Page 22

Roman

“ W hen are you going to get your own car, dude?” Tanner asks as he pulls up behind Tuck’s truck outside The Nook.

I shrug, and yes, I’ve been asked this a thousand times. “Why would I? It’s way more fun hitching a ride with you. Plus, I don’t have a kid to drive around like some suburban dad.” If I’m happy about that, why do I suddenly have a very real pang of envy?

“Yeah, well, Gabby will need transportation if she agrees to this,” Tanner shoots back.

Tucker hops from his truck and strolls toward us as I consider that. “Maybe I’ll actually adult this year. I guess the freeloading is getting old.”

Tanner chuckles at that. “Get out of my car, rookie.”

I jump out too, adrenaline kicking in—not from the ride, but because Gabby’s inside.

Tuck pulls the café door open and we step into the warm buzz of espresso machines and low chatter.

My eyes scan the room until they find her—Gabby, sitting at a table for four, stirring her coffee a smile on her face when she sees me.

“There she is,” I say, probably too eagerly, and head straight over.

I slide into the seat next to her, almost on instinct, like I belong there.

I lean in like I might kiss her, but stop short at the last second.

Right. The guys don’t know. As far as they’re concerned, I’m just helping out a friend from back home.

Still, I swear the air between us crackles with a “we’re not just friends” kind of vibe.

She smiles softly and fidgets with her cup. I reach under the table and give her leg a light squeeze—reassurance, connection. She relaxes just a bit, and I swear it makes the whole room fade out.

“Gabby, meet Tuck and Tanner.”

“It’s so nice to meet you both,” she says, her voice warm and friendly, even though she’s a bit nervous. “I’ve loved watching you play. Tanner, you come from quite the hockey dynasty.”

I grin like a dope. She’s smooth, and I suddenly care way too much about my friends liking her. Which is weird. And kind of huge.

“You know your hockey,” Tanner says, visibly impressed. “Nice to meet you too, Gabby.” He gives her a firm handshake, and Tuck leans in next.

“Pleasure,” Tuck says, but his eyes immediately drift across the room. Of course. Maria’s here. She’s serving a table like she doesn’t feel Tuck’s stare setting her apron on fire. Honestly, they just need to hook up already.

“Did you order yet?” I ask Gabby, turning back to her.

“Nope,” she says with a small grin. “I met Avery, though. She said she already knew what you’d order.”

I chuckle, and wonder how much Avery said about me. We had a ‘thing’ a while ago, but it fizzled, like my ‘things’ always do. I don’t do relationships.

“Chowder,” I say, and rub my stomach dramatically. “And obviously cinnamon rolls. That’s non-negotiable.”

“Ah, I thought you said no treats during the season.”

“Well, I’m still in vacation mode.” She eyes me, and I continue to justify it. “I have to wean myself off them, okay?”

Laughing, she tells me, “I ordered a dozen already.”

My grin spreads as I drape my arm casually along the back of her chair.

I catch Tuck still laser focused on Maria, like she’s the only woman in the universe, and Tanner’s distracted by his buzzing phone.

I take my chance and lean a little closer to Gabby, dropping a wink.

“That’s my girl. But no more for me after that. ”

She gives me a small smile, but there’s something quieter in her eyes. “You had something you wanted to run by me.”

Before I can answer, Tanner’s phone call ends, and he slides it back into his pocket. “Did you run it by her yet?” he asks, glancing at me.

Gabby straightens in her seat. Her eyes flick between us, trying to piece together a puzzle. Avery arrives with a steaming pot of coffee. We all flip our cups without needing to be asked.

“Chowder?” she asks, already halfway to writing it down.

I nod and she turns to Gabby. “What about you? Decided?”

“If Roman vouches for the chowder, I’ll have the chowder.”

“Same,” Tanner and Tuck chime in at the same time.

I take a sip of coffee and glance at Gabby again. She’s watching me, waiting, sensing something’s coming.

“You want to ask, or should I?” I ask Tanner.

“I got it.” He turns to Gabby, his tone instantly softer. “Okay, so, no pressure, seriously, but when Roman mentioned you were staying in Boston and looking for work, I had an idea.”

Gabby raises an eyebrow. “Okay…”

“Our nanny just got married and moved out of state,” he continues.

“We’ve been scrambling ever since. Stella’s just over a year and a half, and we’re looking for someone to help out.

At least for the next little while, until we figure out a long-term plan.

I figured...maybe you’d be open to childcare? ”

Gabby blinks, surprised. “Oh. Wow. A nanny?”

She leans back a little, absorbing the word like it’s in a foreign language. “I mean, I’ve babysat before, but I’ve never been a nanny.”

“Yeah,” Tanner adds quickly. “It’s okay if it’s not for you.

I just thought someone from our circle we could trust while we interview candidates.

Stella is easy going, and really sweet. Except when she fights her naps,” he adds with a laugh and a cringe.

“But the pay is good and you have lots of downtime to do hobbies and things like that.”

I turn to her and shrug. “Something to think about. While other things in your life are sorting themselves out.”

A smile tugs at the corners of her lips, like she’s warming to the idea. “It could be fun.” She laughs, a small, musical sound, and I feel a little thrill at how natural she fits in here, like she’s always been part of the crew. “I’ll definitely think about it.”

“Why don’t you guys come by tonight?” Tanner suggests. “I know Maeve and Stella would love to meet you, Gabby.”

Gabby turns to me, her eyes lighting up just a little. “I don’t think I have anything going on tonight.” She pauses, waiting for confirmation. “Just some shopping this afternoon.”

I nod, catching the hopeful note in her voice. She might’ve been caught off guard by all this, but the curiosity, and maybe a little excitement, is definitely there.

“Yeah,” I say, smiling. “Let’s swing by after dinner.”

“Perfect,” Tanner replies, already pulling out his phone to text Maeve.

Gabby glances down at her coffee cup, then back up at him. “Stella is such a beautiful name.”

Tanner’s grin turns proud. “Thanks. She’s named after my mom. Matchmaker of the century.”

As he types out the message, Maria and Avery return with our food, the steam from the chowder curling in the air. I introduce Gabby to Maria, who gives her a warm smile, and I’m sure they’ll be instant friends.

“This smells amazing,” Gabby says, inhaling the aroma with genuine appreciation.

I grab my spoon and dive in. “Tastes even better than it smells.”

Conversation flows easily after that. We talk hockey, of course—because that’s what happens when you put three players at a table—but I steer things away from Gabby’s past. The Vegas chapter isn’t something I want her to feel cornered into revisiting.

When the check comes, I grab it before anyone can argue. It’s the least I can do, considering I’ve basically turned them into my personal Uber service.

Avery comes back with the holy grail, our cinnamon rolls, and Gabby requests a couple of extra small boxes. Avery obliges with a knowing smile, already wrapped around Gabby’s finger.

As we head toward the door, Gabby stops and pulls a card from her pocket. “I need to call Ben.”

I raise a brow. “Ben?”

“The driver,” she says with a small smile.

“Ben, huh? Sounds like you’ve been making friends.”

She rolls her eyes and lightly smacks my chest. “Sounds like someone’s jealous.”

I laugh, because yeah, she’s not wrong. “Maybe I am.”

We step outside, and when a breeze cuts down the street, she zips her jacket all the way to her chin.

“Fine then,” she says, glancing sideways at me. “Should I be jealous of Avery?”

I snort. “Uh, no. That was a long time ago.” I press a hand gently to her back, steering her down the sidewalk. “Come on.”

She shivers as we walk, and I murmur, “I really need to get a car.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t have to do that for me. I don’t even know my way around.”

I glance at her, catching the wind-blown strands of hair dancing around her face. “Maybe not yet,” I say quietly. “But you will. But I’ll get one that has navigation.” She opens her mouth. “It’s fine. It’s time I got one anyway, and if you do take the job, you need a way around.”

“That’s too much, Roman.” There’s a soft, almost pleading edge to her voice. She doesn’t want to be a burden, I get it. But damn, I want to do this for her. All of it.

“I’m doing it for Tanner,” I say, even though we both know that’s a lie. “He’s in a bind, remember?”

She doesn’t argue, but the look in her eyes says she knows exactly who I’m really doing it for.

The wind picks up as we walk down the street toward the waiting car. When we reach it, I pull the door open for her, like the gentleman my father is—in public.

“You’re a good friend, Roman,” she says softly as she climbs in.

Friend. Yeah. Sure. That’s what we’re going with.

By the time I slide into the seat beside her, she’s already opened the big box of cinnamon rolls and is carefully tucking two into one of the smaller boxes. She leans forward and hands it over the seat.

“I hope you enjoy,” she says.

Ben lights up. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” she replies with a quiet smile.

The guy is grinning so hard it’s almost contagious. He catches my eye in the rearview mirror. “Roman, good to see you.”

“Hey, Ben.” I nod, smiling. He’s driven me before. I always use the same car service. “Quick question. Where’s the best place to find women’s clothes in this city?”

He chuckles. “NowthatI can help with. Buckle up.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re cruising into a spot on Newbury Street.