by Anna Albo
Allie entered her bedroom and found a few presents on her bed along with what she could only presume was Billy’s painting. It reminded her of something an animal sanctuary did a few years back when it gave elephants paint and some paintbrushes. Did her mom think she’d take it back to St. Paul?
Allie texted Will to let him know she was all right. She then called Cate.
“Merry Christmas!”
“Are you in town?”
“I got in about an hour ago.”
“We’re still on for tomorrow, right?”
“You bet. We have your move to plan.”
“How’s your mom? And the rest of the family?”
“My mom is strung out and no one else is around. Your family?”
“My parents have been trying to convince me to stay in Toronto and get a job here. They don’t understand why Andy dumped me and insist on knowing what I did to make that happen. And the worst thing? They think I should try to win him back. They must be the most out of touch parents in the world.”
“I guess Andy really snowballed them. Should we drink a lot tomorrow?”
“Yes, and I want all the details about Will Cavallo. I need to live vicariously through you.”
“We’re on for six?”
“Yes. Usual place.”
“I’ll send you a picture of what my mom’s latest boyfriend painted me for Christmas. That should give you a laugh. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Allie unpacked a few things and made her way downstairs. Lunch would be more like an early dinner and even though Will had made her bacon and eggs for breakfast, that had been more than five hours ago. She wandered into the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge. She found some leftovers and put a small plate together. Eddie joined her moments later and raided the dessert trays, bringing an assortment to the kitchen table. He took a seat across from Allie and downed a few shortbread cookies.
“Your aunt would kill me if she saw me with all these cookies. Apparently, my cholesterol is too high.”
“That is a lot of cookies,” Allie said, observing the overflowing plate.
“Christmas only comes once a year.”
“I met Billy,” Allie said between bites.
“Isn’t he fun?” Eddie said sarcastically. “Did you like your painting? I loved mine. It’s currently residing in a closet before I find the perfect dumpster for it.”
“I hear you’re setting him up with a gallery show,” she said, holding back laughter.
Eddie rolled her eyes. “I say whatever your dear mother wants to hear.” He popped another cookie into his mouth. “Cavallo still in the picture?”
Allie’s cheeks warmed. Discussing her love life with her uncle wasn’t exactly on her list of things to do. “He is.”
“He got you that necklace?”
Allie forgot she was still wearing it. Nothing got past Eddie. “Yes.”
“If he were anyone else, I’d be against it, but he’s a good kid. And even though he’s still one of the good ones, I know how a lot of these guys operate. Keep your eyes open at all times.”
“I will.”
“Your aunt has a huge dinner planned,” he said, swiftly changing the subject. “Don’t eat too much. The whole affair is catered and half the GTA is invited.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I wanted to let you know that Tyler promoted me.”
“I’m happy to hear it.”
“I think he was happy with the changes you’re making.”
“I added some money to the kitty and I can only hope he uses it wisely.”
“Things are looking up.”
Eddie smiled. “I certainly hope so.”
“I WISH YOU’D COME TO the party last night. It was beyond boring,” Allie said, nursing a whiskey sour at Benny and Bertha’s. Allie and Cate had been frequenting the place since their days at St. Anne’s Academy. They’d met their first year there and bonded instantly. St. Anne’s girls still hung out there with the boys from St. Paul’s, but securing alcoholic drinks had become much harder and the owners were not overly tolerant of teenagers hanging around, especially in the evening.
“I would have loved to. Instead I endured the humiliation of an inquisition of why I’d been dumped, like it’s my fault he strayed. And they wonder why I don’t want to come back here? To them Andy was a saint. The guy cheated on me. For months!”
“I’m sorry, Cate.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’ve going to a cool new job where I’ll be surrounded by hot men. Who could ask for anything more?”
“I know you’ll love it. And it will be like old times. Us living together.”
Cate snagged a passing server and ordered another round of drinks. “I won’t be a third wheel, will I?”
“Not at all. You’re my best friend, so you’re never a third wheel.”
“I’ll look for a place right away. I don’t want to drive you crazy.”
“What did Andy do to you? Did he make you think you’re a burden? I don’t want you going anywhere.”
“I don’t know. I’m all mixed up.”
“I want the old Cate back. The tough one who doesn’t take shit.”
“She’ll be back. I guess the last week with my family has put me over the edge.”
“You’re coming to St. Paul Friday? Will said he’d put together a dinner for us. He can’t wait to meet you.”
“I can’t wait to meet him. Allie, your face lights up when you talk about him. When you were with Blake, you didn’t smile much.”
“He didn’t give me much to smile about. Will is so different. He respects me, doesn’t judge me. I know it’s too soon and so much can go wrong, but I’m happy.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“He kind of asked me to move in with him.”
Cate’s eyes opened wide. “That was fast.”
“I told him I’d think about it.”
“He sounds like a good guy. And that’s the necklace he got you?” Cate said, admiring it.
“Isn’t it beautiful? I’m afraid of losing it.”
“Looks like it set him back a couple of grand. The guy must like you a lot.”
“The last thing I expected when I joined the Falcons was dating one.”
“Maybe I can date one too. Nothing serious though. Just a fling.”
“From the sounds of it, the guys do like their flings.”
“Let’s drink to the Falcons,” Cate said, holding up her glass.
“And despite the mess that they are, you’re going to love it.”
CHAPTER 25
Will called his dad. He felt bad not calling sooner. He’d left a message at the house when he knew everyone would be at midnight mass. His dad called back when all the guys were over and feasting on dinner. He could have answered but didn’t. And now, the day after Christmas, he’d finally called and his dad answered right away.
“Sorry, Dad. I had the guys over and they stayed late last night. You got my message, right?”
“Yes. I was hoping you’d change your mind and come home for the holidays.”
“I had a lot going on here.”
A long silence followed. Sal cleared his throat. “I know your brother is the reason you didn’t come home, but he’s getting help.”
“Dad, I’ve heard this all before.”
“We dropped him off this morning. It’s a ninety-day program at a beautiful facility. We told him this was his last shot. He couldn’t come home if he left early.”
Will softened a little. “I’m happy to hear that,” he said, knowing that his parents wouldn’t stick to that threat. They never had before. And he also didn’t expect Jason to stick out the ninety days.
“I found out where he pawned your items, but by the time I got there, they were gone. Will, he and I had a good talk and he’s ready to be a man again. To be a good father.”
How did Will tell his dad it was all wishful thinking? How many times had Jason gone to rehab? Five? Six? They all ended the same, with him l
eaving after a few weeks, going on a bender and his dad making excuses why that rehab center wasn’t good enough.
“I hope that all happens.”
“He’s going to replace your things.”
“He doesn’t have to.”
“He will.”
“Is Mom around? I’d like to wish her a Merry Christmas.” He hated cutting off his dad, but the thought of talking about Jason made him want to throw up. At least his mom was a realist.
“Yes, yes. I’ll get her.”
Will waited, thinking about how much Jason got for his Rolex. When he signed his first big league contract, he bought that watch and now it was gone.
“Hello, sweetie. Merry Christmas.”
“Hi, Mom. Merry Christmas to you too.”
“I hope you kept busy. I hate the thought of you being alone.”
“I wasn’t alone. I had a friend over on Christmas Eve and the guys over Christmas Day.”
“A friend? What’s her name?”
“How do you know it’s a woman?”
“I know. It’s intuition.”
Ruth Cavallo may not have been his birth mother, but she had a knack for knowing what he was up to before he was up to it. “She’s someone I met.”
“What’s her name?”
“Allie.”
“How did you meet her?”
“No, we aren’t doing this. Before I know it, you’ll have me married off.”
“Married off? No, but I want you to be happy.”
“I’m happy so far.”
“That’s what I want to hear. But just so you know, I love planning weddings.”
“Mom!”
Ruth laughed. “Keep me updated on your progress with this young lady. I’m assuming we’ll meet her soon. She’s nothing like Jennifer, right?”
“She’s the opposite of Jen, and I’ve only been dating her a few weeks, so let’s not get too excited.”
“I’d like to tell your father,” she said, lowering her voice. “It’ll make it easier to accept that you didn’t come home this year. If he thinks it’s for a girl, he won’t feel so bad.”
“Mom, I haven’t been home for Christmas in three years. Why would this year be any different?”
“Your father knows you had a five-day break. You could have visited.”
Will took a moment to think. His mom had him on that one. “Okay, go ahead and tell him. Don’t get his hopes up, though. One of you planning a wedding is bad enough.”
“Thank you. It will help. We’re coming to the game in Minneapolis. Don’t forget to get us tickets. And we want to spend some time with you.”
“I’ll get the tickets. And we’ll spend the whole day together.”
He ended the call and thought about Allie. He missed her like hell. He thought about her constantly, where she was, what she was doing. He’d already texted her a million times since she’d left. Never in his life had he felt so attached to a woman. He was accustomed to them causing him grief, but Allie was different. Refreshing.
His ringing phone interrupted his thoughts.
“Merry belated Christmas,” Graham said. “I meant to call, but the wife has been dragging me to every family dinner imaginable. How have you been?”
“Good. And you?”
Will felt a little guilty that he hadn’t told Graham about Allie. What was the point? Another Graham lecture?
“My pants don’t fit and I’ve lost more hair, but what can you do? How did the whole thing with Stewart’s niece pan out? I hope you took my advice.”
Will cleared his throat. “About that . . .”
“Will, are you fucking crazy?” he screamed.
“I like her and I couldn’t walk away. Her uncle knows about it and he hasn’t killed me yet.”
“Eddie knows about it? You are killing me! Who else knows?”
“No one else. We’re being discreet.”
“I think you’re a smart guy, but this is a bad move. The second this relationship goes down in flames, she’ll turn on you.”
“She’s not like that.”
“Will, are you on some prescription meds I don’t know about? Because you’re sounding delusional.”
“I know what I’m doing. And to prove it to you, I’m going to introduce her to you next time you’re in St. Paul.”
“About St. Paul, I got another call. This time from Nashville. Suddenly you’re a hot commodity. They want you and they’re prepared to give up a prospect and a draft pick to get you, but you didn’t hear that from me.”
Will nearly dropped the phone. “What? What’s going on?”
“You’re a top defenseman and a ton of teams could use you. Nashville has some key injuries and they need a solid blueliner. I know the Falcons have been talking to them. They won’t pull the trigger right away, but they will the first week of January.”
“Shit. How do we stop them?”
“I suppose your girlfriend can stop them. Unless it’s Eddie who’s facilitating the trade. Have you considered that? Maybe he’s not as happy as you think with the idea of you banging his niece, so he’s working behind the scenes.”
“No, Eddie isn’t behind it,” Will said without a doubt.
“You know that for a fact?”
“I’m ninety-nine percent sure. You’re positive they won’t do it in the next few days?”
“Not a chance. Too many people are still in holiday mode. If I hear anything else, I’ll call you. I assume you’ll try to put the kibosh on this.”
“I’m going to do what I can. I know it doesn’t mean much, but let Nashville know I’m not interested. I know they don’t care what I think, but it may help.”
“I will. Good luck with Stewart, whichever one you ask for help. I’ll keep you posted.”
Did he call Allie and tell her? He regretted opting out of the no-trade clause. There was no point in it then. The Falcons were the worst team in the league, he could only go up from there. But that was before. He’d tell her in a few days, once her friend Cate was settled in. They had time, just not much of it.
CHAPTER 26
Allie couldn’t stop beaming when she introduced Cate to her new boyfriend. They shook hands and Cate looked around Will’s loft and whistled.
“This place is fabulous. I love what you’ve done with it.”
“Will decorated it himself,” Allie said proudly.
“It’s amazing.”
“There’s a place for sale on the second floor,” Will added.
Cate laughed. “I don’t think I can afford it on my Falcons salary.”
“Ladies, while you admire my artistic abilities, I’m going to check on dinner. Can I get you guys anything?”
“We’re fine,” Allie said.
The moment he was gone Cate grinned like she’d just swallowed the canary. “Holy shit,” she whispered. “I’m admiring more than his artistic abilities. He’s so hot. And his ass! I am dying right now.”
“He’s a great guy inside too.”
“I can tell. He’s nothing like Andy. Or Blake.”
“I thought we weren’t talking about Andy. He’s a loser, remember? So is Blake.”
“Right. Let’s talk about Will’s ass.”
Allie was about to protest when Will returned with two glasses of red wine. He handed a glass to both ladies.
“Not only do you decorate, I hear you cook as well. What will we be eating tonight?” Cate asked.
“I hope everyone likes eggplant, because I made eggplant parmigiana. I loaded it with extra cheese in case you don’t like eggplant. It will mask it.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“I made some spaghetti as well. I had to buy it, but the sauce is homemade.”
Cate tilted her head and looked up at Will. At five foot three and barely a hundred and ten pounds, she was half his size, but Cate had a way of making her presence known. “Let me get this straight. You make your own pasta?”
“When I have time.”
“A
nd you make pasta and sauce and eggplant parmigiana? You also play professional hockey and decorate your own home. There has to be something wrong with you. What is it?”
She was only half-joking.
“Apparently, I show up late to things,” Will said with a lopsided smile.
“No, something far worse. Are you a serial killer? Do you have multiple personalities?”
“Cate! Don’t humor her, Will. She’s being silly.”
“Look, most guys I know can’t do a damn thing other than be a jerk. You’re an anomaly.”
Allie gave her friend a stern look. “Apparently someone got into the wine back at my place.”
Cate nodded. “I may have had a few earlier. I’m happy and a little angry,” she said, scratching her head in confusion over her own statement. “Will, did Allie tell you I was dumped?”
“No, she didn’t.”
Cate launched into her story. She even followed Will into the kitchen when he checked up on the food. She continued to recount the events, wine glass dipping and weaving but not spilling. Will nodded and listened, no doubt pretending to care. Allie rushed to set the table because a drunken Cate was not a pretty sight. Once she had a little food in her, crazy Cate would be replaced by respectable lawyer Cate.
“And you have an amazing, rock-hard ass. You know that, right? I can only imagine what the rest of you looks like.”
Allie’s jaw dropped. Cate was cut off. She grabbed a dinner roll and stuffed it in Cate’s mouth.
“Excuse my friend,” Allie said. “She doesn’t know how to hold her liquor.”
Will laughed. “I think she’s great, aren’t you, Cate? And I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
“Do not encourage her,” Allie said, pointing a finger at Will.
He laughed some more and finished up their salad.
Halfway through dinner Cate’s glazed blue eyes began to clear. Allie could see recognition wash over her as she digested all she’d said so far. She massaged her temples and groaned. “I may have said some inappropriate things tonight. I’m not normally like this. I don’t want you to think I’m a flake.”