“Fair. And I actually have plans for next weekend. The hockey team’s playing UMass so we’re road tripping up north to catch the game. We go to most of Booker’s home games, but we try to make it to a couple away games each year too. It’s crazy, though. Last year, Ty, Knox, and I hopped a flight, did some skiing, and caught Book’s game the next night. This year, we’re driving, and we’ll have two women and a baby with us. It’s crazy how much can change in just a year.”
He’s right. Last year at this time, Caleb wasn’t on my radar. He was my summer fling for a few summers running. My crush. The one who got away. And now, he’s…well, he’s important. Which is why I’d love to see him this weekend when I fly home for a dinner my dad invited me to attend. He’s getting an award, and he wants me to be there. I’ll only be in town about eight hours before catching a late flight back. It’s not much time, but if Caleb were going to be in-state, I’d find a way to see him. Or I’d convince him to come along to the awards dinner. But he’ll be where he belongs with the friends who are his family.
That’s probably for the best. Considering the line we just crossed, it’s probably best if we’re not in the same state.
“That sounds like fun. Has Rose been to a hockey game yet?”
“No, this will be her first. I’m making her a little onesie that saysPuck This.”
“Of course, you are,” I laugh.
“I have to. It’s in the handbook for cool uncles.”
A thought occurs to me. “But what about Stefan? Is he road tripping too?”
“Shit.” Caleb mutters. “I didn’t even think about that. Maybe Fallon will come feed him? Or Ollie. No, shit. He’s a fucking hockey player. I’ll figure it out. Damn. What kind of cat-dad am I?”
“A new one, so cut yourself some slack,” I say, yawning.
“I’ll let you get some sleep, Lucy Maeve. Sleep tight.”
The fake middle name thing used to drive me crazy, but now I find it sweet. I disconnect the call with a smile on my lips.
Chapter 20
Lucy
Glancingat myself in the bathroom mirror at the Harrington Hotel, I realize I don’t clean up half bad. After a delayed flight—thanks karma—got me to the airport in Baltimore just in time, I only had a few minutes to change into the cocktail dress I brought along. And thank God for wrinkle-resistant fabric because this poor dress spent five hours rolled up in my backpack, but it doesn’t show.
It’s been a hectic week, and I’m glad I look better than I feel. Work at the foundation has been mounting, and Derek tries to thwart me at every opportunity. My nightly chats with Caleb have become my source of solace, but he hasn’t called for two days. I sent a text yesterday, and he just replied with a GIF. I can’t really be mad, though. He has his own life. We’re nothing to each other, really. Well, no more than step siblings who are trying to stay away from each other and failing miserably. Besides, he’s off in New England with his friends having fun.
I should do the same.
But that’s not really an option.
I apply a layer of gloss over my lips and give my hair one last fluff before heading out to the party. After texting my dad and Kristy that I’d arrived, I ducked into the restroom to freshen up and change.
I find them standing at a high-top table in the main ballroom. Dad’s arm is around Kristy’s waist, and it makes me happy to see him so affectionate. Not that he hasn’t been a loving parent—he has. He’s just not especially demonstrative. Something about Kristy must bring out his lovey-dovey side, and that’s definitely a good thing.
“Hi, Dad, Kristy,” I say, approaching their table.
“Lucy, you made it. How was the flight, other than long as hell?”
“Not too bad, Dad,” I say, giving him a quick hug before turning and doing the same to Kristy.
“Lucy, that dress is gorgeous. Well, anything is gorgeous on you, sweetie, but that color is perfect for you.”
I thank Kristy for the compliment and pay her one of my own. And it’s entirely genuine. She’s a beautiful woman and her black cocktail dress looks fit for a runway.
We chat for a few minutes about airport delays and traffic in general before a voice behind me catches my attention.
“Ma, you look beautiful.”
I turn around to verify it, but my heart knows it’s true. Caleb Whitman is standing two feet away from me, drop dead sexy in a tux. And he doesn’t look surprised to see me at all.
“And, Lucy, stunning as always.” He takes my hand and presses a chaste kiss to my cheek before moving to shake my father’s hand. That brief touch, not erotic at all, has scrambled my insides. Or maybe it’s just the nearness factor. From a thousand miles away and through a phone screen, he’s like a magnet that draws me in. When we’re in the same room? I don’t stand a chance.
Our parents see people they know, and Kristy whisks Dad away to socialize, leaving Caleb and me standing inches apart.
