Chapter Five #2
She gives me a subtle look afterward that is anything but subtle. I wonder if she mentioned me or Austin to Nick in that text. Admittedly the possibility of Austin showing up sends a tiny burst of excitement through me.
A few minutes later, my dad and Dane return balancing trays piled high with food from Billy’s BBQ food truck. The smell is beyond amazing. Carolina BBQ and apple cider donuts—I could get used to this.
After a few minutes Nick appears, leaning down to kiss the top of Abby’s head before greeting everyone.
Unfortunately he’s alone. And yes, I’m a little disappointed.
Not that I should be. Honestly, it’s probably better this way considering my entire family is sitting here and Dane already suspects I’m interested in Austin.
Naturally, my brother immediately launches into conversation with Nick about hockey stats and the upcoming season. Abby doesn’t seem the least bit phased. I’m guessing she’s used to these conversations by now.
After a while, Abby and Nick head off together, and Eloise leaves to meet up with some friends nearby. But not before Abby squeezes my shoulder and says, “I’ll be in touch.”
The late afternoon air grows cooler as the festival slowly starts winding down around us. Families begin moving toward the exits while vendors pack up booths and string lights flicker on overhead.
Dane suddenly nudges my arm. “Since you refuse to give me your shirt, you can at least come with me to get one signed.”
I make a face. “Why do I need to go?”
“Because it’ll look weird if I walk up there by myself.”
“You are a grown man, and a hockey fan.”
“Please?” he says, grinning. “For your favorite brother?”
I sigh dramatically. “Fine. Do you want me to hold your hand too?”
“You’re hilarious,” he says scowling.
“I know.”
I slowly stand from the bench and test my foot carefully. “Okay. But after this, I’m going home and putting my foot up for the rest of the night.”
Dane holds out his arm. “I’m here to help.”
I lead the way toward the area where the Bears players are still set up signing autographs. Most of the tables are already empty now since several players have already left. But Austin is still there.
He’s sitting casually in his chair talking to a few remaining fans. He looks tired, but the second he notices me approaching, his entire expression brightens. My pulse instantly speeds up, and wow, his smile probably shouldn’t affect me as much as it does.
Dane grabs two shirts from one of the nearby tables—a kid-sized one and an adult one.
“I need to get one for Jude too,” he explains. “He’ll appreciate this someday.”
“Of course he will,” I reply.
“You’re mocking me, but I’m being a good dad.”
“Yes, every baby needs an autographed Bears T-shirt.”
He ignores me completely as we step up to Austin’s table.
Austin smiles immediately. “Hey again.”
“Hi,” I say, trying very hard to sound normal. “So my brother got jealous of my merch, and now he needs autographs too.”
Dane glares at me. “That’s not what happened.”
Austin laughs softly. “Of course. I can help with that.”
He reaches for the shirts and a marker.
“This must be a long day for you guys,” I say.
He nods while signing the first shirt. “Yeah, it’s been a full one. But we’re almost done.” His mouth curves slightly. “Then I get to go home, throw clothes into a suitcase, and get ready for a road trip.”
“That sounds exhausting.”
“It’s part of the job.” He hands the signed shirt back to Dane before looking at me again. “You ready to head home too?”
I laugh quietly. “Very ready. I’ve been on my foot too long today. I may have overdone it a bit.”
He cringes. “That makes sense. You just got rid of the crutches.”
“I know. I might’ve pushed a little hard for that.”
He nods. “Trust me, I get it. Our team doctors really go through it. It’s hard work to convince athletes to take downtime.”
“Exactly.”
Dane hands him the kids’ shirt. “Can you make this one out to my son, Jude? Future hockey legend.”
Austin chuckles. “That’s a lot of pressure. Make sure he wants to play hockey.”
My brother nods. “Oh I will. I played baseball, and I’m kind of hoping he loves it as much as I did.”
“I get it,” Austin says. “When you love a sport as much as we do, it’s a huge part of our lives.”
“Aww…it’s nice watching you boys bond,” I tease.
“Well, you feel that way about dance, right?” Dane suggests.
I smile. “I do. This injury has really taken its toll on me. I miss it a lot.”
“Of course,” Austin says. “You’ve dedicated so much of your life to it.”
“My sister has worked very hard to get where she is,” Dane says.
“That’s what I’ve heard, and I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t know anything about ballroom dance other than there’s one called the Cha- Cha.”
“Very good,” I say.
“That’s all I know,” he admits.
I laugh. “That’s okay.”
“Here you go,” Austin says handing the shirts to my brother. “And take a mini puck for your son.”
“Thanks.”
A few more stragglers are chatting with the players. And my foot is really starting with the ache.
I cringe as I take a step. “I think it’s time to get off this foot.”
“Take care of yourself,” Austin says.
“I appreciate it. Good luck on the road trip.”
Austin grins while my brother and I make our return to our family.
“I think one of the Bears likes you a lot,” my brother says, elbowing me in the side.
“Hmm…maybe.”
“I think you should go for it,” he says.
Well for once my brother might have a good idea. I just won’t tell him this.