Page 16 of Fair Play
“Honestly?” I chew the inside of my cheek. “At first, I really didn’t want to, but the program here is amazing and they offered me a great deal with the dual program. It turned out to be a good thing. Except for how expensive it is to live here.”
“Can’t your brother help you?”
I sigh. “He does but… look, he’s been taking care of me since I was fifteen. He basically missed his shot at the NHL because of me so I’m trying not to be a burden now that he’s finally getting his chance. And money’s always been tight so I’d like to pay my own way for once.”
“But you’re still in school.” He says it like it’s the simplest thing in the world.
“I know but?—”
I’m interrupted as Bodi comes in. “What are you guys talking about?”
“I might have a solution to her car problem,” Rome says smoothly. “My dad bought a new car a year before he died and it’s been sitting in the garage for five years. Mom won’t let it go. But I think she’d be okay with letting a smart, responsible college student use it.”
Bodi frowns. “Why would you need a car? You’ve never needed one before.”
I roll my eyes. “This morning’s two-hour bus ride was more than I could stand. I mean, you want me doing that at ten o’clock at night on the days I have my late class?”
His eyes narrow. “Fuck that. No.” He turns to Rome. “I’ll be happy to pay for the insurance and whatever.”
Rome nods. “Let me talk to my mom. She and my sister will probably be at the game tonight and you can meet her.”
I purse my lips. “Bodi doesn’t allow me back in the family lounge.”
“He…” Rome turns to Bodi. “What the fuck, man? Don’t you think you’re taking this overprotective dad business a little too far? She’s your family. There are wives, girlfriends, parents, grandparents, and children there. What do you think is going to happen?”
There’s a tense silence in the kitchen as Bodi stands there, hands on his hips.
“Come on,” I cajole softly. “Do you really think I’m just going to jump into bed with one of your teammates? I promise to only talk to the married ones.”
There’s an awkward beat before Rome starts to chuckle and finally Bodi gives in.
“All right. I guess it’s time. Everyone has been asking about you, and Blake says he doesn’t see you nearly enough.”
Blake was his best friend, teammate, and roommate in Phoenix and he’s like another brother to me.
“You’re the best!” I lean over and kiss his cheek.
Hopefully, he’s going to start to chill out.
Oh, who am I kidding?
That’s too much to ask for.
Chapter 6
Rome
It takessome doing but I convince my mother to let Billie use Dad’s old Mercedes. Well, it’s not that old, and only has eight thousand miles on it since no one has driven it beyond someone taking it in for service a few times. I don’t think my mom is thrilled with the idea but it’s time for her to let go. She’s grieved him long enough.
Maybe we all have.
I left home a long time ago because that’s what hockey players do. I went to a prep school at sixteen, then college, went pro after graduation, and never looked back. I’d like to say I don’t have regrets but that would be a lie.
I havesomany fucking regrets.
Consequently, losing my dad hit hard. Harder than I thought it would considering the distance between us in the decade before he died. I was busy making a nuisance of myself as the loudest, chirpiest bruiser in the league—and getting involvedwith the absolute worst possible women—while keeping my family at arms’ length.
I’ve never been good at being a good guy.
