Page 126 of Timelessly Ours
“I think it’s interesting…this losing streak we found ourselves in this season, right? I mean—it just doesn’t add up.” Grove cocks his head.
He wanted to be the one to do this because of rank.
Garret’s voice drops when he attempts to speak and he clears his throat. “No, I agree, we’re doing everything—”
“You said you never knew your father, right?” Grove asks outright, his voice even.
Garret’s face pales. Visibly pales. I can almost feel his heart slamming against his chest.
After a deep swallow, he answers. “That’s right.”
Grove’s head bobs. “Yeah, that’s too bad. He would have been so proud.” He walks up to him and touches his shoulder. “If he could just see you now.”
Garret rubs his hands together, his right leg shaking. “Is uh…is there something else?” He stands.
Grove shrugs and looks at me. I follow his notion and shake my head casually and add. “Nope. Just wanted to thank you for your loyalty to the team.”
Garret nods vigorously and heads for the door.
“Oh Garret,” Grove calls, making him turn.
“Got a big game tomorrow. Keep up the great work. You never know who’s keeping their eye on you.”
Garret’s brows twitch and he exits my office.
Grove settles onto the couch and looks up at me. “How long have you known about this?”
“Since the gala.”
He nods. “You should have come to me sooner.” Then with a shake of his head, he stands. “Well, see you at the game tomorrow. I’ve got a feeling our luck’s about to change.”
It’s after five when I get home.
Emotionally drained. This whole thing with Garret and finally putting a plan into action should be a relief. But it’s anything but.
Garret’s a good player. And a good man. Nicole was right. He’s likely trying to prove himself. Or under his father’s influence to win his affection.
The house lights are off and it’s too quiet.
Rover races up to me, whining. I follow him to his bowl. It’s empty. That’s odd. “I’m sorry, boy. You see the girls?” I ask, filling his water and then checking the taekwondo schedule on the bulletin.
No lessons today. Where are they?
“Nicole? Rory?”
I'm about to head upstairs when my doorbell rings. I answer with a sigh. “Whatever it is, I don’t have time for it, Claire. And I thought I made it clear—"
Her expression is too smug to ignore. When my little girl steps out from behind her, I drop to my knees.
“Hey, baby. What’s going on, are you okay?”
Rory nods, but sadly.
“Looks like your nanny never made it to pick her up. Gee if only you had someone in your life to warn you about that.”
I frown. “Get inside sweetheart and wash your hands.”
Claire tries to follow her in and I hold up my hand. “How did you know to pick her up?”