“It was fun.” Cary climbed into the minivan. “Your nephews are really good. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made it to the big leagues.”
“As long as they play for the Jets.”
She would disown them if they played for Vancouver’s hockey team—blood only runs so deep.
“I’ve never been to a baby shower,” he admitted. “You’re sure it’s mixed, right?”
She picked up her phone. “It says Marnie and Heather’s Co-Ed Baby Shower. I don’t know why they’re doing it so close to their due dates.”
“How could they fly, being so pregnant?”
“They didn’t. They drove. They wanted their babies born in Winnipeg.” She scooched forward in her seat and asked the driver, “Can you take Wellington Crescent, please?” She turned to Cary. “It’s scenic.”
He reached across the presents and took her hand. “I wish I wasn’t leaving tomorrow. I hate missing you.”
“I don’t want to go either.” She sighed through her nose. “Sebastien’s on my flight.”
“I still can’t believe he’s not happy for us.” Cary shook his head, rubbing his chin. “I thought we were better friends.”
“He doesn’thavefriends,“ she said.
“What about Tommy?”
“Fucking Tommy? Please. That’s not a friendship—it’s a circle jerk with money instead of dicks.”
Cary huffed a laugh. “Bob Shaw doesn’t like him either.”
“Really?” She turned her head, trying to read his expression. “Since when?”
“Since he got sober. He’s being professional, but he can’t stand Sebastien’s shenanigans. Honestly, neither can I.”
“Huh.” She leaned back. “Do youknow why he’s like this?”
“It’s a mix of things,” Cary said. “He never made it as a musician, and his first wife left him for a singer in the band he was touring with.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. Bob Shaw said the guy packed up her stuff, moved her in, and then fired Sebastien.”
“He probably deserved it,” she said as a ding chimed from her bag.
“Is that your phone again?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how I’m going to keep Nadie from Sebastien. My phone’s been blowing up since last night.” She showed him the unread messages on her screen. “The Jets have already asked about her availability.”
“She’s stealing my gig,” he teased.
Earlier at the rink, a few hockey sisters asked Nadie for selfies, and her niece couldn’t have been more accommodating.
“I can’t believe she got recognized!” Tyler said, answering a message.
“It happens fast.” He paused. “At least it did for me. I went from obscurity to stardom overnight. But I’m lucky I didn’t grow up with social media. I love my fans but don’t appreciate people tracking me down like I’m on the FBI’s most-wanted list.”
“I can’t imagine,” she said. “I know you love your fans, but you deserve a life too, don’t you think? Actually, your fans would want that for you. Wouldn’t they?”
“Maybe.” He turned his head toward the window. “I feel lucky to live this life.”
“It’s the only one you’re going to get.” She stared out Cary’s window. “Look at these houses.” She pointed to a for-sale sign on the front gate across the street. “The Lounts own that one. I guess they’re selling it.”
