Bitter Sweet Heart (Lies, Hearts & Truths #2)(104)
I turn and walk out of the room, hoping I haven’t done more damage than good.
Thirty-Six
Rough Road Ahead
Maverick
I lose track of Clover sometime after the convocation, but it’s not as though I’m going to make idle chitchat with her in front of her colleagues and my peers.
Since Lavender and Kody are leaving for New York this afternoon, we’re under a bit of a time constraint, but his parents and my parents have still managed to put together a combined graduation and going-away party. They rented out an entire restaurant and invited all their hockey friends and our cousins and friends.
Of course, my dad and his buddies are all about discussing the coming contract talks, and this year’s draft class and how they think things are going to go. Our school team ended up in first place overall, which is great, but my stats this year are slightly lower than they were last year. Kody, on the other hand, has had his best year yet.
My dad keeps reassuring me, telling me it wasn’t until he was on the farm team that he really found his groove. I nod and agree, even though I’m worried I’ve already peaked. That the only reason I was drafted in the first place is because of my last name. And there are loads of players who make the pros, but never get a chance to play, and I don’t know how I’ll feel if I’m one of those.
At three, Kody and Lavender have to leave to catch their flight. There’s a flurry of hugs and goodbyes, and because Mom is always emotional when it comes to Lavender, she starts crying.
Kody pulls me in for a hug, which isn’t something he would usually do, so it takes me off guard. “Thanks for everything this year.”
“You know I always have your back.”
He steps back and nods, blowing out a breath. “I’ll see you in a few weeks. We’ll get some bro time when I’m back in Chicago in a few weeks, okay?”
He’s coming back the weekend of the draft because it’s what we always do. “For sure. Take care of my sister, okay?”
He gives me a wry smile. “Eh, it’s more her taking care of me than the other way around these days, but I promise I’ll keep her safe.”
“I know you will. You always have, even when it was hard on you.”
Lavender squeezes her way between us and wraps her arms around me. She’s wearing a dress she most definitely made and is the same color as her name. She’s so short, her face is in my armpit. “I’m gonna miss you, even though you were basically a ghost this semester.” She lets me go and tips her head up so she can meet my eyes. I think she’s a little drunk. I’m guessing she had Kody sneak her champagne on the sly, or my mom gave it to her. Either option is possible. “I hope whoever she is, I get to meet her one day.”
I roll my eyes. “How are you fishing when you’re about to get on a plane?”
“That was not a no, which is as good as a yes.” She pats my cheek. “I love you. Thank you—for everything. I know it hasn’t always been easy to be my brother.”
“Don’t.” I shake my head. “Do not get emotional on me.” I pull her in for another hug and bend down until I’m close enough to her ear that I can whisper. “I’m always on your side, Lavender. Always. You taught me what strength is. I’m so fucking proud of you.”
I don’t know why I’m suddenly all choked up, but I’m grateful when my mom pushes her way between us again and basically sobs all over Lavender. My dad gives Kody one last be-responsible lecture, which is pointless since they’re driving them to the airport, along with Kody’s parents, and they’ll have at least forty minutes for be-safe lectures on the way.
Mom threads her arm through mine on the way out to our cars. “When are you coming to Lake Geneva for a visit?”
I guide us around a sewer grate, because my mom could trip over a toothpick. “I’m basically full-time at the gym now until training camp starts. I can check the schedule and see about an overnight, but I’m not coming up to visit if all you’re gonna do is lecture me on my life choices.” Nashville is out of the playoffs, which buys me some time, and it’s the same for Kody.
She makes a face. “I’m worried about you.”
“I graduated with a degree. I’m on track with hockey. What are you worried about?”
She stops walking, which forces me to stop as well. She glances around, checking to see if anyone is listening, but they’re all busy hugging and chatting. “You’re still seeing that woman.” It’s a statement.
“Why does it matter?”
She pokes at her cheek with her tongue. “I don’t want you to make life-altering decisions influenced by someone you’ve never formally introduced to us.”
“Is that you asking to meet her?”
“Has she managed to get the divorce papers signed yet? What about the husband? Have you seen him around?”
A week and a half ago, I started to suspect that he may have switched cars from the black BMW to a blue Kia. I can’t prove that it’s him because the windows are tinted and always rolled up, but I’ve taken down the license plate and I’ve seen it a few times. Unfortunately, there are two other blue Kias in the neighborhood, also with tinted windows, belonging to students. Now I see blue Kias everywhere, and I’m forever checking the license plates. So is Clover. But I’m not telling Mom that.