Chapter Fifty-One
Linc
I made Mel sit on the couch with some juice as I brought up all the bags and boxes of diapers and wipes. I drop the last bags in Millie’s room and join her.
“We got a lot of stuff today.”
She sets her glass down. “We did. You were right, though; it feels good knowing we’re starting to get things ready.”
“It does.”
“What time is your dinner?”
“Six. I should probably start getting ready soon. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“No, I’m good. I’m going over to Audrey’s for a movie night with her and Gigi.”
“Good.” I get up to start getting ready. “Say goodbye before you leave.”
I walk into the restaurant and ask the host where our party is seated. She guides me to a small room off the main dining room, and I see my team. I walk to a group gathered, talking.
“Linc, glad you made it,” my teammate Barry greets me. He and I started around the same time with the Bruins, and we became quick friends. He’s my age, laid back, and we used to go out a lot before I met Mel.
“Sorry if I was late.”
“No, not late at all. The server should be back any second. Team is getting the tab, so feel free to order a drink. How’s Mel?”
“She’s good. We went shopping today for baby stuff.”
“Good.” He leans in. “Word is Stephanie wanted us to make the new team members feel more included, so concentrate your time there. Just find me when we sit down for dinner.”
“Sounds good. I’ll go make a round, then.”
I walk over to where two of our newest team members are talking. Gwen and Heath joined us about three months ago and tend to stay in their own world.
“Hey, Gwen, Heath. Glad you’re both here.”
Heath shakes my hand. “It’s good to be here. I’m glad Stephanie put this together.”
I nod. “We’ve been busy the past few weeks, so it’s been hard to get to know you guys at the office.”
“Hi, Linc.” Gwen extends her hand.
“Hey, Gwen. How are you liking being with the Bruins so far?”
She smiles. “It’s been great. I’ve loved hockey since I was a girl, so working with a team was always a goal of mine.”
Heath excuses himself to get a drink, leaving me with Gwen.
“Are you originally from Boston?”
She shakes her head. “No, Chicago.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Not at all. I’ve had fun here so far.”
“That’s good.” I hate small talk. A server passes by, and I order a ginger ale.
“So, you’re going to be a dad? I saw you showing ultrasound pictures at the office.”
“I am. We have about three months until the baby’s here.”
“That’s so sweet. You and your girlfriend must be so excited.”
“We are.” I don’t correct her; it’s easier that way. I thank the server as they hand me my soda.
“How long have you been together?”
I pause, deciding to tell the truth. “Oh, we’re not actually together.” I take a sip of my drink, looking around the room for a different group I can go talk to. Gwen’s nice enough, but it’s difficult to talk about Mel and I’s situation. Some people don’t understand it.
“Oh, sorry I assumed. So, you’re single?”
“I guess.” I see Stephanie come into the room. “Nice speaking with you, Gwen. I’m going to go say hi to Stephanie before dinner.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Linc.”
Dinner was easy, and it was nice to begin to mesh the new people with the more tenured. Barry and I sat with Heath, and he seems like a nice enough guy. He is eager to get involved and to learn, so Barry and I agreed to take him under our wing on a social media campaign we’re starting for the upcoming season.
We’re all getting ready to leave when Gwen approaches me. “Hey, Linc, if you’re not rushing home, Laura and I are going to go grab drinks after this. You’re welcome to come along.”
Why does this feel odd? It’s probably completely innocent, but I don’t feel comfortable hanging out with two women by myself.
Barry comes up behind me. “Linc, are you coming out for a drink with us?”
“You’re going?” If Barry’s there, I might not feel out of place.
“I am. It’s too early to call it a night. You should come. I feel like you haven’t been out in ages.”
I just want to go home to Mel.
“I can hang for a little while, I guess. But I don’t drink anymore.”
“What you drink doesn’t matter. Just come and hang out.”
“Alright. Let me text Mel.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket and send Melonie a text that I’ll be home later than I thought I would be. She responds with an “okay” and a selfie of her, Audrey, and Gigi. They’re on Audrey’s couch with popcorn, all smiles, and messy buns.
I’d rather be there.
I stay for about an hour at the bar before I’m ready to leave. Gwen and Laura are doing shots, and Barry is two gin and tonics deep. How did I used to do this three or four nights a week?
Gwen reaches over and puts her hand on my forearm. I’ve discovered that Gwen gets touchier the more she drinks. “Linc, are you sure you won’t do a shot with Laura and me?”
“I’m sure.” I slowly retract my arm. “Actually, I’m going to head home.”
“Already?” Gwen looks disappointed.
“Yeah, I don’t want to wake up Mel getting home late.”
“She’s lucky to have you around, Linc.” She eyes me over her shot glass.
I slap Barry on the back. “I’ll see you Monday.”
“Sounds good. Be safe.”
I lean toward him and lower my voice. “Watch out for these two, and make sure they get home safe. And don’t do anything stupid.”
He tips his glass at me. “Don’t worry about us. Get home to Mel.”
I nod. Home to Mel sounds so good.
I walk through the door of the apartment and throw my keys and wallet on the island. I walk to the living area and find Mel asleep on the couch, curled up in a blanket.
I stand, looking down at her. Her hair is everywhere, falling out of the bun she wore earlier. She took her makeup off, so she just has the natural pink of her pale cheeks. Her lips are parted, and she might have drooled on the pillow. She’s perfect.
I kneel by the couch and start rubbing her arm.
“Mel?”
Her eyes open, giving me her big blues. “Hey, did you have fun?” She rubs her eyes and sounds so sleepy.
“It was alright. You should move to your bed.”
She sits up, wiping her chin. “Oh my god, I drooled.”
I laugh. “You must have had a good time if you’re that tired.”
“It was so much fun. I miss it being just us girls.” She stands up, and I grab her pillow to follow her down the hall. She steps inside her room and turns to me.
I stop at her door and hand her the pillow. “Goodnight, Mel.”
She hugs me, then walks through her door to her bed. “Night, Linc.”
I close the door and head to my room.