All the Sauce (IceCats 4)

“Owen, come on. We have our issues.”

“Yes. But together, you two always prevail,” I remind him. “You made me believe at a young age that I needed my other half to face life. I’ve always believed I couldn’t be truly happy until I met the person I would spend my life with.”

“Son, that’s crazy. I didn’t find your mom until later. So, you’re right, we’ve had a great marriage and I love her more than life itself, but I lived my life as a bachelor, and I was happy too. It’s a different kind of happy, but still happy.”

“Yes, but I think we kids are different.”

“How so?”

“We all want what you two have. And all of us grew up a little sooner than others. We were exposed to a lot, with Shelli in New York for her Broadway career, Posey doing Posey things, Evan and me traveling for hockey, and Quinn a genius. We’re different from other people, I believe. We weren’t coddled or babied. We were held to an Adler standard, and in my opinion, we are all pretty damn impressive. Even with Evan’s mental illness.”

Like me, my dad’s protectiveness rings in his voice. “Evan’s mental illness isn’t an even or a note by his name. The great Robin Lehner said, I’m mentally ill, not mentally weak. And if that doesn’t define your brother, I don’t know what does.”

“Exactly, Dad. We’re a different breed. So, no, I won’t go sow my oats. I’m gonna chase my happiness, and that path leads to Angela Paxton.”

At that moment, I see her pull into a spot two in front of me. She gets out of the car in some nice fitted jeans and a flowy green tank. Her hair is up in a no-nonsense bun, and her glasses are blue. I haven’t seen her in anything but scrubs, sweats, or that dress, so it’s easy to say I’m speechless.

Damn, she looks good.

My dad clears his throat. “I don’t know when you grew up, but I don’t like it.”

I grin as I shut off the car. “Sorry. You told me I had to.”

“I did,” he says as I throw the door open and get out. “I’m proud, Owen. Really.”

I smile widely, feeling all important and shit. My parents love hard, always have been that way. One would think I would be sick of being told I’m loved and that they’re proud of me, but each time is like the first. They’re special people, and I want a love like theirs.

That love, in my opinion, leads to Angie Paxton.

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, shutting my door. “But Angie just got here, so can I let you go?”

“Yeah. I love you, son.”

“I love you,” I promise, and we say goodbye just as I reach Angie, grinning from ear to ear at her.

Her lips curve up in a grin as she eyes me. “What?”

“You’re gorgeous.”

She scoffs. “You’re like the ninth person to say that today.” Her eyes dance with mine. “I guess, when you dress in real clothes, people notice.”

“As long as none of those people were men, we’re good to go,” I say, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and kissing her cheek. “I’m glad I convinced you to go shopping.”

She beams up at me. “Me too. I feel good, even though my life is a complete mess.”

I kiss her nose. “Well, good thing I’m here to distract you.”

She holds me close. “You got that right. You’re the only stable thing in my life.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, and I realize I say it more as a promise than a statement.

A promise I have no problem making at every turn.

As long as it’s only for her.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Angie

* * *

“Use the card as much as you need, honey. You don’t need to check in with us.”

I lean my cheek into my phone as I type in the last notes from my check-in with a new patient. I was surprised when I opened the door to Nico Merryweather, the IceCats star goalie. Even more surprised when I learned his diagnosis. Autism. It’s incredible and inspiring to so many, if only he’d tell them. My mind is blown, and I almost told him he could help so many, but I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to scare him away. Not only did I have to sign an additional NDA, but Dr. Tembalt did too. We hadn’t had to do that with a player yet, so it was interesting, to say the least.

But my goal is to get Nico to come out to the world and help people.

First, though, I need to help myself.

“I know, but I feel bad using your money. Especially since I feel like I need to at least cook and clean at Owen’s since I’m staying there for now. He doesn’t have a lick of cleaning supplies, nor anything to cook. They eat out all the time.”