Page 78 of All Bets are Off

Stella’s smile widens, lighting up her face. “Don’t be so sure about that.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

“Your mom suspected. She told me.”

I turn to West, and his expression mirrors mine.

“She told you she thought West and I were together?” I ask, dumbfounded.

“Yep. In fact, she said she hoped you were. She told me nothing would make her happier.”

I can’t form words. West takes over the conversation, talking to Stella for a few more moments before she walks away and someone else takes her place, giving condolences.

Two hours pass before the funeral home director announces that the reception is wrapping up. Flowers line the walls, and I wonder what I’m going to do with them all.

“You can donate them to a local hospital,” the director suggests, and I agree to do that.

“Logan.”

I look over my shoulder to find Ivan standing there. I hadn’t seen him earlier.

“I just arrived. My plane was delayed. I’m sorry about your mother.”

“Thank you. It was nice of you to fly here to see me.”

We talk for a few minutes as the last of the people leave, West escorting them out.

“So, uh, I’m guessing that kiss I saw wasn’t part of a bet,” Ivan says when we’re alone.

I shake my head. “I should have just told you, but I was caught off guard.”

“No business but your own,” Ivan says. He pats both my arm. When West returns, I suggest we catch a late dinner at a local restaurant.

“Were you guys together all along?” Ivan asks us after we’re seated and served.

“No. It’s a more recent thing,” West says.

“That’s crazy.” Ivan shakes his head. “Sorry, not crazy, but just…I don’t know. Different. Unexpected. I never would have thought, you know?”

I chuckle. “Neither would we.”

“I guess you want to keep this on the down-low,” Ivan says, cutting up his chicken.

I glance at West, and something passes between us. “No, we’re fine with everyone knowing,” I say.

Ivan looks up, surprised. “You sure? Some of the guys might not be as okay with it as I am.”

“We’re sure,” West says. “If they aren’t okay with it, they can stay away.”

“We have our support family. Glad you’re one of them,” I add. “Oh, by the way, did your brother leave his wife?”

Ivan takes a long drink of his beer before answering. “No. That’s the last time I try to do him a favor. Can you believe he’s mad at me about it?”

I can believe it. No one appreciates being given that type of news. We change the subject, and the rest of the meal is filled with laughter and reminiscing.

****

“That could feed the entire city,” I say, staring at the monstrosity of a turkey on the platter.

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