Page 87 of Hockey Boy
Marry a man my father approves of, give him a few heirs to choose from…
I shudder at the thought.
Nope. No kids for me. My father’s controlling enough with me. I’d never put that on another person, let alone my own child.
“Len,” Sara says, her voice raised like maybe it’s not the first time she’s called my name.
I pull in a deep breath, relishing the way my lungs burn. “Sorry, yeah?”
“Maria has to get Josie back to the hospital so she can meet her mom. Why don’t we get one more picture in front of the carousel together?”
Ava is standing beside her, doing all she can to put on a brave face. She’s doing a terrible job. Her green eyes glisten, and just as a tear falls, she slides her sunglasses on.
After half a dozen pictures—including a goofy pose, one where we all smile nicely, and then a couple where we’re probably all a bit somber, knowing it’s the final one and that this is our last Sunday with Josie for a while—we say our goodbyes.
Fortunately, my boss approaches and signals that she’d like to have a word, distracting me from the tearful farewells. I give Josie a big hug and remind her that pink is always the answer, then I head back to the table so I can oversee clean-up.
She walks beside me, her heels sinking into the soft ground. Even as they do, she manages to remain completely at ease. I wore flats for that exact reason. Had I worn heels, I surely would have twisted my ankle, taken out the table, and landed squarely on the cake.
“It was a good event. What’s the status onSeven?”
My stomach sinks.Right. Ryder’s band.“Ryder asked to meet again this week to go over it further.”
She furrows her brows. “Is he giving you the runaround?”
I shake my head. The last thing I want is for her to think I can’t handle this. “He was preoccupied when we met last week”—with my breasts, though I don’t tell her that—“Probably because of the record deals they’re considering.”
Her expression smooths out, instantly sending a wave of relief through me. Aiden won’t be happy, but there’s no avoiding meeting with Ryder again. I need him to say yes to this wedding gig.
“Just let me know if you don’t think they’re interested so I have time to come up with a plan B. This bride is”—cringing, she scans the park, then angles in closer—“very demanding.”
“As she should be. We’re the best, right?” I say brightly.
With a nod, Serena turns and heads off toward the street, apparently heading out. I, on the other hand, stare at the mess of a table like the answer to my problem is hidden somewhere in the cut-up cake.
“Were you talking about Ryder Sinclair?”
I jump, surprised by the proximity of the voice. Spinning, I slap a hand to my chest and come face to face with Melina. “Sorry,” I breathe. “You scared me.”
She doesn’t smile. Nor does she apologize. “Were you?”
“Um, yeah.” I swallow past the lump suddenly lodged in my throat. “My boss wants Sevento perform at a wedding, and if not them, then another big talent. I think he’s jerking me around, though. He probably doesn’t want to do the wedding, but rather than say that, he keeps stringing me along, inviting me out for drinks and dinner to “discuss,” then conveniently veering the conversation off topic. My boyfriend isn’t happy,” I add, grimacing, because it’s true, and also, I should mention Aiden, right? For the sake of our fake relationship?
Or maybe I just like referring to him as my boyfriend.
Ugh. I have issues.
Without hesitation, Melina pulls out her phone. “When’s the wedding?”
“August eighteenth, why?”
She slides a finger across her phone screen, then taps away. When she finally looks up at me, she’s wearing a soft smile. “I’m free. I’ll do it. Send me details, and I’ll make it happen.”
Disbelief leaves me staring at her, speechless.
“Does she have her heart set on Seven?” Melina asks, tilting her head and frowning.
“What?” I straighten, forcing air into my lungs. “No. I don’t think she’s even heard of them. Her parents mentioned them, but they’re open to other options.”