“Better. Really better. Clear-headed. Present. He’s going to AA meetings, has a sponsor, the whole thing.” He pauses. “I think we’re going to fix up the house, spend some time together in the offseason.”
“Brody, that’s great.”
“I think it’ll be good for us. He needs support. And honestly, I think I need it too. We have a lot to work through.” He grins. “Plus, I’m thinking about doing some upgrades to the house. New kitchen, renovated bathroom, maybe adding a deck. Give me something to connect with him about.”
My heart flutters. “Of course you are.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Just—you’re a good son.”
We finish our cookies slowly, savoring every bite. Talk about the upcoming games and my ideas for another book. Whether the NHL will start selling glitter jerseys.
Brody says doubtful, but I think I’m really on to something.
The door opens, and someone walks in—a man in his thirties, dark hair neatly combed, wearing a blazer.
Brody’s face lights up. He stands immediately.
“Hey, Milo!”
I turn. The man—Milo—sees Brody and grins. Crosses the coffee shop with his hand extended.
“Brody Kane! Didn’t expect to see you here. Good game tonight.”
Brody nods, smiles. “You’re a little ways from Iowa.”
“In town on business.”
Then it hits me.
Milo.
Milo Brooks.
From Stratton Publishing.
Oh my…Seriously?
Milo notices me. His eyes widen. “And you must be Chloe.”
My face is on fire. “That’s me. Chloe Dawson.”
He extends a hand. “Nice to put a face to the name.”
I shake his hand, still processing that Brody apparently knows my publisher.
He glances at his watch. “I’d love to stay and talk. But I’m meeting someone here—one of our authors. She should be here any minute. You probably know her, Brody—Everly Hart.”
What? I love Everly Hart. I have a shelf of her books.
Stay calm. Do not be awkward!
Brody nods. “Yeah, I know Everly. Assistant Coach Hart’s daughter. We met once at a Blue Ox event.”
The door opens again, and I practically leap from my chair to get a look. A woman walks in—late twenties, dark-auburnhair, confident stride, carrying a laptop bag. She’s pretty in an understated way, like she doesn’t try too hard because she doesn’t need to.
“Everly!” Milo says.
