20. The Power Of Love
CHAPTER 20
THE POWER OF LOVE
JAGGER
A s I usher Bay into Star Cove Country Club, I say a silent prayer to the universe that this meeting goes well.
We’re meeting my parents for brunch and I’m nervous. This has nothing to do with introducing Bay to my parents. I’m sure they’re going to love her. My anxiety is all due to the deal we’re here to discuss. While the offer Dad made to build the new Zeta house is one hundred percent genuine, my father is a shrewd businessman and the entire deal will fall through if anything doesn’t add up.
I’m certain that if something goes wrong, it won’t be because of Bay. My girl is prepared with her designer laptop bag hanging from one shoulder and looking like the personification of business chic. Her Chanel suit is flirty but classy and several heads turn when we stride into the Club’s restaurant. The ma?tre ‘d walks us to a private room with a stunning view of the Club’s marina.
“Thank you for setting this up,” Bay whispers one moment before we approach my parents’ table.
I return her smile, squeezing her hand before lacing my fingers through hers. “You’ve got this, Nova.”
Once we reach the table, I greet my mom first. “Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Bay Woods.”
I’m taking a huge risk here. Bay made it clear that she’s still mad at me after my royal fuck up. But she let me kiss her and she agreed to be my date to tomorrow’s gala, so I’m hopeful that eventually she’ll be able to put my stupidity behind us once and for all.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Connelly.” she smiles, letting go of my hand to shake the one Dad offers.
“It’s very nice to meet you too, Bay,” Mom smiles, clasping Bay’s hand in both of hers. “But please, it’s Keith and Rachel. Mr. and Mrs. Connelly are Keith’s parents.”
Dad chuckles. “Rachel is correct. And please son,” he winks at me, “don’t tell your grandmother that we got to meet Bay, or I’ll be in trouble for not insisting that they attend the gala. Jagger’s grandfather is also a Star Cove alumnus.” He adds for Bay’s benefit.
Mom beams at Bay, patting the chair next to hers. “You’ll have to tell me everything about yourself. Well, anything that can’t be googled.”
It’s impossible not to notice how Bay blushes, as I move her chair for her. “You googled me, Mrs. Co—Rachel?”
Mom’s smile widens. “Of course. I hope you’ll forgive my curiosity, but this is the first time Jagger had brought a girlfriend to meet us, so I knew you must be special.”
There’s a hint of mischief in Bay’s smile. “Really? He never brought home any of his girlfriends?”
Mom’s laugh is conspiratorial. “Jagger is very private. Of course, I was under no illusion that he didn’t have girlfriends . I don’t say this because he’s my son, but he’s very handsome. I guess he hadn’t met anyone he cared about enough to want to introduce her to us.”
Fuck.
It’s my turn to blush. “Mom,” I groan. “Bay knows how I feel about her. Can we please move on? We’re here to talk about business. You’ll have tomorrow night to tell Bay all the embarrassing stories about my childhood that I’m sure you’re dying to bring up.”
My mother is the picture of innocence, as her brown eyes widen at my veiled accusation. “Embarrassing? Sweetheart, you were an adorable little boy. Besides, I want to know everything about Bay. Like I was saying, before you very rudely interrupted me, I googled Bay and I’m absolutely impressed. President of Zeta Theta Beta, two very demanding majors, a twin sister engaged to European royalty and an impressive social media empire.”
I can’t help the pride that expands in my chest when Mom lists Bay’s achievements. “Bay isn’t just beautiful,” I smile. “She’s smart and kind, and?—”
“Hush,” Mom’s scold is gentle. “Bay and I are talking.”
I stifle an eye roll, since she was doing all the talking. “Sorry.” I mutter. I swear my mom has the power to make me revert to the behavior of a three-year-old. Nana too, it’s their fucking superpower. Of course, I know better than to say any of that out loud.
“I spent several hours watching a few of your makeup tutorials,” Mom continues. “You’re incredibly talented, Bay. And I hope I’m not overstepping here, but the usual makeup artist I hire to travel with me to social events went into labor last night and I had no chance to look at the list of recommended replacements she gave me before checking into the hospital. I was hoping I could persuade you to come to my suite here at the Club tomorrow afternoon to help me get ready? My hairdresser, thankfully, is a guy, so he’s here with me. We could get ready together for the gala?”
Mom is intense.
I open my mouth to tell Bay that she doesn’t have to do it if she doesn’t want to, but my girlfriend agrees.
“That would be amazing,” she smiles. “You have an amazing bone structure. We could go for a dramatic and yet classy look. You’ll outshine every woman at tomorrow’s gala.”
Her tone is sincere and my mother takes notice of it. Rachel Connelly has the best bullshit detector in the world. This is why I never bothered introducing her to anyone before. Not that I would have wanted her to meet my casual hookups, anyway.
“Everyone says that Jagger looks like his father,” Mom smiles. “But I’m proud that he has my cheekbones and my blonde hair. The rest is all Keith.”
Bay and Mom are deep in conversation about couture and the importance of choosing the right accessories for a black-tie event when the waiter comes to take our order.
“Now that we ordered and we all have a drink,” Dad inserts himself into a brief lull in their conversation. “I believe Bay and I have some business to discuss. I promise I’m not going to interrupt you after we’re done talking about the new Zeta house.”
I was aware that Bay wanted to get ready for this meeting, but I can tell how impressed by her presentation my parents are.
“Very well,” Dad smiles, after listening to Bay’s presentation with keen interest. “My legal team should have a formal agreement ready for you to bring to your sorority’s government and to the Greek Council by tomorrow. In the meantime, we could start submitting all the paperwork you’ve prepared.”
Bay looks more relaxed now that the hardest part is done, but there’s still some residual tension in her body language. “Thank you so much, Keith. I can’t tell you how much this means to me and to all my sisters. I’m confident our proposal will be accepted unanimously. I’ve been in contact with the Zeta central chapter too and I think they’ll be extremely interested in following our project. There are many Zeta Theta Beta chapters all over the US and in some other countries, and new ones are chartered every year. I’m sure our house won’t be the only one Connelly Tech will build. The only thing that could derail our project is the university administration. The Dean has made no mystery of his distaste toward the Greek community. Without your help, he would have moved to shut down the Zeta chapter in Star Cove.”
Dad reassures her. “Don’t worry about Dean Williams, Bay. He’s hoping for a seven-figure donation from Connelly Tech, so it’ll be in his interest to remove all this ridiculous red tape. Regardless, we’ll make sure to abide by all the rules. I promise that you’ll have your new sorority house sooner than you think.”
BAY
I relax a little.
The meeting went well. If I were alone in my room, I’d cry tears of joy. The relief at saving my legacy is almost better than sex. Almost.
Talking about sex, I’m glad I could concentrate on the business aspect of this meeting, but Jagger didn’t make it easy.
I swear he has no business looking so handsome in a suit that costs more than a reasonably priced car. I’ve seen him before in the official suit the hockey team provides for the players and he looks amazing. The dark gray suit he has on today, however, was tailored to his tall, athletic frame and it fits him perfectly, enhancing every chiseled, muscular inch of his perfect body.
But his attractive appearance isn’t the only distracting thing today. The pride in his voice when he introduced me to his parents, the subtle way he’s been squeezing my hand to reassure me and show his support, is everything.
The last thing I want is thinking about my ex right now, but I can’t help but remember how my meeting with his parents went last year. There’s still a chance that Jagger's parents are being nice to my face and might disapprove of our relationship, but I don’t get this vibe from them.
Keith looked genuinely impressed by my presentation and Rachel’s warm smile is the exact opposite of Topher’s mother's formal demeanor.
“Now that the boring part of the day is done,” Rachel says. “Let’s talk about you and Jagger. You must tell me everything. How did you two meet?”
I look at Jagger. The corner of his lips lifts in a little smile that tells me he’s thinking about our first kiss. I decide to go with the truth.
“We’ve really known each other since freshman year when we were both pledges. We were always friendly, but it was just a superficial acquaintance until we got to know each other better at the beginning of this academic year.”
“Tell me more,” Rachel insists. “I have the feeling there’s a story there, and it’s going to be romantic.”
I really like Rachel Connelly; that’s exactly what my mom would say.
“Romantic?” Jagger snorts. “Not really, if you think that we have her ex to thank that we finally noticed each other. He’s a douche. You know his parents. The Mumfords.”
“Oh.” Jagger’s Mom’s lips twist with distaste, even though the moment is fleeting, and she soon finds her composure again. “I was going to scold you for using that kind of language, sweetheart. However, if I said that I disagree, I would be a hypocrite. I apologize if I’m too frank, Bay. We’ve known Rupert and Christine and their kids for decades. Let’s just say that you could do much better than Topher.”
I think that badmouthing one’s ex is in bad taste, so all I say is “I agree, Rachel. Let’s just say that Topher and I didn’t part in the most amicable terms.”
There’s understanding in Jagger’s mom’s eyes. “I’m not going to pry right now. But I can’t guarantee that I’m not going to initiate some girl talk while we get ready tomorrow afternoon.”
Keith chuckles, shaking his head. “If you want my unsolicited advice, Bay, be careful with this one. She’s been known to get every secret out of her targets without them even realizing it. She plies you with beauty treatments and champagne.”
The warmth in his eyes as he looks at his wife reminds me of the way Jagger looks at me when he teases me. “It’s ok. I’m an open book. But we’ve ordered dessert and I don’t want to put everyone off their food talking about Topher.”
Rachel takes a sip of her mimosa before continuing with her line of questioning. “I agree. Let’s not mention him, aside from what’s necessary to tell me how you and Jagger noticed one another.”
“We were dared to kiss,” I offer.
Jagger smiles the entire time, as I tell his parents about the kissing booth that ended up bringing us together.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about Bay after that kiss,” he says when I’m done with my story. “I had never felt like that while kissing someone.”
Rachel’s hands fly to her chest as she looks at us. “Aww, you two are adorable. Be still, my heart.”
“I have to say,” Keith interrupts his wife’s gushing over our first kiss, a serious expression on his face. “I understand why my son is smitten with you, Bay.”
Keith Connelly looks like I imagine his son will look in about thirty years. Attractive and still athletic, he has the same magnetic hazel eyes.
Rupert Mumford’s words last Christmas echo in my ears.
“Men like us have affairs with women like Bay Woods. We certainly don’t marry them.”
I have to fight the urge to squirm as he sets that piercing gaze on me. I sense a “but” coming and I brace myself.
“I just don’t want Jagger to get hurt if you chose Ryker Moore or their other teammate, Cole Marshall.”
That didn’t go where I thought it would.
I can count on one hand the occasions in my life when I was left speechless. This is one of them.
I open my mouth to say something. I don’t know exactly what, but Jagger is faster than me.
“Dad, the guys and I talked about this. We aren’t going to ask Bay to choose. The three of us are good friends and we can coexist. I’m not surprised that Cole and Ryker fell for Bay, and I can’t fault my girl’s taste either. They’re both great guys.”
Keith nods. “Fine. It’s just an unorthodox kind of relationship and as your father, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t at least try to protect you.”
In a way, I’m surprised that Jagger was so honest with his father.
He must notice my expression. “I hope you don’t mind that I told Mom and Dad about Cole and Ryker. I warned them about that video and I thought it was better to be completely honest with them. Almost losing you taught me that secrets have a way to come bite you in the ass, eventually.”
I’m actually relieved that the secret is out in the open. “It’s ok, Jagger. I think you’re right. And I promise I’ll never hurt your son. At least not intentionally.” I say to Rachel and Keith.
Jagger’s Mom smile is so similar to her son’s. It’s uncanny. “I have no doubt you wouldn’t. A mother has a sixth sense for these kinds of things and I can see how much you care about my son. Besides, I can’t blame you for dating Ryker and Cole. They’re both dashing.”
“Mom,” Jagger groans. “Gross. Those are my friends and may I remind you that you’ve known Ryker since we were in kindergarten?”
Rachel doesn’t look repentant. Again, her attitude reminds me of Jagger’s. “I’m just saying this in the nicest possible way, sweetheart. Besides, the fact that they could be my sons doesn’t mean I can’t see that they’re handsome. I can’t help it. I’ve always liked hockey players.”
Keith shakes his head, a little more relaxed than a moment ago. “I guess I have to be thankful that back in our day, polyamorous relationships were kept totally secret. I already had to fight some of my teammates for your attention in college. If you had thought dating more than one of us was an option, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Rachel chuckles. “You’re so possessive, darling. You would have had to learn how to share. Ah, if only I could go back by thirty years knowing what I know now.”
Keith glares at his wife, but there’s no real heat in it. “God help us. Even though I wouldn’t mind getting back on the ice. Jagger gets his talent from me.”
That last comment is directed at me. “I know. I googled you too. You were considered one of the most promising college players of your generation. You must have had so many offers to go pro.”
Pride shines in Keith Connelly’s eyes. “I did. I even considered entering the draft for a hot minute, but I’ve always known I was destined to follow in my father’s footsteps. I don’t regret it. I made Connelly Tech a Fortune 500 company, and the sky is the limit. I’m looking forward to see what Jagger will achieve when he starts working alongside me and his grandfather.”
It’s impossible to miss the way Jagger tenses up at his father’s words. “Right.”
He looks away, as if trying to compose himself. Jagger has confided in me about how he would love to play professional hockey. But he’s also been adamant that his family expectations make that impossible.
The words leave my mouth before I can think better of it. “Jagger has had many offers too. He has agents and NHL team scouts begging him for a meeting.”
Keith claps his son on the shoulder. “I have no doubt you do. It’s nice to be wanted even if you aren’t going to consider their offers, am I right?”
Jagger makes a noncommittal noise, not looking his father in the eye.
Maybe I should mind my own business, but I can’t. Besides, where would I be if Jagger had done the same and not talked to his dad about the situation with the Zeta house?
I care about him and I want to see him happy, so I ask the question on the tip of my tongue. “What if he wanted to play professionally?”
There’s a beat of silence at the table.
“Dad, I—” Jagger is the first one to break the silence.
“Is what Bay is saying true? You want to go pro?” Keith asks.
“What I want doesn’t matter,” Jagger repeats what he said to me every time we’ve talked about his future. “I’ve always known that you and Grandpa expect me to work with you and take over from you one day. I know my duty to my family.”
“Your duty?” Rachel intervenes. “Keith, did you know about this?”
Her husband shakes his head. “I didn’t.”
“Oh, come on, Dad,” Jagger snorts. “With all respect, I’ve known what your expectations were since I was barely out of diapers. I accept that my future has been mapped out for me from an early age. And don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to have this great family legacy. I know so many people who would kill to have the opportunities at my disposal. But if I could choose my path, I would play professional hockey and you’ve known that since I was in high school.”
Keith looks confused. “Have I?”
Jagger’s lips flatten with displeasure, the same way his mom did earlier when Topher was mentioned. “I told you I wanted to play pro hockey after we won the state championship in high school. You and Grandpa laughed, and you said hockey was just a hobby.”
Rachel frowns when she looks at her husband. “Keith, is this true?”
He sighs. “I can’t remember. I mean, it might be.” He addresses his son. “I guess I thought you said that because you were excited about being state champion. I never realized that you might be serious.”
Jagger is trying to stay calm. I recognize the signs in the way he’s holding his dessert fork with white-knuckle force. “I was serious. It doesn’t matter now. You were clear that it wasn’t an option, message received, Dad.”
“Jagger,” Keith says, his expression as serious as it was earlier when we were discussing business. “I’m sorry if I didn’t listen. You know how busy I always am, but this is no justification. I wish you had brought that up again, because no one wants to force you to be in a career you don’t enjoy.”
Jagger shrugs. “It isn’t like that, Dad. I’m proud of what you and Grandpa worked so hard to build. I just?—”
Rachel intervenes. “Is it too late for you to go pro?”
“No, but the point is moot. I’m going to start working in the San Francisco offices next fall. It’s been decided.”
Keith’s tone is challenging. “Says who? Answer your mom’s question. Could you still get an agent or enter the draft?”
Jagger nods. “An agent, yes. I’m ineligible for the draft because I turned twenty-two. I’d have to get signed as a free agent.”
“Well then, son, you’re fired.”
“Fired?” he barks out an incredulous laugh. “Really?”
His father’s tone softens. “Really. I’m sorry if you felt like you couldn’t talk to me about your aspirations, Jag. If you want to play hockey, I’m not going to stop you.”
Rachel chimes in. “All we want is for you to be happy, baby. Your father and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become. Whether it’s on the ice or in a corner office, we want you to succeed and we’ll cheer you on every step of the way.”
Jagger’s eyes are wide with shock. “What about Grandpa?”
Keith smiles. “Let me take care of my father. He’s always been your biggest fan. He’ll get over the disappointment. Besides, wait until he meets Bay. You’re going to have some competition. My father has always been fond of strong women,” he adds for my benefit. “That’s why he approved of Rachel. And Bay, I want to thank you.”
“For what?” I ask.
“For having Jagger’s happiness at heart. If you hadn’t said anything today, he would have given up on his dreams for the sake of some misplaced family loyalty. Son,” he says to Jagger. “Good choice. Bay isn’t just beautiful and smart. She cares about you. She’s a keeper.”
My heart is so full when we say goodbye to Jagger’s parents that I can barely contain my smile.
A huge part of me was stressed about meeting them today. After the way Topher’s parents treated me, I was worried that I would be welcomed the same way. That they would take one look at me and deem me unsuitable for their son.
We drive back home in companionable silence, each of us too lost in their own thoughts to say anything.
“My parents love you,” he says, after parking his car in the driveway of the Gamma house. “I had no doubt they would, but I’m glad you and Mom hit it off.”
I smile. “She’s lovely.”
“Wait until she invites you to every holiday, and she calls you to help her pick out her outfit for date night. She was really impressed by your tutorials and the aesthetics of your social media. While you and Dad were talking about the new house, she kept asking me if I knew that I was dating a legit fashion guru.”
“That’s a little far-fetched. I know a lot about makeup and I love clothes, but?—”
Jagger silences me with a kiss. “You’re awesome. Your beauty is just the tip of the iceberg, Nova. You’re kind and the bravest person I’ve ever met. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have found the courage to bring up how unhappy I was not to try to make it to the pros.”
The way he’s looking at me warms me from the inside out. “I love you, Jagger.”
He cups my jaw, his golden eyes smoldering with the same feeling that’s coursing through me. “Does this mean that you’re no longer mad at me?”
I nod. “It does. I think you’ve learned your lesson and if you ever wanted to end things with me, you’d at least call.”
Jagger laughs. “Ha. Fat chance. I’m sorry to tell you this, but you’re stuck with me. You’re everything I want, Bay. And now my mom would kill me if I fucked up again.”
When we exit the car, we’re both smiling from ear to ear.
We walk to the front door, holding hands.
“Hey,” Jagger pulls me closer when I try to step away from him. “Where are you going?”
“I’m just trying to be discreet, in case Topher is home.” I admit.
He wraps one arm around my shoulder as he unlocks the door. “Fuck him, Bay. I’m done letting Mumford dictate my decisions. If he wants to post that video, I can’t stop him. You and my parents know about it and Mom promised that she won’t watch it, no matter what. Besides, we’re going to the gala together tomorrow night. The asshole might as well get used to us dating.”
Who am I to object when he puts it that way?
“Hey Tucker,” I greet the hockey team goalie as he comes out of the kitchen with a sandwich on a plate.
“Hello Bay, looking pretty today. Look, I’m using a plate. You’re right that it’s less messy if I use one.”
Corey is right behind him. “Hey sweetie. It’s about time someone house trained Tucker. His future wife will be grateful.”
“Shut up dispshit. You didn’t use plates either before Bay told me to. You’re just as domesticated as I am.”
Corey flips him off. “At least I can cook some simple stuff without poisoning the entire house. You can’t even make a sandwich.”
I smile at their bickering. In reality, those two are inseparable. Arguing is just their way of being friends.
As Jagger and I climb the stairs to our rooms, a powerful feeling hits me square in the chest. I might have moved into the Gamma house because I had nowhere else to go, but in the couple of months I’ve lived here, this has become home.
And the Gamma brothers have become much more than the members of the fraternity my sorority is affiliated with; each of them has become a friend with very few exceptions.