I snorted.“Right?”
He appraised me closely, his gaze all too steady.“You’re falling for her.”
I scoffed at the comment, even though the words made me want to shout my agreement.
“Wow.I didn’t think I’d see that again.It’s been a while since you had a smile on your face.”
I nodded in agreement, unable to stop smiling.“I know she’s not sticking around, but it’s been nice to feel like this again.I never thought I’d…”
“Fall in love again?”
I shrugged.“You ever thought you would?”
He didn’t immediately shake his head or refuse to consider it.
I turned to face him, wondering what I’d missed.
“I’m not eyeing anyone before you even ask,” he said.“But I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it.”He sipped his water and surveyed the thinning crowd of well-wishers.“My house is fucking lonely.Both boys being gone this year was harder than I thought it would be.When Alfie left, Victor was still keeping me busy.With both of them gone, especially since they’re both working this summer and not home, it’s really hit home how alone I am.”
I clapped him on the back.“I’m sorry I wasn’t around more for you.You should have told me.Hell, I’ve had the same thoughts all summer with Evie getting ready to go.It’s hard being so alone.”
Oscar’s mouth twisted into a grin.“Just proves what we always knew.Christy is stronger than both of us.”
“Hell yeah, she is.”
“Is there anything either of you need?”Felicity Emerson put a hand on each of our backs as she asked the question.We’d known Felicity since high school.She graduated two years after us, but she and Christy played hockey together.She was quick to offer Elle’s Place, the banquet hall she owned, for the celebration of life after the service.
Oscar and I both turned and hugged Felicity, giving her quick kisses on the cheek.
“You’ve been a godsend,” Oscar said.
“Coach will be missed.So much.How’s our girl holding up?”Felicity smiled when she looked over at Christy.
“Seems good.She is so grateful to you.”
“Oh, please, that’s what we do around here.”A sadness touched her eyes.The rumors lately were that Felicity was going through a divorce.She still wore her wedding ring, so I didn’t ask her, but I knew the look.It was one of regret and pain and a hint of anger.
“Have you sat down today?”I asked Felicity.
She bristled immediately.I should have expected it.“I’m fine.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” I said, trying to smooth things out.
She pressed her lips into a tight line.“I can go home and rest.I’m more worried about Christy today than me.”
Oscar keyed into my line of questioning and assessed Felicity.“No Tim today?”
Felicity paled at the question, something I was sure Oscar hadn’t missed.“He’s home with the kids.”
Oscar nodded.“Summer can be tough when they’re young.I remember it well.My boys were always a bit more rambunctious during the summer.”
Felicity forced a smile, then pretended someone needed her help and excused herself.
“What was that?”Oscar asked.
“I’m guessing either the rumors are true or she is sick of defending them.”
“Shit.Do we need to tell Christy?”
