51. June
CHAPTER 51
JUNE
“ I ’m glad that you decided to come to the game, June,” Maya yells so she can be heard over the loud cheers.
The players just entered the ice, and the crowd goes wild. We’re facing the San Diego Vipers tonight, a major rival of the Titans.
“I couldn’t hide in my apartment forever.”
“You definitely couldn’t,” Melissa agrees.
When I told her I wasn’t sure if I could face all the stares, she made it her mission to change my mind, even arranged for us to sit together, and far away from the other WAGs.
“It’s not that bad now that Wendy is gone,” Maya adds. “You should come to hang out with us in the lounge.”
Not long after the sex tape scandal, Malcolm filed for divorce. It seems Wendy had originally installed the hidden camera in his office because she suspected he was cheating on her. We don’t know if that’s true or not—Malcolm never confirmed or denied it. All we know is that no one was sad to see her go.
“I’ll think about it.”
“How’s work? Are people still giving you a hard time?” Melissa asks.
“If by ‘giving me a hard time’ you mean staring and giving me the cold shoulder, then yes. But I still have Katrina, so it’s not that bad.”
“Well, you’re still working on your screenplay, right? Just because I ditched Elijah doesn’t mean I can’t get your script into the right hands. I have contacts of my own.”
“It’s nearly ready.”
Maya turns to me. “You’re writing a screenplay? What is it about?”
“It’s a hockey romcom. Freaky Friday meets The Cutting Edge .”
Her eyes go round. “Oh my God. Two of my favorite movies.”
“That’s golden, June. And I know exactly who I’m going to pitch it to once you finish it.”
“Really? Wow.”
I’m in high spirits and dying to get back to my manuscript. But nothing beats watching my boys play. They’re my muse, after all.
The game is intense from the start, and it remains scoreless until halfway through the second period. Ryan, Jake, and Lachy are absolutely stellar, playing to win at all costs.
Melissa elbows my arm. “Your boys are really giving it their all tonight, huh?”
“Yes. I hope the owner is watching.”
“Oh, he is. Trust me.”
Ryan and Jake are on the same line, and after a mistake from the Vipers’ offense, Jake intercepts the puck and breaks away, skating faster than the other team can follow. In seconds, it’s only him and the goalie. He shoots… and he scores.
We jump from our seats, screaming as loud as we can. The popcorn in the box I’m holding flies everywhere.
“What a beauty!” Melissa shouts. “There’s no chance they get rid of Jake now.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Oh my God. Look, girls. We’re on the Jumbotron!” Maya points at the huge screen above us.
The camera zooms in on my face, then it switches to Jake and Ryan on the ice. They were already looking at the Jumbotron. They both remove their gloves and make heart signs with their hands.
“Aww, that’s for you, June,” Maya pipes up.
My face is burning, which means it’s super red. I’m glad they didn’t switch the camera back to me.
“I hope your ex is watching the game at home.” Melissa laughs.
“Oh, I’m sure he is.” I smile.
I rarely think about Bill, but I know being banned from the arena is the worst punishment for him. My happiness being broadcasted on national television is the cherry on top.
Maya lifts her cup. “Cheers to motherfucking karma.”
“Cheers!” Melissa and I bump our cups against Maya’s and toss our drinks back.
The warmth of the whiskey spreads through my body, making my euphoria grow. I can’t stop smiling, and it’s not because of the buzz. It’s because of the three men who saw me at my worst and wanted to cheer me up. I didn’t see them coming, but I should have known from the start I’d never be able to let them go. Thank God I don’t have to.
JAKE
The post-game celebration is going strong in the locker room. We not only scored two more goals after my breakaway, Lachy had a shutout. It was glorious. I haven’t felt this good about the team in a long time.
Peter Maguire, the man who ultimately will decide my fate, is in the locker room doling out smiles and handshakes. He’s acting as if we just won a playoff game. After he speaks with a few players and congratulates Lachy for the shutout, he walks over.
“Jake, the man I was looking for.” He offers me his hand, then pats my shoulder. “It was good to see the fire in you tonight, son.”
“It was an important game. Couldn’t let the Vipers win.”
“That’s right, and you showed them. Listen, I know there have been rumors about a possible trade. I just spoke to Willis Fontaine, and he had nothing but praise for you. You’re not going anywhere.”
Utter relief sweeps over me, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let our GM know he had me by the balls. “That’s good to hear.”
“How’s your girlfriend?”
I tense in an instant, and Ryan and Lachy move closer. Peter isn’t oblivious to the sudden change. He’s too smart for that.
“June is great,” I say.
Peter glances fleetingly at Ryan and Lachy, then back to me. “Terrible what happened to her. I’m glad she’s fully recovered. I heard she got her job back as well.”
I frown, not particularly enjoying the conversation. I’m not an idiot. I might have gotten back in the owner’s good graces, but the tide can turn once again if I’m not careful.
“Yes, our future is bright.” I smile.
“Excellent. I’ll talk to you later.” He turns around, and as soon as he’s out of earshot, I tell the guys, “Thanks for not saying anything to him.”
“I won’t deny it was bloody hard,” Lachy grumbles. “Didn’t like one bit how he was talking about June.”
“He’s expecting another scandal involving her. You know how we can solve this, right?” Ryan gives me a meaningful look.
I shake my head. “She’s not ready.”
“We won’t know until we ask,” Lachy chimes in.
“We haven’t even convinced her to move in with us yet,” I retort.
Whenever June is not taking care of Mrs. Carpenter’s pets, she spends her time in our apartment. But every time we bring up the topic of her moving in with us, she changes the subject. I know she loves us, but maybe she needs more time. She’s had too many life-altering moments lately.
Lachy and Ryan each make a face, but neither comments. They know I’m right. “Have you made a decision yet about meeting your grandmother?” I ask Lachy to change the subject.
“Alleged grandmother, and no, I haven’t.” His expression shuts down completely, and that’s my cue to back off.
He hasn’t said much about the woman who claimed she was related to him. Just like June, Lachy needs time to process this new development. We can’t pressure him into talking about it.
I focus on getting dressed, but after a moment, I notice that Ryan is frozen, looking at his phone. “Is something wrong?” I ask.
He looks up, his blue eyes shining with unshed tears and anguish. My stomach churns. Whatever it is, it’s not good news.
“I got a message from Cory. My mother is gone.”