Page 55 of Unrivaled Love (D.C. Renegades #2)

Jo

Sage Russian Advice

“It would have been weird to throw you a going away party right?” Caroline asks as we sit in the seats outside the family suite.

“Yes.” I tell her. “I’ll be at more games next off-season.”

“That’s so far away though!” Harper laments as she joins us. “You just got here!”

I laugh. “I know, but I’ve got to report to training camp next week. It’s the way of the world for a professional athlete.”

“I’m mostly pissed she’ll miss the Florida trip. And the All Star Break.” Ivanna says as she takes a sip of her white wine.

“Just keep me posted via The Stick Handlers text thread.” I say as the boys head out for warm ups.

“Well, Bryson wouldn’t be on the All Star trip with us? He’s going right?” Harper asks.

“Yeah, he was confirmed to the roster yesterday.” I saw flashes of his doubt and insecurity from being MVP last year when he got the call but he schooled himself quickly and started reaching out to the other guys on his division's team.

“I’m jealous he’ll get to meet Hayes Farrow!” Caroline shares. “That man is hot.”

“And engaged.” Harper scolds .

“I know, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If Johnny can have ten thousand random women on social media hoping he posts a shirtless pic, then I can admire the male form of other celebrities.”

“Fair is fair.” Ivanna adds sagely.

The Renegades opening sequence starts up and the family suite door opens with a crowd of people. I turn over my shoulder and, holy shit.

That’s Andrew Loughty.

The third greatest goal scorer of all time.

“That’s a shame.” Ivanna says.

“What is?” I ask as I still stare at the legend that is Andrew Loughty, Crosby Loughty’s all-star father.

“Ugh, and I wanted to have fun tonight.” Caroline says before twisting her face up in a smile. “Hello Mr. Loughty. So good to see you again.”

“Yes, hello.” He nods in her direction quickly.

I get to my feet.

“Mr. Loughty, Jo Hamilton, it is a pleasure to meet you.” I say trying to contain my sports fan freaking out to an appropriate level.

“Yes.” He says as he releases my hand quickly.

Rude.

Caroline leans over and whispers behind her hand. “He’s a dick. Thinks the world should revolve around him because he could shoot rubber into a net. And he’s vocal about his disappointment in Crosby being a defenseman, not a forward.”

“Really?” I whisper back as I turn to look at him. Sure the man is impressive but would he really be disappointed in his kid getting to the highest level of the game in a different position?

“Really. And now, we have to be on our best behavior because the cameras will be on us all night.” Ivanna slams back the rest of her wine and plasters a smile on her face .

“Mr. Loughty, always a pleasure.” She lays her accent on thick as she kisses him on both cheeks. She pulls him away by the upper arm in a flirty touch all men seem to love. He stares down at her clearly enjoying the attention of a femme fatale.

“I feel for Crosby,” Harper says. “It’s not easy to make your own way. And having a parent you wish would get fruit flies really sucks.”

“I’m honestly amazed he keeps it together as well as he does.” Caroline adds.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Crosby has to have everything in order and on-time. Homeboy grew up in that house,” Caroline throws a thumb over her shoulder. “Nothing was good enough for his dad.”

“How do you know this?” I’ve never heard anything bad about The Loughty Family.

“Crosby and Duncan have been close since college. Dunc saw a lot more shit back then. And the boys see it every once in a while if Crosby has a bad day. Johnny is a gold-hearted gossip so he shares with me when he’s concerned about his teammates.

I wonder if he knows his dad is here?” Caroline says as she pulls out her phone.

I watch over her shoulder as she texts Johnny to tell Duncan to tell Crosby his dad is in the building.

I can’t decide if she’s helping or meddling.

I thought it was weird the boys all came out to “rescue” Bryson and me in Telluride. But, maybe this is just how they operate. I’ve seen time and time again how they support each other in big and small ways.

Maybe the women the men bring into their lives are just as invested in the wellbeing of the teammates and the significant others.

Am I the same?

It didn’t dawn on me to text Bryson to tell him that Andrew Loughty was here.

My first instinct was to meet the man and pick his brain about being a top performer in the history of his sport.

Does that make me selfish?

I take a moment to look around at Harper, Danielle, Ivanna, and Caroline. These women have welcomed me into their circle and have become my friends. They helped me coordinate a surprise visit for Bryson’s birthday. They ask me questions about training and how I’m feeling.

Bryson’s words from New Year’s float into my head.

I’m learning to let him, and the girls, support me without thinking I need to do something in return.

He reminds me every night as we climb into bed together. He holds me and assures me my hard work will pay off and that he is right here, supporting me no matter what.

Before the opening faceoff I sneak one more peek at Andrew Loughty. Knowing he isn’t behind Crosby 100% casts him in an entirely different light. I see the deep divot in his brow, the narrowing of his eyes, and the emptiness of his chest.

No, being great in the history books is not enough. Being great while supporting the ones who supported you along the way.

That’s what counts.

***

“Well ladies, here.” Ivanna hands us tubes of chapstick. “Slather it on every fifteen minutes until the boys are home.”

“Blowie prep.” Caroline says with a twinkle in her eye.

“Don’t forget the lip stretches.” Harper adds and I look at her as she rubs the corners of her mouth with her finger tips.

That is definitely the lewdest thing I’ve heard from her.

Caroline and Ivanna I expect, Harper usually demurely smiles indicating her sex life with Aiden is plenty spicy but she doesn’t need to talk about it.

“Ah yes, the stretches.” Ivanna nods. “Jaw too. I usually gua sha before he gets home.”

“Smart.” Caroline nods.

I take the chap stick and apply some. It’s nice.

The Renegades lost two to one. Crosby actually scored the goal for our team and I watched as his father barely acknowledged the effort. Then I watched as Andrew Loughty left his son’s game halfway through the third period.

“Are you heading down to meet the guys?” I ask.

“No, I’m headed home to get naked and wait for my sad husband to climb into bed.” Ivanna says as she slides her purse up over her shoulder. She turns back to me. “Come here Jo. This is your one and only hug for the year.”

“And who says Russians are emotionally unavailable?” Caroline jokes and Ivanna flips her the bird.

I laugh and open my arms to welcome the woman into my embrace. We rock back and forth a moment and when we pull away it looks like Caroline is brushing a tear from her eye. “That was beautiful.” She squeaks.

“I’m going to head home, Aiden will bike home later. I usually wait for him, naked, too.” Harper shrugs and pulls on her coat.

“Do you wait naked for Johnny?” I ask Caroline as we head out of the suite.

“I go home, shower, and change into my silk robe. Johnny likes the tease.” She says with a shrug.

“Huh.”

“You headed to the locker room?” Harper asks as we reach the elevator.

“Yeah, I told Bryson I’d meet him down there. ”

“Well, I guess,” Harper starts and I can see some emotion in her eyes. “I know you have to go but I'm going to miss you!” She launches herself at me and throws her arms around my shoulders. I lean forward to return her hug with a laugh. “I’ll be back. And I’m just a text away.”

“What happens in the Stick Handlers Chat…” Caroline leads as Harper and I release each other.

“Stays in the Stick Handlers Chat.” We chorus.

“Bye Jo.” Caroline says softly. She opens her arms and I bend down to give her a hug. “We’ll talk soon.”

I nod and let her go.

Leaving Bryson was going to be hard enough but now I have to leave these girls too? I’m glad I have them but life was undoubtedly less emotional when I was all alone.