Page 56 of Lucky in Love
“My mom lives in Hartford. My dad passed away when I was twelve. No siblings.”
“Sorry about your dad.” Nick sipped his beer. “That must have been tough growing up without him.”
“Yeah. It’s been me and my mom against the world for as long as I can remember.”
“She ever remarry?”
“Nah,” Brody said. “But hopefully someday.”
“What about you? Gonna get back in the saddle after what happened in New York?”
“That’s a nice way of putting it.” Brody huffed. “At least it sounds better than catching your almost fiancée cheating on you.”
“I pride myself on tact,” Nick said with a smile.
“I don’t know, sure,” Brody said. “If the right woman comes along, I’m game for another go. Speaking of getting past traumatic events. How’s your friend Max doing?”
“Not great. He’s holding it together for Lilly, their daughter, but barely. I’ve heard from the inn employees that he’s having a hard time reengaging.”
“It’s only been a couple of weeks,” Brody said. “He needs time. I can’t imagine what he must be going through. Deathsucks. Especially when it’s someone so young and their death so senseless.”
Nick nodded and finished his beer.
Later, they were all seated at the game, pleased that the Celtics were up by eight at the half.
After the cheerleaders did their halftime dance, a man came onto the court to announce a three-point contest.
“One lucky fan will have the chance to win a thousand dollars,” the announcer teased.
“Alex, you’re up,” Faith said without a doubt.
“Yep,” Tess agreed. “Better stretch out.”
“I don’t know,” Alex hemmed. “My luck’s been in the toilet lately.”
Brody was confused, but none of the friends were the least bit surprised when Alex’s seat number was called. Their group popped onto the big screen, the camera zooming in on Alex.
Her seat was in the middle of the row, and they all stood to let her out.
“You got this, girl,” Tess said, slapping Alex on the butt as she passed.
“Bring home that bacon.” Juliet tapped her rear end.
“Dinner’s on you,” Faith said, also spanking her as she slid by.
Not wanting to feel left out, Brody smacked her on the backside too. “Go get ’em!”
She looked at him like he’d lost his mind, but he just smiled.
Her long ponytail swished back and forth as she descended the stairs. In the middle of the court, she made a show of cracking her knuckles.
“I’m Ken,” the announcer said once Alex was by his side. “What’s your name?”
“Alex.”
“Have you played much basketball, Alex?”
Alex shrugged. “Enough.”
