“I want to apologize for reacting how I did, about Quentin being the father. It was childish and stupid. I shouldn’t be stressing you out like that.”
“How you found out wasn’t ideal, I admit. I appreciate your apology, though, because it was ridiculous.”
“I know, and I’m sorry,” he says, sounding full of regret. “You know, he’s not as awful as I thought. Quentin found me at the lobby bar, drunk. I don’t know why, but I spilled my guts to him about Mom. It felt therapeutic, to talk to someone, and his advice was reassuring.”
A tear trickles down my cheek and I let out the biggest sigh of relief at that. “I’m so glad you two were able to talk. We’re all family now, and we need to act like it, for Blueberry. You have no idea how relieved I am. I was so worried you were going to pull away from me.”
“Jen, you’re my little sister. You’ll always have me.”
My nose sniffles as I say, “I’m so happy to hear that, Ian. You can change your path any day, any time. I’m glad you want to make choices that feel good for you. I’ll be here for you, no matter what.”
Ian stands up from his stool, wrapping his arms around me as we hug.
“Thanks, sis,” he says into my hair, his voice sounding watery as he sniffles. I clutch onto him, giving him a squeeze before pulling away.
“On the plane home this morning, I sat with Ryker and Quentin, and it was nice to talk to them. They’re good guys. Quentin even invited me to guys’ night tomorrow. I’m kind of nervous about it, but I want to be more social with the team.”
“You’ll be fine, just be yourself…well, less of a stubborn ass, but yourself,” I say with a chuckle.
“Got it.” He laughs with me.
My mind is reeling with so many revelations. The one that’s sticking out right now, though, is Quentin’s kindness.
Of course Quentin did that, because that’s the kind of person he is. Even though he couldn’t stand my brother prior to this, he has the biggest heart and invited Ian into his circle with no hesitation after their talk.
It makes these already conflicting feelings more complex than ever.
Chapter 37
Quentin
The next night, I make my way over to my sister’s house for guys’ night.
I go right to the backyard. It’s an oddly chilly late August night, so we’re having drinks around the bonfire.
“Q!” Pauly shouts first, pulling me into a hug. “Long time no see.”
“I just spent two whole weeks with you,” I say as I shake my head with laughter.
“And I’ve missed you every second since,” he replies, making me laugh some more.
I make my way around the fire, saying hi to Cole, Ryker, and Ian.
“Where’s Camille tonight?” I ask my brother.
“She and Olivia are visiting Jasmine in Colorado, having girl time before the playoff series starts on Thursday.”
“Is this Jasmine single by chance?” Pauly wags his eyebrows.
Ryker nearly spits his beer out. “No. She’s married to Elio Mazzo.”
“TheElio Mazzo?” Ian chimes in.
“Yeah, him. He’s a great guy, coaches at RLU now,” Ryker answers him.
Ian and Ryker dive into conversation about college sports, while I enjoy listening to Pauly and Cole discuss the latest video game they’ve been into.
I’m going to miss playing with these guys. I’ve been with the Detroit Panthers for twelve years now. That place is my home and everyone there is my family.
