She introduced me to her favorite cranberry seltzers at Cooper’s retirement party over the winter.
Delicious, with no fear that they’ll leave me tipsy.
Tipsy is fornotwork hours.
Not when I’m hoping for a promotion.
It’s still an easy, comfortable atmosphere as I chat with my fellow coaching staff and a few other VIPs from around town who have been cleared by Waverly’s security team to be in the private section. Heavy appetizers are passed around by the catering staff. I’m laughing at a story the women’s soccer coach is telling Waverly and me about her daughter’s wedding when that spot between my shoulder blades starts itching. It’s that one that you can’t scratch even when you have use of both of your arms.
I glance around for something to rub it on, and that’s when I realize why it’s itching.
Duncan.
Duncan Lavoie is here.
While it’s no surprise, I hoped that hanging out in the VIP section with Waverly and Cooper would mean I could avoid him.
But based on the way he’s talking to the security guard, I’m gonna guess my luck has run out.
4
Addie
I try notto watch as security lets Duncan and a young woman into our roped-off section.
Averyyoung woman.
The itch gets itchier.
“Addie?” Waverly whispers. “You okay?”
I slam the rest of my second drink while the soccer coach excuses herself to go talk to one of the rugby guys.
Would be nice if my drink had alcohol in it, but see again, this is a work function. “Shoulder itches,” I murmur to her.
“Want me to?—”
“Waverly.” Cooper joins us, andfuck.
He has Duncan with him.
“Have you met my hockey buddy, Duncan?” Cooper says. “And this is his niece, Paisley. She’s a big fan.”
“Of yours?” Waverly asks with a cheeky grin.
“Ofyours.” Cooper’s grin back is even bigger.
The one person not grinning?
Paisley.
She’s pale and barely audible as she whispers, “Hugefan.”
She’s an inch or two taller than Waverly, but an inch or two shorter than me, wrapped in a red dress that matches her lipstick. Dark curly hair, just like her uncle. Green eyes, just like her uncle. But unlike her uncle, she is absolutely overwhelmed as she stares at Waverly.
“So nice to meet you, Paisley.” Waverly smiles at her, hands her drink to Cooper, and takes the girl’s hand. “Do you live here in Copper Valley?”
Paisley shakes her head. Then nods. Then shakes her head again.
