Page 54

Fifty-Four

Henry

We’re on the bus on our way back to the hotel after a morning skate before our game tonight in Tampa Bay. This is a long three-day stretch that I’m not looking forward to.

It’s already been hard to find alone time with Jade. She seems really understanding, but I wish we would’ve started this during offseason when I could make us a priority.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I figure it is Jade, so it pulls a smile out of me. But Mack’s name shows up instead. I hate that quick flick of fear that runs through me when I see his name during my away games.

“Hey, Mack. What’s up?”

He coughs then sneezes. “I’m sick.”

“I can hear that.” Fuck.

“I don’t want to give it to Bodhi, plus I can barely get out of bed without my head spinning. But if you want me to…”

“No. I’ll get someone to pick him up from school. Thanks. Feel better.” I click End, and all the guys look at me. “Mack is sick.”

They cringe because this couldn’t come at a worst time.

“Kyleigh’s at a fashion thing,” Rowan says.

“What about Jade?” Conor asks.

Jade is the first person who comes to my mind, and I know she’d do it in a heartbeat, but are we there yet? We’re in Tampa Bay, then heading to North Carolina with no break in between to come home. “It’s three days.”

My grandparents left two days ago for Italy, and I know Reed is in the middle of some case that’s all over the news. Victoria just recently went back to work. The twins aren’t old enough. This is when I really wish my circle was bigger.

“She’s gotta get used to it sometime,” Tweetie says. “We all know she’s gonna be permanent anytime now.”

Truth is, I hoped to ease her into this family thing. I’ve been trying to keep a balance. She hasn’t spent the night yet. And I don’t want to just throw her into the mother role without me being there. It’s one thing to think you’re up for it, but only a parent knows how much work goes into being a parent. The day-to-day drudgery. The moments that come when you just need a break. I still find myself wanting to shield Jade from all of it because I don’t want to overwhelm her too soon. But I really don’t have a choice.

The bus stops, and we all file into the hotel, each of us grabbing our room keycards and heading to the elevators.

“I could call my dad,” Conor says in the elevator to our rooms.

“Ruby?” Tweetie says.

Maybe if it was just the day, but we’re talking two nights. Really three by the time I get back from Carolina in the middle of the night.

When I shake my head, Tweetie pulls out his phone. “I’m sure I have someone in my phone who can probably?—”

“No,” we all say in unison.

“My only option is Jade. I’ll make the call when I get to my room.”

We step off on our floor, and Conor stops at my door, resting his shoulder on the wall. “I know this is scary and all, but she’s going to want to help you. She loves you, man, and she loves Bodhi. Who knows, maybe she’s been waiting for this opportunity to show you that she’s ready to step in.” He raises his eyebrows and walks to his door next door.

“When did you become so insightful?” I ask.

He laughs, swiping his keycard. “I’m just as surprised as you, believe me.” He holds open the door to his hotel room and looks down both ends of the hallway before leaning in. “What do you think is up with Tweetie? He seem off since we arrived.”

Conor is right. Tweetie was quieter than usual on the flight here, and his usual banter was missing from the locker room.

“Not sure. Maybe it has something to do with this being his old team?” I shrug.

“Yeah, could be, I guess. Anyway, I’m gonna go try to take a nap before we have to leave. Good luck with your phone call.” He disappears into his room, and I swipe my card.

Dropping my bag on the floor, I go to the edge of the bed and pull out my phone. My gut twists because this is a full-on test. She’s only seen Bodhi act out a few times when he was tired and cranky.

Fuck it, I have no other option.

I press on her name and put it on speaker.

“Hey, you,” she answers. “Shouldn’t you be napping?”

“We just got back to the hotel,” I say. “About to.”

“Henry, what’s wrong?” She must hear the stress in my voice.

“I have to ask you something, and you can say no. I’m sure I can…” Just ask her, man. This is the woman you’re hoping will be your wife and a parent with you one day. “Mack is sick.”

Before I can even ask for her help, Jade steps up. “Does Bodhi need to be picked up?”

“Jade, I’m gone for three days. Two nights.”

Silence descends. Fuck, I knew it. I’m pushing her before she’s ready.

“I won’t be home until late Thursday, probably in the middle of the night.”

She still doesn’t say anything.

“I know, Henry,” she says slowly. “I know your schedule.” Now she sounds weird.

I’m fucking this up.

“Kyleigh is at a fashion thing, my grandparents are in Italy, and…”

“I’m your last option?” I hear the hurt in her tone.

“I don’t want to… he’s not your… I don’t know.” I run my hand through my hair.

She should’ve been my first option. Why am I so worried to burden her with Bodhi? She’s done nothing to make me think she can’t handle it. This is clearly a me thing.

“I’ll pick him up. I’ll pack my bag and stay at your place. And give me Mack’s number so I can call him for Bodhi’s schedule. You’re busy, and this way I don’t have to bother you.”

Bother me all you want, I think.

“Did I just fuck this up?” I groan and rub my palm over the stubble on my face.

She laughs, although it’s not the one I love. “No, Henry, but we should probably talk when you get back. I want you to lean on me for help. I want to be your first call.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” She sounds so sure and positive. “Now, you go nap knowing I’ve got Bodhi taken care of.”

“Thanks so much, babe.”

“You’re welcome. Sweet dreams. Of me, I hope.”

My hand tightens on my phone, wishing she was with me so I could hold her. “I love you,” I say, unsure how to end this conversation.

“I love you too. Play like the rock star you are tonight. We’ll be watching. Bye.”

“Bye.”

We hang up, and I stand, blowing out a breath.

This second-chance romance while having a kid thing isn’t easy. Am I the one holding us back now?