Page 31 of Game Changer
I laugh.“Sort of.But part of that was probably the feud between Dad and Chelsea and Grandpa.Everly always knew we didn’t trust her mom, and that made things awkward.”
Our drinks arrive, and I relax back into the comfy chair with my tequila and let out a sigh.“I hate it that Grandpa’s not doing well.And I’ve missed so much time with him.”
“I’m sorry.”Molly’s voice is soft.“It must be hard.”
I nod but don’t say anything.She’s…pretty great.She’s just been through a hell of an ordeal herself, and she’s sitting here all sympathetic for me and my family.
“I’m sorry I caused some trouble by showing up with you.”She picks up her drink.“I never even thought that they would know about the wedding, but I guess I should have.I’m sure it’s all over social media.”
“Probably.Also, probably good to not know that.Don’t look.”
“I don’t think there’s any way I can stop myself.”She grins crookedly.“I’ll try.”
“You were going to marry a hockey player.You know you can’t look at all the shit they write about us.And about the WAGs.Especially about the WAGs.”I’ve seen some cruel shit online.
“True.”
“Especially someone as soft-hearted as you.”
“Soft-hearted?”Her eyes widen.“Me?”
I laugh.“Yeah, you.You cry at any TV commercial with a dog in it.”
“I do not.”
“Yeah, you do.It’s not an insult.But…”
“What?”She eyes me with eyes as big as hockey pucks.
“It’s easier to get hurt when your heart is all squashy.”
She snorts.“Squashy-hearted.Got it.”Then she lets out a short puff of air.“I may have been squashy-hearted in the past, but no more.I’m never going to let a man fool me or take advantage of me again.”
I don’t believe in love and marriage either, but it makes me a little sad hearing her say that.She’s always so happy and vibrant, and I hate to think that Chucky’s bullshit has turned her off men and relationships.Because she’s made for love and commitment and probably a family.I, on the other hand, am not.
I take a gulp of tequila, which slides warmly down my esophagus.
“So, what’s up tomorrow?”Molly changes the subject.
“I’m going to go to Grandpa and Chelsea’s place.I want to find out what’s happening medically.How he’s managing.”
“Checking up on Chelsea?”
“Well, yeah.”
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you have to worry.She’s pretty attentive to him.I think she cares.And…I think this is really hard on her.”
“You decided that in a few hours?”
She tosses her hair back.“You know I’m always right about stuff.”
One corner of my mouth lifts.That is true.“Well, I guess I’ll see.”
“What about your dad?”
“Eh.”I gaze into my amber drink.“I’ll see him at some point.”
When she says nothing, I look up at her.She’s regarding me with her head tilted, lips pursed.“What’s that about?”
