Chapter 20
Twenty
Josh
I checked in with Christy for the millionth time. She was doing better than I expected, and that had me worried. I didn’t know why, but it seemed like she was pretending to be fine but was going to fall apart at any moment.
Who could blame her? She had every right to fall apart.
I was surprised she hadn’t already. The day was long and busy and full of people who wanted to speak to her.
Oscar and I did our best to run interference and give her a few moments alone when she seemed to be fading, but she was a trooper. More than I was when my parents died.
“Are you staying with her tonight?” Oscar asked from next to me.
I nodded. “I was planning to.”
“I might join you guys. Unless she kicks us out.”
I snorted, not at all surprised Oscar was seeing the same thing I was. “I wouldn’t put it past her.”
He smiled wryly. “I saw Reegan here with Ashlyn. Was she pissed that you weren’t with her all day?”
I shook my head. “She said she wasn’t.”
“Do you believe her?”
“I’m too fucking old for games, man. If she’s saying that to manipulate me, I can’t stop it, but I really don’t think she was.”
Oscar’s eyebrows shot high. “That’s a nice change for you.”
I snorted. “Right?”
He appraised me closely, his gaze all too steady. “You’re falling for her.”
I scoffed at the comment, even though the words made me want to shout my agreement.
“Wow. I didn’t think I’d see that again. It’s been a while since you had a smile on your face.”
I nodded in agreement, unable to stop smiling. “I know she’s not sticking around, but it’s been nice to feel like this again. I never thought I’d…”
“Fall in love again?”
I shrugged. “You ever thought you would?”
He didn’t immediately shake his head or refuse to consider it.
I turned to face him, wondering what I’d missed.
“I’m not eyeing anyone before you even ask,” he said.
“But I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it.
” He sipped his water and surveyed the thinning crowd of well-wishers.
“My house is fucking lonely. Both boys being gone this year was harder than I thought it would be. When Alfie left, Victor was still keeping me busy. With both of them gone, especially since they’re both working this summer and not home, it’s really hit home how alone I am. ”
I clapped him on the back. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around more for you. You should have told me. Hell, I’ve had the same thoughts all summer with Evie getting ready to go. It’s hard being so alone.”
Oscar’s mouth twisted into a grin. “Just proves what we always knew. Christy is stronger than both of us.”
“Hell yeah, she is.”
“Is there anything either of you need?” Felicity Emerson put a hand on each of our backs as she asked the question.
We’d known Felicity since high school. She graduated two years after us, but she and Christy played hockey together.
She was quick to offer Elle’s Place, the banquet hall she owned, for the celebration of life after the service.
Oscar and I both turned and hugged Felicity, giving her quick kisses on the cheek.
“You’ve been a godsend,” Oscar said.
“Coach will be missed. So much. How’s our girl holding up?” Felicity smiled when she looked over at Christy.
“Seems good. She is so grateful to you.”
“Oh, please, that’s what we do around here.” A sadness touched her eyes. The rumors lately were that Felicity was going through a divorce. She still wore her wedding ring, so I didn’t ask her, but I knew the look. It was one of regret and pain and a hint of anger.
“Have you sat down today?” I asked Felicity.
She bristled immediately. I should have expected it. “I’m fine.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” I said, trying to smooth things out.
She pressed her lips into a tight line. “I can go home and rest. I’m more worried about Christy today than me.”
Oscar keyed into my line of questioning and assessed Felicity. “No Tim today?”
Felicity paled at the question, something I was sure Oscar hadn’t missed. “He’s home with the kids.”
Oscar nodded. “Summer can be tough when they’re young. I remember it well. My boys were always a bit more rambunctious during the summer.”
Felicity forced a smile, then pretended someone needed her help and excused herself.
“What was that?” Oscar asked.
“I’m guessing either the rumors are true or she is sick of defending them.”
“Shit. Do we need to tell Christy?”
“Probably, but not right now. I think the best thing we can do is get her home so she can get off her feet. Let Felicity get home, too.”
“Good plan. I’ll clean, you push people out the door?”
“Yep,” I agreed, already moving to the first group of stragglers to thank them for coming, as I walked them to the door.
A few hours later, I had my feet up on Christy’s coffee table and a beer in my hand.
She was next to me, same position, and Oscar was on the other side of her.
We watched movies that made us laugh and let her feel her feelings when they came up.
She knew she didn’t have to pretend with us, and the walls finally came down.
Christy dragged herself to bed long after sunset, encouraging Oscar and I to go home. Neither of us moved.
Oscar claimed one couch, and I stretched out on the other. Neither of us wanted to sleep in Coach’s room, and the house only had two bedrooms. We’d spent more nights on those couches than I could count, and one more wouldn’t hurt.
Before I fell asleep, I sent a quick text to Reegan, thanking her for coming to the funeral and asking when she was free for dinner with Evie. Evie was staying with me over the weekend.
Reegan
How’s Christy?
She’ll be okay. Oscar and I are staying the night with her. If I don’t bring you coffee, that’s why. Sorry. I should have told you.
You have more important things on your mind. I would never want to stand between you and your friends. And I can do dinner Friday or Saturday. Whichever day works better for you and Evie.
Let’s plan for Friday then. Ashlyn is welcome to join us, too. If she’s interested.
I’ll ask her. She’s already in bed.
Are you?
Yeah but I wasn’t sleeping.
What were you doing?
Reading a book.
What are you wearing?
Are you seriously trying to sext me when you’re spending the night with your grieving friend?
She’s already asleep.
You’re too much. And I’m wearing the same thing you see me in most mornings.
My cock twitched. She was playing along. I couldn’t do anything about it with Oscar ten feet away, but it made me smile.
Your shorts drive me crazy. So do your tiny tank tops. Especially the ones where I can see your nipples through the fabric.
I like when you wear a sleeveless shirt.
Oh yeah?
Yeah. I’m a sucker for strong arms. Yours are sexy.
I’ll have to remember that. Are you getting wet thinking about my arms?
I was wet the second your name showed up on my screen.
Damn, I wish I was there. I wish I could get my lips on you.
So do I.
Maybe you can spend the night again soon.
I’m not sure I can wait that long.
Are you going to come right now for me, Reegan?
I might.
I shifted to my side, facing the back of the couch so Oscar didn’t see my dick standing up. I stifled a groan and ground the heel of my hand against my cock.
Slide your fingers into your panties for me. Pump one inside yourself.
Oh fuck. Are we doing this?
I’m just an observer here. Wishing I was there with you, using my hands on your body. My teeth. My dick.
I wish you were, too.
Slide those fingers to your clit and rub it. Pinch it and pluck it until you start to sweat.
Yes.
Rub your fingers over your clit, Reegan. Faster. Press down hard. Imagine my fingers on you. My tongue licking you until you come for me. Come for me, Reegan.
Fuck. Josh. You’re too damn good at that.
Did you come for me?
Yeah. That was fast.
You were ready for me. I wish I’d been there to watch you.
Me too.
Get some sleep, my sweet honey. I’ll see you tomorrow sometime. Maybe we can all have dinner again?
I’d like that.
Good. Have a good night, Reegan.
I already did.
I chuckled and locked my phone. She was getting harder and harder to resist. Not that I wanted to, but if I wasn’t careful, I’d let her know how I felt about her and send her running out of town.
Friday afternoon, Evie came home from work dragging her feet.
She was exhausted. She hadn’t gotten used to the hours she was working, and instead of going to bed at a reasonable time, she was staying up late.
She crashed on the couch after extracting a promise from me to wake her up an hour before Reegan was coming over for dinner.
I wasn’t sure if Ashlyn was going to join us or not, but I made sure we had plenty of food for all of us in case she did.
I invited Christy, too, but she declined.
She was going back to work the next night and wanted to have some time to get things together.
She decided to work nights for the rest of the summer.
She said nights were the hardest for her in the week since Coach died, and if she wasn’t home, it was easier.
Eventually she would be okay in her house, but I knew it would take time. I hoped she didn’t decide to sell the house and move, but if she did, I couldn’t fault her for the choice. She had to do what made the most sense for her.
My alarm went off to wake Evie, and I smiled when she groaned at me. She swung her feet off the couch and dragged herself to the shower, though, so I knew she was excited about Reegan joining us.
I was almost ready to start the grill when Evie walked out of her room, looking more awake. Her hair was still wet, but she tied it up on top of her head.
“What can I help with?” Evie asked when she joined me in the kitchen.
“Do you want to wrap the corn?”
She nodded and moved to the end of the island. I’d made all of Evie’s favorites to make sure she was in a good mood, and grilled corn on the cob was a summer treat we couldn’t get enough of.