Page 168 of The Head Game

He waggled his phone. “Oh, we’re texting. She’s dealing with so much bullshit from her parents. They want her to move back into the Hanley Estate and hire nannies and such.”

“Sounds unpleasant.”

“They are deeply awful people,” Nico said with a sigh. “Like, my parents drive me a little nuts but I always know it comes from a good place. The Hanleys want to control her.”

“Ugh. That is awful.”

“Right? And I hate that I’ve been so distant lately. I haven’t been there for her the way I wanted to.”

“Well, you were dealing with some rather big things,” August pointed out. “I’m sure she understands.”

“She does. I just feel like a shitty friend. I missed one of her sonograms. I guess she’s having a boy. She really didn’t care if she found out the sex but I guess the little dude put it all out there in this last scan.”

August snorted quietly. “Well, congratulate her on the baby boy for me. Did I tell you she threatened to make me his godfather?”

“What?” Nico laughed. “No. When was that?”

“In the hospital when we were trying not to panic over you being in surgery.”

“Aww, Auggie.” Nico squeezed his thigh again, sliding his hand higher. “I love that. You and my bestie bonding over me is so cute. I wish I’d seen it.”

“You really are an egomaniac, aren’t you?” August teased.

“It’s one of my better qualities.” Nico smiled beatifically.

August ignored that. “Oh, and for the record, the offer to make me the godfather was a threat. Skylar was going to make me be there when you two argued about if the future baby Hanley would be a hockey player or not.”

“Well that’s not even a question. Of course he’s going to play hockey,” Nico retorted. “With a fabulous uncle like me to look up to, he’ll want to. That was gonna be true even if Sky had a girl though. I love watching women’s hockey. I hooked up with a women’s player at World’s once, you know?”

“I did not know that,” August admitted, amused. “But I’m not surprised.”

“Hey, be nice. It was a fun night. I thought she was going to smother me with her thighs when I went down on her.” He sighed, like it was a good memory.

“My comment wasn’t an insult.”

August had no issue with Nico’s past. It was his future August didn’t want to think too closely about. He continued, “Hey, so, assuming the roads are clear by then, I have an appointment the day after tomorrow. What do you think about inviting Sky over to hang out? I know it’s a bit of a drive but I’d feel better if you had someone here with you.”

“I really don’t need a babysitter but fine. It would be good to see her for sure. I can see if she feels up to it.”

“Great.”

“What’s the appointment for?” Nico didn’t look up from his phone.

“It’s my hearing. Jon, the NHLOA guy, let me know. The league won’t make an official decision yet but they want some more info from me before they do.”

Nico straightened, tossing his phone aside. “Well, I should be there too.”

August shook his head. “They requested I come alone, except for my rep.”

“Oh, okay,” Nico said slowly. “Sure. That’s fine then. I’ll ask Sky if she can get away on Monday.”

“Great.” August rose to his feet. “How about some lunch before we start the next movie?”

“Sure.” Nico threw off the blanket they’d been cuddled up under. “I can help though.”

“What do you want?” August asked as he strode toward the kitchen. “We’ve got leftovers from last night or I can do Greek salad and grilled chicken or—”

“Greek salad and chicken,” Nico said. “We can do the leftovers for dinner.”

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