Page 18 of Their Perfect Daddy

I smile. “That would be something, huh?”

It’s not even remotely something I want to do. Partying has a place. This isn’t it.

I want a family vibe for the holiday. The closeness you get while sharing a meal and exchanging gifts is what I long to experience. It’s been ages since we’ve all been together. For some reason, I thought this year might be different.

Not that previous years have been horrible. Usually, I get to see our parents for part of it. It’s not their fault I’m so fuckingclingy. They really did take good care of us once we became a blended family. And before that I still had an amazing life.

It’s more that I’ve always been the type to want to be surrounded by other people. Being alone is boring as fuck. Too much time lost in my thoughts that way. That place is no fun. I would much rather be with others.

Distraction is the key to happiness.

Except nothing is distracting me enough from Danny to get my shit together. He’s somehow managed to sink deep into my subconscious that he pops into my mind far more than he should.

“Loud noise,” I say before pressing the blend button. The screech of breaking ice and blending ingredients is the only sound for a minute. When it’s ready, I stop and hear my brother groan.

“A little more warning next time. That was way too loud. Is your phone right by the damn thing?”

“I mean, yeah. I’m right by it, which means the phone is too. Don’t be a sourpuss because you aren’t quick enough.”

He sighs. “Not all of us are professional athletes with fast reflexes. Speaking of which, I’m sure you need to get to practice. I need to get to work too. We’ve got some events coming up, and Danny is going to be left in charge of it all while I’m gone.”

The mention of his friend has me perking up as I pour my drink in a shaker bottle. I nearly make a mess with the excitement coursing through me.

“He’s going to be alone? Is that ok? Does he need help or anything? I could do it.”

It’s quiet for a second before he says, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You might make things weird for him after whatever went down between you two.”

Now it’s my turn to groan. “How am I supposed to make anything right if he won’t let me talk to him about it? I swear it was a misunderstanding. I think if he and I could have a conversation it would all be fine.”

“You think so?”

“I do,” I tell him firmly. “This isn’t me gassing myself up. Danny is… he’s amazing. I want a chance to know him better. Even if it’s only as a friend.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Monty. He’s a good guy, and he deserves only the best. If you can’t be there for him, then leave it be.” He takes a deep breath. “But if you really believe you can fix this, then do it. Danny hasn’t been the same since the party. He hasn’t mentioned any sports related topics at all since we got back. That piece of him closed off completely.”

“Well, fuck. That’s not good.”

“Exactly.So fix it. Please. He’s my best friend. I can’t stand seeing him this upset.”

My stomach churns at the vulnerability in his voice. It’s one thing for him to joke around with me about things. This is completely different.

“I promise to do my best,” I tell him.

“Thank you. Go crush it at practice. I don’t want… Never mind. I’ll explain it all later.”

His words get my attention. There are things my brother hasn’t told me. He’s keeping secrets.

Then again, so am I.

Technically it’s notmy secretto tell. I can’t explain why things are strained with Danny without giving him all the details about the lace and my freak out.

“Later, bro.” I end the call, then grab my keys and head out the door. My drive to the stadium consists of me playing The Fray at top volume while chugging my shake.

The minute I’m in the parking lot, I take off for the training room. I’m early enough the halls are mostly empty. I wave to some of the trainers I pass before reaching my destination.

I open the door expecting to be the first person inside, only to stop when I see a few familiar faces already hard at work. Aries Merry and Bellamy Bellport are jogging side by side on the treadmills. With how perfectly put together they are, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were filming a commercial. Across the room from them, Jett Fawkes is doing squats with one of the trainers spotting him while Pete Mendoza Jr. is doing a kettlebell circuit.

Taking on the role I’m known for, I let out an exaggerated laugh. “And here I thought I was being an overachiever.”

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