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“The truth stings,” I tease, surprising myself by being able to find humor in this messed-up situation.
“I think you guys were being overcautious. Colt’s popular, and as I have demonstrated, you and Callan are too. Clyde might be a dick, but you guys have built your own reps.” She narrows her eyes. “Callan told me he’s slowing down the PR crawl until there’s a date for your father’s trial.”
“Makes sense. Canada knows who Colt and Zee are now. A few attendances to some fancy galas and that’s enough to keep them in the public eye.”
She nods. “They’re going to one in Vancouver next week.”
“Are you traveling with her? I know you’ve been doing her hair and makeup.”
“What kind of emotional support animal would I be if I didn’t?”
Though I snort, she can sense my mind’s torn.
“I’d send some of them overseas. Europe’s a big place. I heard you say you’ll cover the costs...”
“Of course.”
“Not many would do that.”
“Not many grew up in a house with a monster,” I mutter. “It feels like we’re abandoning them if we send them away.”
“No. You’re saving them. You’re making them harder to find. Maybe pull a double bluff? Set up rents for them in Canadian towns, different cities and whatnot, but then send them to Europe. Maybe Italy.”
“Why Italy?”
“Who doesn’t want to visit Italy before they die?”
That has me cackling. “So, it’s half SOS and half great chance for an Emily in Rome moment?”
“You know whatEmily in Parisis?”
“I do.”
“We need to watch that together.”
I pretend to study my nails just so she’ll whack me for mocking her. “Cole saw to most of our entertainment education.”
“Meaning?”
“He loves all things romance and rammed it down our throats too. Then would pester us until we watched his recs.”
“Yeah, what’s with his love of all things romance?” she asks as we start walking. “Most hockey players are fuckbois.”
“Oh, sure, but he was searching for the one. We all dealt with how Clyde treated Mum differently. Colt locked up tight, never brought anyone around after the first girlfriend he took homewas lured away by Clyde. Cole did the opposite. He wanted a real connection and wouldn’t stop until he found it.”
“I’m looking forward to catching up with Mia. I know we met at the BBQ, but we didn’t really get a chance to hang out.”
“She keeps Cole in line. I like her. She cuts through his bullshit and loves the man he is, not the Korhonen or the hockey player. Just Cole. We all want that.”
She peeps up at me. “You know I...”
“Oh, I know,” I assure her with a wink. “I’m considering myself the lucky one.”
“What did you want? Cole sought out love; Colt locked down. What about you?”
I shrug. “I focused on work.”
“All the time?”