I laugh.
They’re right.
I’m going to enjoy the hell out of these next four weeks. When they’re over, I’ll allow myself to cry, but not until then.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Jared
Call me by 11 New Orleans time
I hated to leave Ashley in bed, but Pete’s text can’t wait. I can’t tell her anything until I get some actual information. And I’m not sure that’s even possible yet.
As soon as I’m in my truck, I give him a call.
He picks up on the first ring.
“Thanks for taking the time,” I begin.
“No problem. Liam said your girl may need some help?”
Your girl.
“Um, she’s an old friend who I care about. Her family’s home was destroyed by a fire years ago. I’d like more information on the cause, which was said to be the space heater, and the location of where the fire started.”
“You may need to talk to the fire chief. But let’s see what I can find out on my own. I’ll pull up the records from the case and see how much information was given.”
“That would be great.”
He asks me for Ashley’s name and physical address at the time. I give him her stepfather’s and mom’s names and the month and year of the fire.
He says he’ll be in touch as soon as he knows more. I thank him again, and we end the call.
I’m already driving, and practice starts in an hour, so I decide to get there early.
When I arrive at the arena, Max is getting out of his truck. He waves me over, and as I walk toward him, I see he’s on the phone.
“Here.” He hands me his cell. “Liam.”
I take the call. “Hey.”
“So the Wild Kings are on our schedule next month.”
I chuckle. “I’m aware.”
“I thought we could have an impromptu bachelor party for Hunt after the game. I’ve already asked the team’s permission for us to stay the night. We don’t have another game until Monday, and it’s at home.”
“Sounds good.” I go to hand the phone back to Max, but Liam’s still talking. “And maybe after a few drinks, you’ll fill us in on what’s up with you and Ashley Hill.”
“I don’t think…” I start to say.
But Liam’s laughing. “I’m messing with you.”
“Bullshit,” I say. “You’re the nosiest of the four of us.”
“True. That’s part of the calling of being the oldest. We get to pry into our little brothers’ business so we can make sure y’all are okay.”
My irritation wanes. Liam doesn’t just have a young daughter. He’s been guardian of the three of us for years, whether it was formal or not. We leaned on Liam for a lot once Dad died, and our big brother never once let us down.
