Page 39 of Game Changer
She introduces me to the group.
“Holy shit,” Justin says, eyes opening as big as margarita glasses.“You play for the Chicago Aces.”
“Yeah.”I smile.“You a hockey fan?”
“Big time!The Lightning are my team, but wow, it’s great to meet you.”
Everyone’s in awe, peppering me with questions about hockey and other players, which I try to answer without insulting the refs, the league or other players.
“We need to get going,” Sarah says eventually.“We have a dinner tonight.”
“Yeah.”Justin makes a face.“Duty calls.”
“Your boss is here,” Sarah reminds him.“You better show up.”
They leave to go to their business dinner.Molly and I have finished our drinks.
“We should think about dinner too, I guess.”I sets my empty down on the small table.
“Yes, I’ve had enough pool time for the day.”
“No sunburn?”
“I don’t think so.How’s my back?”She turns.
I cough, admiring the expanse of smooth skin.“Looks good.”
“Whew.It’s hard to sunscreen your own back.”She pushes a book and magazine into her tote bag, folds up her towel and we start back to the room.“So, why was your day so rough?Your grandpa not doing well?”
I blow out an explosive breath.“No.It’s just…hard.”
She doesn’t press me, but I know she will at some point.“What do you feel like for dinner?Something here?Or should we go out?”
“Let’s go out.Somewhere fun and noisy.”
“Hmm.Okay.”
I let her shower first, then take my turn.When I come out, rubbing my hair with a towel, she’s dressed in another cute sundress and she’s looking at her phone, clearly upset.I stop rubbing my hair, lowering my arms.“What’s wrong?”
Her lips tighten.“Steve went on our honeymoon.”
“Aw.Fuck.”I close my eyes and shake my head.“I’m sorry, Molly.”
“It’s okay.”She pulls in a breath and stands.
“Fuck,” I mutter again.“How do you know that?”
She holds up her phone.“Grace sent me a text message.My phone’s been off, and I had a bunch of missed calls, voice mails and texts.Most from Steve, but a lot from Grace and Brielle.And one from Mom just checking in.”She hesitates.“I didn’t listen to Steve’s messages, but I did read the others.”
“Who’s he there with?”
“Grace says she doesn’t know.”She swallows, a pained expression on her face.“If he’s with Claire…”
Goddammit.
“I’ll finish getting ready.”She darts into the bathroom.
“No rush,” I call.“I’ll be out on the balcony.”
