Page 56 of In It to Win It

“We’re going to stop by for a bit. So, I’ll, uh, see you there.”

“Right. Okay.” I nod and watch as she hustles over to her car in the parking lot.

I blow out a gusty breath. Anthony’s going to be there. Okay, I said I was going to be on my best behavior. I may have an urge to punch the dickwad in the mouth, but I’ve just found my Zen . . . I’ll think happy thoughts, or imagine I’m floating on a paddleboard on the water . . . or something. It’ll be fine.

Later,when I get to the party, I have to park about ten blocks from Théo’s place. It’s hard enough to park near there with those tiny little side streets, and tonight, Pacific Avenue is lined with cars. I recognize some of them. Apparently, I’m late.

I hear noise coming from the house as I approach the door. People are outside on the terrace talking, there’s music playing, and a loud burst of laughter greets me as I open the door and step in. I rang the bell, but I don’t know if anyone heard it.

Lacey appears with a glass of wine in hand and a big smile. “Hi!”

“Hi, Lace.” We do a brief embrace. “How’s it going?”

“Ooookay.” She grimaces. “So far so good.”

I grin. “Good to hear. I’ll see if I can stir things up.”

She gives me an alarmed look.

“Kidding.” I hold up my hands. “I’m on my best behavior tonight.”

“Whew. Come on in. What can I get you to drink?”

The party is clearly casual, people in the kitchen, dining room, living room, and, like I said, spilling outside. There are more than just family members here; I recognize some of the Condors organization—Dave Martin, their coach; their new assistant GM, Scott Jermey; and a few players including Wyatt Bell, who lives in the same complex as Théo. I haven’t seen him since the wedding. He gives me a slitty-eyed scowl.

Right; I punched him in the face when he was trying to get Manny off me. I apologized to him that night, but he obviously hasn’t forgotten.

Then I see Taylor.

As I take the beer Lacey hands me, my eyes lock with Taylor’s across the open space. She’s talking to Everly in the living room. There’s a guy sitting beside her I don’t know.

Craptastic. That must be Anthony.

My insides twist up into knots. I can’t exactly cut and run. I greet Théo with a hug and backslap. I chat with him and Harrison and Wyatt for a few minutes, then make my way around to greet other family members—Mom and Dad are here, Uncle Mark, Grandpa and Chelsea. Eventually I wind up near Everly and Taylor.

Everly bumps me with her shoulder. “Hey. How’s it going, bad boy of hockey?”

The nickname bugs me. “I’m not a bad boy anymore.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Since when?”

I don’t want to talk about this, especially in front of Taylor and her boyfriend. Gritting my teeth, I smile and extend a hand to him as Taylor introduces us.

“So cool to meet you,” Anthony says. “I’m a big hockey fan.” He looks around. “This is wild, being here.”

I look at Taylor. “We need to talk. About Byron.”

“What about Byron?” Everly asks.

I tell her about the plan.

“That’s a great idea!” she says. “Taylor, your new place isn’t far from JP’s. This’ll work perfectly.”

Taylor nods, her lips pressed together.

“Maybe Byron should come for a visit before he actually moves in,” I say. “I assume he’s housebroken.”

“Yes.” She gives a little eye roll. “He’s very well trained.”

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