I smile back. “Yep, I’m still a sucker for cookies and cream milkshakes.”
She threads her arm in mine while we follow the hostess to a table. “We have a lot of special memories.”
I squeeze her arm back. “We can make more.”
Once we’re seated, and our server has delivered the house-made focaccia bread and olive oil to dip it in, I wait for the inevitable.
“I could see you running a place like this eventually. I’d come for lunch every single day.”
Closing my eyes, I count to three before answering. “Mom. I’m going back to Italy. They need me there when the restaurant reopens.”
Mom lifts her hands up in defense. “I know, I know, but you can’t blame me for trying. I think you’d love it here, that’s all. The ocean, the mountains, the city, it’s all so vibrant. And I’m sure you could find a job easily.”
I hold back my sigh. This is, by my count, the third time she’s said something similar since I’ve arrived in Vancouver. “I’m sure I would love it here. In fact, I’m sure Iwilllove it” — her face brightens and I hate that I have to continue — “every time I come to visit you.”
Sure enough, her face falls slightly. I reach over the table and cover her hand in mine. “And I will be back to visit. Promise.”
That earns me a watery smile, just in time for our food to arrive.
Thank God for small mercies.
And carbs.
Chapter four
Kai
“P! How’s it goin’, kid?” I high-five Sin’s nine-year-old daughter Peyton, holding my hand up high enough that she has to jump for it. Which is pretty damn high, seeing as the kid is growing like a weed. “Aww man, you gotta grow some more,” I tease as I lower it just enough so she can jump and smack it.
“Nuh-uh, I reached it,” she says, her hands on her hips. Peyton’s a riot. One of the coolest kids I know, although she’s got competition from her younger brother Jett, but don’t tell my actual nephews and niece that.
Family Day for the Vancouver Tridents is in full swing. It’s a cool tradition the team does every year, just before our season opener. We fill the stadium with players, staff, and all their families, and just have a good time. There’s a massive grill being manned by a catering company, plenty of food, games and activities for the kids, the mascot is wandering around with blown-up baseball bats, and everyone is having a blast.
But this year as I wander around, greeting everyone with a grin, I can’t help but feel like a bit of an outsider.
I’m friends with most of the guys on the team. Hell, I’m friendly with all of them. But my boys, the ones I’m close to, that’s a smaller list. And every single one of those fuckers has managed to shack up with a partner over the last few years.
Leaving me feeling like a lone wolf.
Even Darling, my brother from another mother, the guy who used to hit the bars to charm the ladies with me, is settled down and dating my baby sister. Yeah, that took some getting used to. I shake my head when my gaze lands on them all wrapped up in each other, staring into each other’s eyes like they aren’t surrounded by teammates and kids.
“Save it for the bedroom,” I tease as I walk over to them. It might have taken me a little while to adjust to their relationship, but I’m happy for them. Evie’s got a great guy who I know will respect her and treat her the way she deserves. And Darling? Fuck, I’ve never seen the guy so smitten.
“You’re just jealous.” Evie slaps at my chest, rolling her eyes.
“Whatever, Gigi,” I say, pulling her under my arm in a loose headlock. As expected, she shrieks, both at the headlock and the nickname which she says she hates, but I think she secretly loves. Darling, the smart man he is, puts his hands up with a chuckle.
“I’m stayin’ out of this, honey.”
“Bros before —”
“Don’t finish that statement, Yami,” Darling growls, pulling my sister free and tucking her into his side.
Like the grown-up she is, Evie sticks her tongue out at me.
I wince. He’s not wrong. “Sorry, you’re right. Not cool.”
Evie, thankfully, gives me a look that makes it clear I’m forgiven. And after a second, Darling’s face relaxes from the scowl he was giving me. The scowl I earned.
