Page 60 of Balance

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Waking up with Lillian’s naked body pressed up against me was incredible and alien. It was just what I always wanted, what I always needed. I had to head straight to the arena so I wasn’t able to stick around for when she woke up. Fuck, I hope the girls didn’t get up and search for her.

At least I remembered to pick up our clothes before I left. I didn’t have the strength to leave the bed after she fell asleep last night. I lay awake for what felt like hours, just staring at her. Not believing that this angel is mine.

I’m skating off the ice after practice and find James and Landon talking in low murmurs in the corner of the locker room, already dressed and showered.

“Are you sure?” James asks while shaking his head, shoving his fingers through his hair. They’re both pissed and seem stressed as I stop beside them with a frown.

Landon nods and I step closer, tilting his head at me as they both glance back down at Landon’s phone. I peek over James’s shoulder and my breath leaves my lungs. There’s a photo ofDrea/Alex on the screen, a mug shot. I snort and back away. Damn they finally got her.

“What happened?”

Landon smirks up at me and pockets his phone. “She was arrested in California, I can’t find her charges, but one of the officers here sent me a heads up. They’re going to contact the PD out there and try to have them move her here, depending on the severity of her charges in LA.”

I slowly blink at them and frown, “Then why are you all pissed?”

James growls and punches the wall beside him, making the lockers beside us shake. “Because Landon didn’t only receive a call from the department here. He also got one from a piece of shit shark lawyer offering a ridiculous amount of money to drop the charges against her.”

My brows furrow and I cross my arms over my chest. “She attacked a pregnant woman at a wedding, in front of several hundred guests. Didn’t she wreck your house, too?”

James nods and shares a look with Landon. “We have to call my lawyer. Fuck this shit.” I clap them on their backs and head over to my cubby so that I can get undressed before I shower. Fuck that shit. I’m staying out of it unless they need a witness statement.

I check my phone before I head into the showers and see a few messages from Lillian. I guess Mackenzie is inquiring about the job here and said she likes the atmosphere. I wonder when she came by. I smirk as I shoot a text to Charlie and see if she has the time to meet with her to see if she can get her a job.

I think they would get along.

I rush through my shower and get dressed, leaving my sweaty gear here to be cleaned instead of dragging it home.

There’s so much to do. I need to call some companies to inquire about building the gym in my basement. I want to behome more, I need to be there for Lillian and the girls. I need to talk to Andy to see what we can do about Lillian’s bullshit in California…

Then I need to place some calls at Avery’s school to see if they’re looking for a new elementary school teacher, I mean, if it’s what Lil wants. I’m going to try not to make decisions for everyone around me.

Try…

I lick my dry lips as I head home. It’s still strange to me not having to stop for food or groceries, or having lead fill my veins when I had to stop at jewelry stores or department stores when Brittany ‘needed’ something to make her happy.

Fuck… Maybe I should just sell my house and find something that works for the girls and Lillian. Brittany didn’t choose that house, but she made it hers.

Maybe it’s time. Time to downsize. Time for something more family-friendly.

I bought it almost fifteen years ago, when I was basically a damn rookie. Cars, women, and houses were all that mattered to me at the time.

Now? My girls, all four of them, matter more than all of the damn money in my bank accounts and investments.

It’ll all work out. I wonder what Lillian even likes in a house.

She hates shopping and she dresses for comfort. She loves children, teaching, and spreading her love. She’s nurturing and genuine. Where would she even like to live?

I turn up the music as I drive down the streets and I groan when I notice how chilly it’s becoming at night. Won’t be long until winter hits, bringing the snow. Which means my parents will be joining us shortly for Thanksgiving. They’ll meet Lillian, see how much the girls have grown in the past year.

I sigh as I drive through the gates and turn into my driveway. I jump out and slam the door closed, moving faster so I canhopefully eat one of Lillian’s dinners before I collapse onto the couch. I’m exhausted. Retirement sounds better and better every day.

I hear the laughter pouring through the house from the kitchen. I let it seep into my brain for a few moments before I join them. I lean against the wall and slowly blink at Mackenzie and can’t believe the change in her already.

She’s dressed in a professional black suit with red heels and her red hair is straightened down her back. Her makeup and healed face really makes her look like a different person.

Her bruises and scrapes are barely noticeable, and her eyebrow looks almost normal. I’m glad this bullshit is all in my head so no one punches me in the balls. She’s a pretty woman, but I’m in love with her best friend.

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