“You’re a good man, Ian.”

  “Thanks, Prestyn. You aren’t too bad yourself.”

  He gets busy serving more food and I turn on my walkie-talkie.

  “Okay guys, it’s almost go-time. Everyone have their assignments?”

  Several voices respond, confirming everything is in place and we’re all ready to go. Being a celebrity “handler” isn’t a hard job. It’s mostly making sure our guests are where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there, and get to take bathroom and water breaks. Mostly.

  “Justine, you good with Maksim?”

  If I’m not mistaken, I hear some chuckles from around the room.

  “Yeah, I’m—” Her voice cuts out temporarily. “Dammit, he already took off on me.”

  “I’ve got eyes on him heading toward the back, hot on catering’s heel,” someone interjects

  I swivel my head and sure enough, our problem child is trying to sweet talk one of our servers. Justine is right behind him though. I almost laugh when she stops him and he tries giving her puppy dog eyes. Even if she did bat for his team, I doubt they’d work on her. Justine grew up with brothers like I did. No amount of flirting works on her if she doesn’t want it to.

  Satisfied that everything is ready to roll, I glance around the room and my eyes finally land on the one person I was hoping to see today.

  Nick.

  He looks as sexy as ever in a navy blue t-shirt and jeans. It’s not a formal three-piece suit like last time, but the cut of his shirt does nothing to hide the flex of his biceps every time he turns the page of his book.

  I bet he’s reading poetry. Maybe something he could recite to me the next time we’re naked together. Or maybe I’m getting ahead of myself.

  Still, it doesn’t hurt to go say hello, right?

  My feet move quickly until I’m standing right in front of him.

  “Well, hey there stranger.”

  Nick looks up at me, slightly startled at the interruption. He was probably so engrossed in the book, he didn’t realize anyone had approached.

  His face suddenly hardens. “Hello.”

  I pull the chair next to him out and sit. “I hear you went on a road trip last week. How’d it go?”

  He narrows his eyes at me. “We won four of the games.”

  “Oh that’s great.”

  He’s silent, which isn’t completely strange considering what I know about him, but I’m getting a strange vibe. Does he think I’ve been following him online or something? Turned into a puck bunny or whatever hockey groupies are called?

  “I honestly didn’t know you left. My friend, Bayleigh, just told me since she saw that you were here.” My eyes widen. “Not that she was looking for you either. Just, she was working the night of the gala and knew you were my date.”

  For some reason, I can’t seem to stop babbling. I know I should. I should just close my mouth and walk away, but my brain isn’t following instructions very well.

  “So that’s why I know you were out of town. Not because I have alerts on my phone or anything.” Oh God. “Because I don’t! I just… I guess I was hoping to hear from you but it makes sense as to why I didn’t.”

  Why? Why is this floor not opening up and swallowing me whole instead of leaving me here to make a fool out of myself?

  “Are you done?” Nick finally asks. His tone is sharper than I think my rant is worth, but maybe he doesn’t believe me and is afraid I’m now a super fan.

  I admit I’m a super fan of his tongue, but not his hockey career.

  “Sorry. Yeah. I’m done. I didn’t realize you were going to be here until about three minutes ago so I’m feeling a little frazzled.”

  Nick quietly snaps his book closed and lays it on the table. “I was going to call you.”

  My heart rate speeds up. I was hoping he would say that. Not because I was hoping to see him, necessarily, but because I have more itches to scratch.

  Oh who am I kidding. I would love to see him again, even without that itch.

  “You were?”

  “Was. But that was before I talked to my sister.”

  “Delaney? What about her?”

  Nick leans back, looking cool and collected. And harsh. I wonder if this is his mean hockey face.

  “Delaney filed for divorce from her husband. I hear you know him. Gary?”

  My heart sinks and my blood runs cold. Now I understand the cool reception I’m getting from him.

  “Delaney finally told you how we met.”

  He nods slowly. “She did. And then we had words about why she would set me up with the woman that destroyed her marriage.”

  I rear back like I’ve been slapped. “Destroyed her marriage? I didn’t even know they were married until Delaney called me.”

  Nick blows an irritated puff of breath from between pursed lips. “Do you know how many times I’ve heard that before?”

  “I don’t know. How many times has Gary cheated on Delaney? Because from what I understand, this isn’t the first time.”

  “What?”

  The malice in his voice doesn’t frighten me. I get it. Nick is angry his sister would be treated that way. But I didn’t do it. And I’m tired of being held responsible for things that aren’t my fault or responsibility.

  “That’s Delaney’s story to tell, so feel free to ask her. Then you can ask her why she thought “the other woman” was worthy of going on a date with her twin brother. You know what she’ll tell you?”

  “Do I want to know?”

  “She’ll tell you I didn’t know. Gary lied to me, tricked me, and then stood me up. I’ve never even met the guy. The only reason I even know I got snowed is because Delaney had the decency to call me and tell me it wasn’t my fault. That an asshole had wormed his way into my life.” My voice hitches with emotion. “She was decent and kind and I’ve carried the guilt around for weeks, even knowing I’m not the one who cheated on her and had I known he was married, I never, ever would have spoken with him on a dating website.”

  Nick’s face softens minutely, but I ignore it, too pissed off to care.

  “Do you know how humiliating it is to think a guy actually likes you, only to have him treat you like you are completely inconsequential? Like your feelings don’t matter at all?” I stand up, ready to leave this conversation and Nick behind. “Of course you don’t. But you sure do know what it’s like to treat women like Gary does, don’t you?”

  He grimaces and I know I’ve hit my mark.

  Leaning in, I make sure my voice is low enough that he’s the only one who can hear me. “I know we agreed to no strings so no feelings would get involved. But that doesn’t mean you can blatantly shit over my feelings for fun.”

  I press the button on my walkie-talkie. “Quick change of plans guys. Nick Williams is going to go with Group B. Bayleigh, add him to your list. Miguel Velasquez is going to be with me instead.”

  I hold Nick’s gaze and shake my head in disgust before turning and walking away.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  NICK

  I am a dick.

  A big fat hairy dick.

  A disease riddled, flaccid, useless disgusting dick.

  I am Maksim Ivanov’s dick.

  Taking a drink of my water as I lean against the wall away from prying eyes, I glance over at said teammate who signs a fan’s boobs with a black Sharpie. As soon as he caps it, he leans down and bites her nipple gently through the fabric of her shirt. The fan squeals with delight. I grimace.

  Maybe I’m not as bad as Maks’ dick. But I’m still a terrible person.

  All day, while I’ve tried to concentrate on the people in front of me, signing my name on pucks and sticks and headshots, smiling for pictures, I’ve been mulling over the conversation Prestyn and I had. How I was cold and judgmental toward her, and how she finally snapped back.

  Comparing me to Gary was a low blow. But was she wrong?

  I have a bad feeling there is more to this story than I’m privy to. It may be time to find out.

  Grabbing my phone, I check the time. I’ve still got a few minutes until I have to be back in my chair. It’s just enough time to get the information I want.

  I dial, but it only takes one ring for her to answer.

  “Hey there, little brother. How’s it going?”

  “You’re older than me by two minutes, Delaney. And I’ve got a hundred pounds on you. Maybe you can stop referring to me as the little one.”

  She laughs and I’m glad to hear her sounding better than she did the other day. I’m sure she’s still sad about the demise of her marriage, but it’s good to know she’s not devastated or hiding under the covers and ignoring the outside world because of it.

  “I will never stop reminding you that I’m older.”

  “Not even when we turn forty?”

  I’m met with silence. That’s what I thought.

  “We’ll see,” she finally says. “I’ve got time to figure that out. What’s going on, anyway? I thought you were at some meet-and-greet today.”

  “How did you know about that?”

  “I have alerts on my phone so I can keep tabs on you. It’s really convenient to have a famous brother sometimes. Makes it easier to keep up with your life when the paps do it for me.”

  “First of all, there are no paps. Second, you could just text and ask where I’m at.”

  “What’s the fun in that? I like my way better. But I’m guessing that’s not why you called, is it? This has something to do with the event you’re at.”

  I don’t know how she instinctively knows these things. Well yes, she’s my twin. But her ability to know not just when something is going on with me, but specific details she shouldn’t know, is almost freaky.

  “I’ll cut to the chase since I’m running out of time. Prestyn is here.”

  “I assumed. And why is that a problem?”

  “She tried talking to me.”

  Delaney groans and I can practically hear her dropping her head back in dismay. “You shut her down didn’t you?” she accuses accurately. “How bad was it?”

  I cringe, not wanting to tell her Prestyn’s parting shot, knowing Delaney would probably agree if she knew the whole truth.

  “Let’s just say, I may have burned a bridge.”

  “Why? Why would you light that match? Prestyn is nice, Nicky.”

  “Because I still don’t know what happened between her and Gary, Delaney.” I take a deep breath and pull my anger back in check. I didn’t call to fight with my sister again. I’m trying to figure out what I’m missing. “Look, the only thing you told me is Gary was dating her which is how you met.”

  “Correct. Because you went all alpha male on me and started yelling about how I set you up with a home-wrecker.”

  “Fine. You’re right. I admit that.”

  “I’m sorry, what? You cut out.”

  I should have video called so she could see my eyes narrowing at her. Hopefully she can hear the seething in my tone. “I said, I should have been more calm when you told me what happened.”

  “I accept your apology. Continue.”

  I sigh in frustration but get back on track. I’m running out of time. “Prestyn says she didn’t even know Gary was married until you told her. That she’d never met him. I don’t know what to believe.”

  “You believe her, you idiot, because she’s telling you the truth.”

  That’s what I was afraid of.

  “They never actually got to the cheating part,” my sister continues. “Gary stood her up for their first date, which was a totally shitty thing to do. Can you imagine the anticipation of a first date and the guy you’ve been talking to just doesn’t bother to show? That can be really humiliating.”

  So can having the guy you had a one-night stand with turn around and basically call you a whore. Oh man. Maybe I am Maksim’s dick.

  “I read through all their messages, Nicky. Every single one. Prestyn had absolutely no idea he was married. None. When I called to let her know the truth, because some of us women really do try to stick together, she couldn’t stop apologizing. She was devastated. She even offered to testify for me in my divorce hearing if need be.” Delaney laughs lightly, and I’m starting to realize there’s a lot about her marriage I didn’t know. “Don’t hold this against her. You met her. You spent the entire gala laughing with her and enjoying her company. She’s genuine. I think you know that. I think you’re projecting what happened with Dad on her and this is not the same. She is just as much a victim in this as I am.”

  A deep, massive feeling of regret over the way I’ve acted comes over me. I’m not that person. I don’t get irrationally angry unless it’s about someone I love. My sister is at the top of that list. That’s the only excuse I have for my behavior.

  “You said something stupid today, didn’t you?” she asks. “That’s why you’re calling.”

  I laugh humorlessly. She knows me too well. “Yeah.”

  “Think you can make it right?”

  I lean my head back against the wall. “I hope so.”

  “She’ll forgive you. Just tell her the truth about all this. All of it. She’ll understand when she gets the whole context.”

  “Yeah. Speaking of, have you talked to Dad lately?”

  “Nope. He doesn’t need to know about my divorce until its over and I have no more feelings about it. He’s come a long way, but that doesn’t mean I trust him yet.”

  I nod in agreement, even though she can’t see me. It was traumatic enough when our own parents’ marriage fell apart. There’s no reason to bring that narcissistic ass into the middle of all this. He’ll just make it worse.

  “Nick?”

  I glance over my shoulder to see Bayleigh standing off to the side.

  “You’ve got about two minutes.”

  “Thanks,” I say and turn back to my conversation. “Listen, I gotta go. Are you going to be okay?”

  Delaney laughs, and not lightly. She truly sounds amused. “I’m better than okay. I’m sleeping better than I have in years alone in that big ole bed. Kicking Gary out is probably the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I think the better question right now is, will you be okay?”

  “Yeah. I just…” I blow out another breath. “I just need to figure out how to make this right.”

  “Well don’t take too long. You’ll never meet another woman like Prestyn Caine again in your life. Don’t miss out on her because of some old wounds that stupid Gary broke open.”

  “I won’t. Thanks, Lane.”

  “Love you, little brother.”

  “Will you quit with the little brother shit?”

  “Never!”

  She’s still laughing as she hangs up.

  Shoving my phone in my pocket, I turn back to Bayleigh.

  “Everything good?” she asks. “You need water or juice or anything?”

  “You wouldn’t happen to know Prestyn’s favorite kind of flower, would you?”

  Bayleigh gets a knowing look on her face. “I don’t. I’ll try to find out. But between you and me, she’s more of an energy drink kind of girl.”

  “Really?” That’s surprising to me.

  “Really. A bouquet of Alani Nu would go a long way in winning her heart.”

  “Huh. Good to know. Thanks.”

  “Any time. Except now,” she adds. “We need to get you back to your table.”

  Rocking my head back and forth to shake out the tension in my neck, I take a second to pump myself back up.

  Once I feel centered and have a fake smile plastered on my face, I take my place in the hot seat for a few more hours of torture disguised as PR.

  After talking to my sister, I started sneaking glances at Prestyn when I could. What I’ve discovered is that she’s kind to everyone. It isn’t just other patrons at a gala or coworkers. Even the maintenance staff she seems to know by name, and they all have a smile for her.

  But it wasn’t just that. Anyone can fake kindness. Prestyn seems to have a calm about her that draws people in. She can chat easily with the fans, the excited kids who got stuck waiting in line with their parents who are fans, the people who get frustrated from waiting in line for too long. She always has a smile on her face and has a way about her that seems to de-escalate any situation.

  It all makes me feel worse. It should. I deserve to feel remorseful. I just hope my regret comes across when I talk to her.

  Finally, after what seems like hours, the doors are closed and the event is officially over.

  Standing up from my table, I stretch my arms over my head and then out wide, trying to work out the kinks in my back. It’s a good thing I have yoga tomorrow. I’m going to need the extra stretch.

  Bayleigh approaches, mumbling something into the wire of her earbuds, before directing a smile toward me.

  “How are you? You feel good about today?”

  I don’t want to laugh, but that’s kind of a loaded question.

  “Everyone seemed happy and it’s finally over, so I guess that’s a yes.”

  “Good,” she says brightly. “I’m sure you are starving. Ian made some of his green chili enchiladas and all the sides to go with it so you can have dinner before you go.”

  I salivate thinking about it. “That sounds amazing.”

  “Oh trust me, it is.” Bayleigh begins gathering left over pens and markers, quickly organizing them into different baggies. “There is nothing Ian can’t make but this is probably my favorite meal. I’d eat it every day if I could. Can I take you through the back to Ballroom… er… the green room?”

  I snicker at her near mistake. No one was fooled by that green piece of paper hanging outside the room we got to rest in. Having met their dickhead of a boss, I’m sure it was his idea in the first place, so I don’t feel too bad laughing about it.

  “Sure. Lead the way.”

  Bayleigh leads several of us through the back. Not that she needs to. I can smell the enchiladas from here. If they taste like they smell, this Ian guy may need to make more.

  Sure enough, the line to get some food is already a dozen deep by the time we step into the room. I’m disappointed, but not surprised. It’s been a long day for all of us. It doesn’t matter how many little packages of trail mix we scarfed down. Food is a must.