Chapter 39
Chapter
Thirty-Nine
West
We all get home within a few minutes of each other on Friday afternoon, and there’s a bit of chaos as we drag in our luggage and talk about plans for the weekend.
I just want to go up to my room and sulk for a while but that doesn’t seem to be happening.
Lindy is in the kitchen asking about dinner, Jayne is talking about updates on the new house, and every time I try to escape someone has a question for me.
“I cooked,” Jayne announces. “Since Serena’s helping Holly through a tough time, I figured I’d surprise her with a meal when she gets here.”
She looks so proud of herself that I don’t have it in me to contradict her about the status of my relationship.
“It smells great, babe,” Bodi says, kissing her cheek.
“It’s Serena’s recipe, but I think I did okay.” She’s bustling around, getting out dishes and silverware.
I suppress a wince every time someone mentions Serena’s name but my personal life isn’t any of their business.
“I figured with everything she has going on and starting a whole new career,” Jayne continues, “the least I can do is help with the cooking.”
“What did I miss?” Simon asks, casually leaning against the counter. “What’s Serena up to?"
"You didn’t tell them?” Jayne looks at me in surprise but then continues before I can respond.
“Well, remember Dusty Peaks, the TV show? Turns out, they’re doing a reboot and they not only gave Serena a contract, they gave her a huge advance.
Shooting doesn’t officially start until July, but I guess there are meetings and such that she has to fly out to L.A.
for. And get this—I told her I’d kill to be an extra on set one day and she said she’d make it happen! ”
“You’re gonna be an extra?” Bodi demands. “That’s super cool. And if you fly out to L.A., I’m coming too!”
She laughs as she rolls her eyes at me. “Geez, do you men never talk about anything beyond hockey? They’re not filming in L.A.
There was a whole thing with the production company, something about the animals that are going to be part of the cast, and they’re filming here—well, outside Atlanta somewhere, I don’t remember the name of the town.
She’ll probably have to go to L.A. for some pre-production stuff but otherwise, she’ll be here.
I don’t know who’s more excited, her or me!
” She laughs and whispers something to Bodi, but I’m not listening anymore.
They’re filming here?
She got an advance?
How did I not know any of this?
Shame creeps over me as I realize that I never gave her a chance to explain.
I jumped to an obvious conclusion and then—walked away.
Because I wasn’t man enough to stand up for the woman I love.
Because I lumped her in a category with other women instead of remembering everything she’s been through—everything we’ve both been through.
She got money from her acting career, not from DeMarco.
She took the job after all because the logistics changed.
And I’m the dumbass who never even asked her a single question.
What the hell is wrong with me, and what have I done?
“I’m sure dinner is going to be delicious,” I tell Jayne, “but I have plans. Sorry!”
With that, I race up the stairs and take a quick shower. I’ve been traveling all day and feel a little gross, but I also need some time to figure out what I’m going to say to Serena. How many ways I can apologize. I need to stop for flowers. And something for Joey.
I don’t even know if she’s going to be willing to talk to me after the way I ghosted her, but I have to try.
Sometimes I can be stubborn to a fault—and that’s not something I’m proud of. Definitely something I need to work on.
I’ve just gotten in my SUV when I see Mr. Carrier’s name on the screen of my phone.
Oh, crap.
This day might just be going from bad to worse, but I can’t ignore him.
“Hello?”
“West. Claude Carrier here.”
“Mr. Carrier. Hello.”
“I understand there’s been a rumor going around about Anthony DeMarco.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you doubt I’m a man of my word, West?”
“No, sir, but I know hockey is a business, and—”
“Don’t give me any of that PC bullshit. You and I shook hands and I guaranteed you that for a period of at least two years, I would not even entertain a trade for DeMarco.
Unless and until you specifically gave your permission.
That was part of our deal to get you out here.
So, what makes you think I would do something like that without so much as a head’s up? ”
Yeah, I’m fucking up pretty much everything in my life right now.
“Well, it came straight from him. He said you spoke and there was something in the works.”
“He mentioned me by name?”
“He did.”
“Little prick.” He mutters something I can’t quite distinguish but then continues talking. “Listen, his agent reached out, and I had Ralph tell him we didn’t have the cap space. End of conversation. Anything else he’s saying, it’s a bald-faced lie.”
I’ve never been more relieved to hear something in my life.
I’ve also never been more embarrassed in my life. Not professionally anyway.
“I apologize,” I say quietly. “He got under my skin.”
“Because he’s hot for your girlfriend.”
How the fuck does he know that?
“Yes. I think so.”
“And is she interested?”
Honestly, I can’t say for sure but I owe it to her to give her the benefit of the doubt.
“No, she’s not,” I reply.
“Then stop letting him live in your head rent-free. I know you have history, but it’s time to let it go, son.
He’s nothing compared to you. You’re not just an athlete, you’re a star and a damn good human being.
That’s why you’re my team captain. DeMarco’s nothing but a mediocre hockey player and a piss ant, to boot. ”
I’d laugh if I wasn’t so damn embarrassed.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Are we good?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“Next time, tell that little shit to call me directly. I’ll set his ass straight.”
And with that, he disconnects.
I’m still embarrassed, but I’m also relieved.
Now I just have to figure out how to apologize to Serena.
The last thing I ever wanted to be is another guy who lets her down.
I’m in love with her, and I plan to not only tell her but also to show her before the night is over.
I buy flowers, a bottle of champagne, and a replica toy Ferrari for Joey, since he mentioned thinking mine is cool more than once. I don’t know if there are any gifts that will smooth over the mess I’ve made, but it’s a start. I hope.
When I pull into her driveway there’s a sleek blue Mercedes in her parking spot. That’s not the car Jayne sent Bodi pictures of, and I hesitate.
Is DeMarco here in a rented Mercedes? But then her car should be here too, right?
I shake off the doubt and steel my resolve. I have to stop thinking about him—especially in relation to her.
I get out, gifts in hand, and walk to the door, knocking briskly. It takes a minute but a beautiful woman opens the door, one I don’t recognize.
“Uh, hi.” This is unexpected. “I’m looking for Serena.”
The beautiful brunette smiles. “You must be West.”
“What gave it away?” I ask curiously.
“Flowers. Presents.” She shrugs. “Unfortunately, she’s not here.”
“Do you know when she’ll be back?”
“No. But you’re welcome to wait. I’m Holly.”
“Hi, Holly. Serena’s mentioned you.” I follow her inside and get the same feeling of warmth I got the first time I was here. Because everything about this place represents Serena, and I love everything about her.
Holly sits on the couch, tucking her legs under her. “So. You came to grovel?” There’s a twinkle in her eyes that’s infectious.
“Something like that.”
“She’s pissed,” she says quietly.
“I don’t blame her.”
“But she loves you. My question is, do you love her?”
“I do.”
“Well, that’s good to hear, but you have work to do. You didn’t break her heart so much as her trust.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“Apologize if she’ll give me a chance. Grovel. Beg. Throw her over my shoulder and take her to bed.” I shrug. “Whatever it takes.”
She’s got that twinkle in her eye again. “You might want to start with the apology and then move right into the caveman thing because otherwise, she’s going to overthink every word that comes out of your mouth.”
I chuckle. “You know her well.”
“I do.” Her expression turns somber. “Don’t do this if you’re not serious, West. She’s been through enough.”
I run a hand through my unruly hair, thinking I need to get it cut. “I’m serious. A thousand percent.”
“Good.” She studies my face for a few long seconds. “You’re not what I was expecting even though you’re exactly as she described you. Tall, muscular, handsome.”
“But?”
“But also gentle. Especially for a big guy.”
“How would you know that?” I ask curiously.
She gives a half-hearted smile. “Because I know the opposite of gentle. And you’re not that.
Plus, Serena is…how can I put this delicately?
A little broken? Not completely, because she’s stronger than that, but there are cracks around the edges and she’s always very careful not to cause any damage that might make that damage worse.
Yet she let you do exactly what she wouldn’t let anyone else do for four years.
I was curious what it was about you. Now I think I know. ”
I’m not sure what she’s talking about, because she almost seems to be talking more to herself than to me, but I feel the same way about Serena. She has little cracks that she protects fiercely—and I’ll never forgive myself if I made even a single one of those cracks worse.
“Do you know what time she’s coming home?” I ask quietly.
She meets my gaze and I see a tiny flicker of…doubt? Guilt?
“I don’t,” she says softly. “Tony called. She went to meet him.”
Fuck.