36. Zack
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
zack
“The plane just landed, why are we on the fucking ice? We won the last two games, so we deserve to rest,” Marsh complains as we skate laps at the training center.
“Because it’s close to our houses and Evvy’s not here. And you’re being a good friend.” Brent pretends he’s going to shove Marsh into the boards.
“Mmhmm,” Marsh groans.
My phone chimes.
Evvy: Josie insisted on taking Bailey and I out. Sorry I won’t be there when you get back. There’s leftover pizza in the fridge if you can get to it before West finds it.
Me: Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll fight him for it. And Happy Happy Happy Birthday!
Evvy: LOL! You already told me that at midnight and again this morning.
Me: I’m just making up for all the years I didn’t get to say it.
Me: We’ll do something fun with Bailey later. Show her the nightlife in Fiddlehead Ridge.
Evvy: You mean sitting downtown and watching all the shops close when it gets dark before 6 p.m.?
Me: Yup! Looking forward to it.
Evvy: Sounds good.
“Evvy?” Brent asks.
“Yeah, and if she even sniffs that we’re up to something the surprise will be ruined.
” She likes to pretend she hates surprises, but she actually just hates when she can’t figure them out.
She’s like a dog with a bone when she senses something’s going on.
She’ll spend all of her time obsessively trying to figure it out, and she usually does.
But not this time. She’s going to love this.
Bax skates between Marsh and I, draping his arms across our shoulders. “How’s Josie distracting her?”
“She’s taking Evvy and Bailey to Portland for the day. I haven’t even seen her yet because she’ll know I’m up to something. They’ll be back right after it gets dark.”
“Bailey?” Marsh asks as he ducks out from under Bax’s arm.
“Evvy’s best friend. We went to college together.” We start another leisurely lap around the ice.
“Tell me more about Bailey.” Marsh lifts his brows as he waits for an answer.
“Oh, now you’re interested in hearing more?” Nate scoffs, giving Marsh a hip check.
“I’m interested in hearing more about Bailey.” He shoves Nate back with a low chuckle. “Name has a nice ring to it. Where does she live?”
“California,” Bax answers before me.
“That sounds perfect.” Marsh picks up speed then skids to a stop, sending a spray of ice through the air. “What else should I know?”
“That she’s off limits.” I stop next to him. “Don’t bother Bailey. She’s Evvy’s best friend, and just…no.”
“What? You think I’m not good enough for her?” Marsh puffs out his chest as a cocky grins creeps across his face. “I’m a popular guy.”
“I’m aware, which is why I’m begging you to leave her alone. It’ll be awkward every time she visits if you try to hook up with her.”
“Fine. No flirting, but you’re no fun,” he grumbles.
“Anyway…I’ll show the company where to set up. They’re supposed to arrive in an hour,” Brent tells us.
“I’ll go with Marsh to pick up food!” Bax announces excitedly.
“Nope, I’ve got that covered. You can help Nate or Zack.”
“Then what can I do?” Bax looks at me. “I want to do something nice for Evvy.”
Bax is a good guy. It’s sweet that he’s befriended Evvy. “Can you help Brent and I with setup and then keep an eye out for the girls? When they get home you can help keep them busy until we’re ready. Maybe provide some entertainment?”
“That I can do.” Bax gives me two thumbs up.
“Nate, could you get stuff for the fire pit? We could use more wood, s’mores stuff, things like that.” I haven’t used my fire pit since moving to the house, and Evvy loves campfires, so this will be fun.
“Yup, I’m on it.”
“Thanks, guys. She’s had a rough week…and a rough month. I want this to be perfect.”
“I think you mean a rough thirteen years,” Nate points out.
“Thanks for the reminder.” I roll my eyes, but he’s right. “Yeah, that too. I just want her to have a good night. I owe her that. And she likes all of you for some reason,” I tease. “You’d think she’d have better taste, but what do I know?”
“Then she wouldn’t be with you.” Marsh smacks me on the back.
“Oooo, harsh.” Nate laughs.
“Wow, you’re so hilarious. Anyways, let’s head out. We’ll meet at Brent’s in an hour.”
I wish I had the ability to speed up time, because I seriously can’t wait to see the look on Evvy’s face.
It was pure luck that we didn’t have a game scheduled tonight, October 24, Evvy’s actual birthday.
All of our friends will be there to celebrate with her.
We’re off tomorrow too, and Bailey flies home late tomorrow night.
I’m glad they got to spend an entire week together, but I’m also looking forward to some uninterrupted Evvy time.
But first, a surprise for my Halloween girl.