Page 152 of Unrivaled Love
“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 inthathouse,” 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 lewdestthing 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.
