20. Ryan
CHAPTER 20
RYAN
A s I watch my best friends and June talking at the table, I can hardly believe that a few days ago, there was a high chance I couldn’t have this moment. Growing up, I didn’t know what having a real family was like. I love my brother, but our relationship is strained, thanks to Mom. There’s no tension with Jake and Lachy. We’re a strong unit on and off the ice.
It’s no surprise we fell in love with the same woman. That airplane malfunction shook to me the core and made me get my head out of my ass about June. I can’t believe I thought I could just sleep with her once and move on. She snuck into my heart, and before I knew it, she owned me completely.
“I hope you’re in the mood for something healthier today.” I bring over the tray with the salmon I just baked in the oven. The quinoa salad and steamed veggies are already on the table.
June raises her hand. “I am. I’ve been eating too much junk food lately.”
Lachy leans forward. “The salmon smells delicious. I’m not so sure about the quinoa salad.”
Jake frowns. “Since when are you picky about food?”
“Oh, I’m not picky. I’ve just never had quinoa before.”
“Really?” June’s brows arch. “It’s yummy, and a much better choice than white rice.”
“You’ll eat it and love it,” I tell Lachy. “June, could you pass me your plate, please.”
“Yeah, sure.”
I serve June first, then Lachy and Jake before putting food on my plate. Everyone waits for me to sit down before they eat.
“Thank you, Ryan. This looks amazing.” June beams at me, making my pulse accelerate.
I’m a Leo. I love praise, but coming from her, it’s a million times better.
“It’s my pleasure, Peaches. Now dig in.”
June moans after the first bite, and my dick stirs in my pants. I love hearing that sound from her, and it doesn’t matter if it’s caused by my cooking or my cock.
“How is it?” I ask, grinning.
She covers her mouth while she chews, then replies after she swallows. “Divine. You’re a god in the kitchen, Ryan.”
“Not only in the kitchen, right?” I wink.
“Don’t answer that, lass. He already has an overinflated ego.”
I chuckle. “Someone is jealous.”
Lachy snorts. “Sure, Gosling. Keep thinking that.”
Shaking his head, Jake takes a bite. I can’t believe he didn’t have anything to add. He’s quiet but loves to add fuel to the fire.
Silence prevails as we enjoy the food. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but it does taste fucking amazing.
After a while, Jake pipes up. “Ryan, isn’t there something you want to ask June?”
I sit straighter in my chair, confused. But then I remember our conversation at the gym. I’ve been trying not to think about my mother. It’s a sticking-my-head-in-the-sand move. Ignoring the reality won’t make it change.
“Right.” I wipe my mouth with the napkin.
June sets down her fork and stares at me, waiting.
“My brother is flying to San Diego to visit my mother at the hospital this weekend, and I’m meeting him there.”
“Oh.” June studies me. “I didn’t realize she was in California.”
“Yeah. She’s been in San Diego since she left us behind in Montreal.”
Hell, I don’t sound bitter at all. I grab my glass and take a couple sips of water. This conversation is making me queasy. The delicious meal I prepared is sitting heavily at the bottom of my stomach now. I’m annoyed with Jake for bringing up the topic in the middle of dinner—not that he could have known how I would react.
“What did you want to ask me?” June probes when I remain silent.
“Jake and Lachy are coming with me, but I was wondering if you’d come too.”
Her pretty eyes grow larger. “Yes, of course.” She reaches for my hand. “I want to be there for you.”
Relief washes over me. I need all the support I can get, and I know June’s presence will help calm me down. She has that effect on me. “Thank you.”
“But... aren’t you playing on Saturday?”
“It’s an early game. We should be done around seven, and we have Sunday off,” Jake replies.
“Oh, that’s perfect then. But what about the pets?”
Shit. I completely forgot about the pets.
“I’ll book the dog walker to check on them while we’re gone,” Jake replies.
“Guys... I don’t feel well.” Lachy grimaces, touching his belly.
My stomach sinks. Fuck. His face is red and swollen.
“Oh my God. You’re having an allergic reaction!” June jumps to her feet. “We need to take you to the ER.”
Jake and I fly out of our chairs in a flash. Jake helps Lachy get up, and I grab my car key. “I’ll drive.”
“What the hell did you put in the food, Ryan?” Lachy moans from the back seat.
“Nothing you haven’t eaten before,” I reply, keeping my eyes on the road.
I’m driving as fast as I can, and I need to maintain focus. Adrenaline is running in my veins, and my heart feels like it’s beating as fast as the car. I can’t believe Lachy is having an allergic reaction to my food. He eats everything.
“That’s not true. Lachy’s never eaten quinoa before,” June pipes up.
“Do you think I’m allergic to quinoa?” he asks.
I rub my face. “It’s possible. I’m so fucking sorry, Lachy. Please don’t die on me.”
“He’s not going to die,” Jake grits out from the shotgun seat.
“How’s your breathing? Can you get air into your lungs?” June asks, sounding panicked.
“Yeah... I can breathe. I just can’t feel my face, and my stomach is hurting so badly.”
“How much longer until we get to the hospital?” June asks.
I press on the brakes suddenly and make a sharp turn. Everyone complains. “Sorry. I almost missed the exit.”
“Maybe slow down and try not to kill us all,” Jake retorts.
“Shut up! You drive the next time we have an emergency.”
“Please... no more emergencies. You guys are giving me premature stress lines,” June replies.
“Sorry, Peaches. There’s the hospital. But... where the hell is the entrance to the emergency room?”
“Read the signs, Ryan!” Jake points ahead. “There, take a left.”
“Stop yelling at me!”
He presses a fist against his forehead. “I swear to God. You can’t drive for shit.”
“Fine. Take an Uber home.” I stop the car right in front of the ER’s double doors and turn to look at Lachy. He’s resting his head on June’s shoulder, and his eyes are shut. Damn it. His face looks more swollen. “How are you, buddy?”
“I feel like I’ve been run over by an eighteen-wheeler, and I’m now roadkill.”
“We’re at the hospital, sweetie. They’ll make you feel better soon. I promise.” June kisses the top of his head.
“Go on. I’ll park the car and meet you inside.”
Jake grunts as he opens the door and gets out of the car, then slams it shut. I don’t know why he’s so fucking angry. I couldn’t have guessed Lachy was allergic to quinoa.
He helps Lachy out of the car, then June joins them, standing on Lachy’s other side to help him walk. I watch three of the most important people in my life disappear into the emergency room and try to keep the panic at bay. Lachy didn’t survive an emergency plane landing only to die of a food allergy. That would be the cruelest of jokes.