Chapter 66
Jamie
When Ian walks into the locker room, I finally congratulate him. I missed my chance the other night at Ryan’s house. I hugged my sister and told her I was happy for her, but I just couldn’t face Ian then.
“So,” I say, resting a hand on his shoulder while he unties his boots. “Looks like the family is getting bigger.”
Ian gets to his feet. “Yeah.”
“Have you decided to form your own team, by any chance?”
He laughs. “Wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“I’d say you’re off to a great start.”
“I’ve always dreamed of this,” he says softly.
I sigh. “I know.”
“And Riley too,” he adds.
I only found that out recently. I always thought Riley was like me. She married Ian, and they already have a little girl, but I didn’t realise how much she wanted a family, or that she could face her fears and move forward.
“I’m happy for you both, mate,” I say. This time, it feels different. Now I know I mean it.
“Thank you. And I am happy for you.”
“For me? What’s that got to do with me?”
“You and the Doctor…”
I tip my head back and look up at the sky.
“You look so—”
“Do you want to get punched in the face?” I cut him off before he can finish.
Ian laughs. “I like him.”
“Now I have to worry?”
“Don’t be a dick.”
“Sorry. It’s your family’s fault I act like this — I need to fit in.”
“Fucking jokes won’t do you any good. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other.”
“You watching us that closely?” I arch a brow. “Sorry, I don’t do threesomes — and I definitely don’t share.”
“You want the Doctor all to yourself?”
“Fuck off.”
“Please, yes. All for you, and preferably miles away from my family,” Ryan joins us.
“Will you stop with that?” Ian says. “Can you just accept he’s Evan’s dad, and that he and Chris have been friends for twenty years?”
“Lucky me.”
“Why the fuck are you so wound up over him?”
“Because he’s a pain in the arse.”
“You should actually get to know him,” I hear myself say. “Seriously. You might be surprised.”
Ryan throws his hands up. “I’ll gladly leave that to you.”
“Already defending him,” Ian says, giving me a shove.
“He doesn’t need defending.”
“Uh-huh…” Ryan teases.
“You just don’t get it,” I say, shaking my head.
“So explain that to us, then.”
“He’s not like you.”
“That’s for sure,” Ryan says, and Ian slaps him on the back of the head.
“He’s not like me either.”
“Now I’m lost.”
“He is a man.”
“Um… and what are we?”
“We’ve no idea what that even means — me included.”
“This is getting good now,” Ian says.
“This is wrecking my head,” Ryan deadpans. “Any time the Doctor gets involved, I lose the will to live.”
“Then go play somewhere else and stop bothering the grown-ups talking, will you?”
“Grand idea. I’m off to bother Nick. I saw him out on the pitch with the kids.”
“Good. Go to someone who actually understands you.”
Ryan flips him off and walks away, leaving the locker room.
“I know what you mean,” he says once we’re on our own. “And you’re right.”
I nod.
“I also believe he can understand, you know.”
“I’m not sure.”
“If I figured it out, then so can he.”
“It didn’t take much to understand Riley. She’s perfect.”
“True.”
“She’s not to blame.”
“Is that what you think the problem is?”
I let out a sigh.
“You know it’s not your fault, right?”
“Easy to say when you’re not the one with a huge burden weighing you down.”
“You could lighten it a bit.”
“What if it’s too much for someone else?”
“Well, he doesn’t have a lot of muscle, but I get the impression he’s solid enough to carry it.”
I give a tense smile.
“He’s a man with a big heart.”
“How do you know that?”
“I can see something too.”
“What else do you see?”
“I see you trying to sell yourself a bunch of crap you don’t even believe.”
I get to my feet and step in front of him. “Are we done?”
“For today.”
“Good. I am officially done with deep thoughts. I just need a break — let’s find someone to laugh at and get my mind off things.”
“If you want, we can go mess with Nick.”
“Is he still losing it over his job?”
Ian grins. “He’s always worried the president is going to call him in.”
“Mmm… I know someone in the offices.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“All right, O’Connors, let me show you what it’s like dealing with the captain of arseholes.”