39. Joey
39
Joey
I stand outside Brent’s building, not knowing which way to turn. It’s taking everything I have not to break down in tears and heartbreak, leaving me no room for rational thought.
“Are you okay, Miss Desai?”
The doorman frowns at me with concern. I blink, unable to form a reply. I need to figure out where to go. A cab or car service all the way to Connecticut would cost a fortune. And I don’t think I can handle trains right now. I’ll be mistaken for a lunatic if I start sobbing, because I won’t be able to stop once I do.
Tears threaten when it occurs to me that going to Brent’s family might not be a good idea. If I tell Charlie, she’ll no doubt be angry on my behalf and jump to my defense, calling Brent to give him an earful. I don’t want to be responsible for creating conflict in his relationship with his family, nor do I want my relationship with them to change. I’m terrified, actually, that my relationship with them will never be the same, and I’ll lose them. The thought makes my already broken heart crumble a little more.
“Could you hail a cab for me, please?” I ask the doorman standing solicitously nearby. I don’t know where I’ll go, but I can’t keep standing on the sidewalk. Brent might come down, and I don’t want to talk to him again until I’ve had a chance to think.
“Of course. Why don’t you wait in the lobby until it arrives?”
Since I’m cold from more than just my frozen heart, I agree. I forgot to put on a jacket, and the chilly October air that had felt good during my run is now seeping into my bones.
The concierge approaches me just as I’m about to take a seat on an upholstered chair in the corner of the lobby. “Miss Desai, Mr. Hutchinson called down and—”
I flee before he can finish, slamming through the door before the doorman can reach it. I rush to the corner to flag down a cab myself. A yellow taxi screeches to a halt in front of me and I jump into the back.
“Please, just drive. I’ll give you the address in a minute.”
Everyone I know in the city is affiliated with the Firebirds and, therefore, Brent. I just need someplace private to regroup for a few hours. I consider texting Alicia, but remember she’s visiting her parents.
“Sure, lady. But can you at least tell me which direction?”
“West Village,” I say on impulse. I text Luc, asking for his address. I hope he’s home and responds right away. He’s a Firebird, but I consider him a true friend after our personal conversations. He’d be the most understanding and least likely to call Brent, despite their renewed friendship.
I stare at my phone, waiting for it to light up with a reply text, and clear my mind of any other thoughts. I exhale in relief when he responds with the address followed by a question: Sending me a wedding invitation?
The teasing text almost breaks the dam of tears, but I swallow the lump in my throat and text back, Can I come over?
Grateful to receive an immediate affirmative response, I give the driver the address, then stare out the window blindly for the remaining ride downtown. When the taxi pulls up in front of the spacious brick double row house, I pay and exit. Lifting my gaze to the imposing front door at the top of a short flight of brick steps, I have second thoughts. Am I assuming we’re better friends than we actually are? He’s on magazine covers not only for being a star quarterback, but for things like sexiest man and highest paid athlete. Who am I to—
“Joey?” Luc calls out from the open door just as I’m turning away.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come,” I say, backing away, but Luc is already down the stairs and reaching out for me.
“Hey, it’s okay. Come inside. You must be freezing.” He takes my bag and puts his arm around me, guiding me up the steps and into his home.
I’m too numb to look around as he leads me downstairs to a spacious yet cozy family room, to a comfy chair close to the fireplace. Flames rise out of the fake logs when he flips a switch. For added warmth, he places a fleece throw around me. The kind gesture is the last straw.
The dam bursts and I sob into my hands.
Luc leaves me to it, for which I’m thankful, because I can’t make myself stop.
“Here, darling,” he says some time later. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him placing a tray on the side table. It holds a box of tissues, a glass of water, and a steaming mug of tea. “Which would you like first?”
I take the tissues, wiping my face and nose before I look at him. Embarrassed that I had the gall to come to Lucien Saint, of all people, after breaking up with his friend and teammate, I manage a trembling smile of apology.
“I shouldn’t have come here. You’re Brent’s friend and teammate and—”
“And I’m also your friend. So tell me how I can help.”
The words of support almost make me come undone again. But I don’t want to put Luc in the middle of my mess with Brent. I only tell him that we broke up and I need a few hours to make some arrangements.
“You’re welcome to stay for as long as you want. I have plenty of bedrooms for you to choose from. Unfortunately, I need to leave soon for practice. Will you be okay? We can talk when I get back.”
“Oh, I can’t stay here. Thank you though. Actually I do have someone I can call. I should have done that instead.” I pull my phone out of my back pocket.
“Joey, darling, I’m glad you came to me. You’ve helped me more than you can know, so I’m glad I can do the same for you.”
I give him a grateful smile. He leaves me alone to give me privacy for my call to my former landlady. “Hi, Aunty.”
“Oh, beti . I was just thinking about you. I met this wonderful boy who—”
“Aunty.” I cut her off rudely. Once started, she can talk nonstop for a half hour without needing any kind of response. “I was calling to see if there’s any chance my apartment is still available.” It’s a long shot since the location is perfect and it’s very affordable. I’m not surprised at Aunty’s answer.
“Oh no! I found tenant right away. She keep furniture you left. You want it back?”
“No, that’s okay. She can have it.” They had all been thrift-store purchases and not worth much to begin with. Despondent, I try to think of another plan.
“Come visit me, beti . Yes, you stay with me for few days.”
My eyes prick with tears of relief. “Oh, Aunty. That’s so kind. Are you sure it’s okay? It would be only for a few days until I find something.”
“Yes, yes. I miss seeing your pretty face.”
Glad to have that settled, I close my eyes and think of next steps. I need to let the clinic know I won’t be in this afternoon, but I still have the rest of the week at the temp job. I almost groan thinking of the commute from New Jersey.
“Everything okay?” Luc returns, dressed and ready to leave for practice.
“Yes. My former landlady offered to let me stay with her for a few days.” I stand and pick up my bag.
“As I said, you’re welcome to stay here. But if you’re sure you want to leave, I’ll have Reggie drive you.”
I’d met Luc’s bodyguard and driver during training camp and had almost mistaken him for one of the linemen. Not surprising since he had played as one before an injury ended his career early.
I smile at Luc. “No, it’s okay. You need him more than I do.”
“Actually, you’ll be doing me a favor. If he knows he needs to help a damsel in distress, I’ll be able to drive my baby.” His baby is a custom Corvette that I’d seen him drive to the stadium once.
I shake my head at his charming smile. “Well, in that case…I’ll play the damsel in distress so you can have playtime with your baby.”
He walks me out when Reggie brings the SUV to the front of the townhouse and gives me a comforting hug in farewell.