I can’t help but smile as I reach out and take the key.
“I’ll text you the address once I get in the car,” she says.
“Thanks, Rach,” I murmur, annoyed that stupid tears are stinging my eyes again. I’m going to make it one day without tears this holiday season, or I’ll walk into the ocean and join the turtles permanently.
“Hey,” she says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I love you.”
“I know,” I reply with a watery smile. “What’s not to love?”
“Exactly. That’s what I’ve been saying for three years. You are a goddess, and you deserve to be worshipped and adored. Altars, burning of incense…maybe some ritual orgies.”
“Will you just go?” I laugh, giving her a shove. “Or Mars is gonna drag you out.”
“Are you staying?”
I close my fist around the key and nod.
“Good.” Finally, she moves towards the door. “Oh, and hey,” she calls over her shoulder. “There’s a sauna out on the back patio, and it’s divine. Give it a try.”
I follow her through the kitchen and down the hall, narrowing my eyes at the back of her head. “You guys fucked in it, didn’t you?”
“No comment,” she replies with a laugh.
I just sigh. “Yeah, you fucked in it. ‘Cause you’re a horny little horndog who can’t get enough.”
“Can you blame me?” she teases, tugging open the front door. “You get yourself a hockey player and see if you can ever get enough.”
“Is that an invitation?” I tease right back.
“Down, girl. The Rays are off limits, remember?”
My heart stutters a bit as I think of my dance with Ryan, the kiss I wanted but didn’t get. Just as she’s about to step out the door, my hand is reaching out, brushing her arm. “Hey—do you really mean that? Is it like a hard line in the sand for you?”
She turns, her gaze leveled at me. “Oh, Tess, what did you do?”
“Nothing,” I cry, feigning indignation.
“Tess…”
“Nothing,” I say again, laughing this time. But then I squeeze my boobs together and give her a saucy wink. “Yet.”
“I fucking hate you,” she says, shaking her head.
“You love me, remember? You just said it.”
“When do you move out again?”
“Today. And I’m taking the dog with me,” I tease.
“Just give him back on Sunday night or Caleb will cry,” she says pulling the door shut.
Poseidon dances at my feet, drawn to the only company he has left. I’m flattered he thinks I’m more interesting than his overflowing basket of toys. He blinks up at me with those pretty blue eyes, his black and white tail wagging slowly side to side.
“What do you think, bubs? You ready to go on a little drive with me?”
That sets him off like a firecracker. He’s a yipping, howling mess as he chases me up the stairs. I have no idea what the heck I’m doing with my life, but coffee and a beach walk with the dog sounds like enough of a plan for now.
And maybe I’ll try the sauna tonight…after I disinfect it first.
12
“Hey, man, can you put this up there?” Cade Walsh sticks his arm out towards me, reaching across the airplane seat to hand me his backpack. He’s a third string forward and a rookie, but he keeps his elbows to himself and always travels with good snacks, so I let him be my seat mate.
I wordlessly take his backpack, shoving it into the overhead next to mine as my phone pings in my pocket. I reach for it as Novy shoves his way past behind me. “Jeez, asshole,” I mutter, glaring at the back of his head.
“‘Scuse me,” says Morrow, sliding past too.
They’ve both been so weird since L.A. Novy is usually a big prankster, life of the party, even if he’s also a moody asshole. And Morrow is one of the nicest guys on the team. Right now, their shoulders are set in frustration as they take opposite seats in the same aisle, crossing their arms like lovers in a tiff.
Whatever. Their bullshit is not my problem.
I open my messages app and tap the top message. It’s from my agent, Mike Kline. Heart in my throat, I drop into my seat. I tap the new voice memo and listen.
“Hey, Ryan. I know you’re probably already in the air,” comes his bright voice. “But you can listen to this when you land—”
“Hey, Langers! Wanna play Mario Kart?” Sully shouts from two rows up.