m sure you’d be welcome. I’d like it if you came, anyway.”

Surprised, but pleased, Connor nodded. “Yeah, that’s a great suggestion. If you don’t have any other plans today, Viv, I’m sure my parents would be happy if you stopped by.”

“Ahh, that’s so nice of you to offer,” Viv said. “I don’t have plans, actually, but, uhm, maybe not today. We could talk about it for Christmas though?”

“I’d love that,” Jesse said.

“Sure. Whatever works for you,” Connor assured her.

“Well, we can figure out details later then,” she offered.

“Sounds great.”

They said goodbye and after she was gone, Connor pulled Jesse into a one-armed hug and Jesse snuggled close. “That was really sweet of you to offer.”

Jesse shrugged. “I mean, she’s gonna be alone todayandshe made the first gesture. It felt like the least I could do. Although I probably should have talked to you about it first.”

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