Wild Tendy (IceCats 2)

Gotta get through this rehearsal first.

Chandler’s place is packed with cars, from vendors to family. That need to run is deep in my gut, and I consider hightailing it out of this bitch, but I promised Chandler I would be here. I won’t let him down, not when he has always been there for me. So I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly as if I’m in net. When I feel like I can do this, I head up the stairs, open the door, and walk in. I see everyone on the back porch, but then Amelia comes out of a bedroom with Carter in her arms. “Hey, you’re late.”

I shrug. “Sorry. I got caught up at therapy. Apparently I’m growing up.”

She nods with an impressed look on her face. “Who would have thought it?”

“My thoughts exactly. Give me my man.”

“So, what makes you believe you’re growing up?”

I grin at Carter as I smush his cheeks. “I am picking up on social cues and trying to think before I act.”

“Like impulse control? Something you’ve never had.”

“Right? I’m getting there. Watch out, World. I might be an adult soon.” She laughs as I cuddle Carter in my arms before leaning over to kiss Amelia on her cheek. “You look stunning.”

Her face warms with color as she runs her hands down the flowy white dress she’s wearing. It’s a weird material, like a tent material, really, and it floats around her, showing the outline of her body as she moves. Her hair is braided, and her makeup is done how she used to wear it all the time until the kids came. “Thanks, Nico. I’m proud of you.”

I grin at her. “You are? Do you like me yet?”

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Where’s Aviva?”

“Running late. She’s coming.”

She nods. “Well, come on. I think everyone is waiting for us.”

I kiss Carter’s head. “Duh. We’re the party.”

She laughs as I follow her through the kitchen to the porch. Soon, I’m greeted by Chandler’s mom and dad, and I try to ignore all of Amelia’s family members who are here. Chandler’s mom distracts me, gushing over me, while his dad talks about my game play. There are so many people in such a small space. Apparently Amelia’s whole damn family is here, and that alone is like sixty people. I swear they’re like a pack, all ready to tear you to pieces if you dishonor one of them… I need to stop watching Game of Thrones. Thankfully I don’t see Shelli yet, and I’m hoping maybe she skipped. I really don’t want to play nice with that fuc— I mean Brooks. Aiden Brooks. Nope, can’t do it. He’s a fuckbag. Nothing to do with Shelli; he’s just a dick.

Chandler comes over, patting me on the back, and I give him a cheesy grin. “You’re doing great,” he whispers, and I stare into his eyes, cheesy grin still not moving.

“I want to die.”

He laughs. “I know. I’m sorry. Come on, let’s go down on the beach.”

I follow him down the stairs and onto the beach. I don’t notice Chandler’s dad is following until I see the legendary Shea Adler. I almost trip over myself, but I thankfully make it to the sand before turning around.

“Hey, Mr. Adler.”

Shea looks at me like I’m junk. I don’t think he cares for me. I know he knows I banged his daughter, and I think I might have called him an old man when I met him for the first time. What? I was nervous, and in my defense, I was freaking out, drunk, and trying to get Shelli back. Basically an emotional basket case. “Merryweather. Good game last night.”

“Fucking right. Won’t let you guys beat us anymore.” Why do I sound like an idiot when I talk to this guy?

“Remember who has the Cup.”

I guess those Nashville Assassins colors run deep, ’cause he narrows his eyes.

Chandler chuckles nervously as I gawk at him while Shea walks past us, talking to Chandler’s dad. “That guy hates me.”

Chandler nods. “Me too. It’s okay. Apparently he accepted Aiden into the family, which I don’t understand. I’m way better than that dude.”

I make a face. “Duh. He’s a fuckbag.”

Chandler smirks as he shakes his head. “Be nice. Not really trying to stress out Amelia. She’s actually calm, even though she’s struggling with her dad not being here.”

Amelia’s dad passed a while back, and I imagine it’s hard not having him here to walk her down the aisle. “I’ll be nice, only for her.”

“You’re so kind,” he says dryly. “Where is Aviva?”

“She’s coming,” I say, and I want to laugh at how Aviva is just a part of me. If I’m here, where is she? It’s nice, and damn it, I miss her. I’m ready for a week off to spend the whole time with her. I figure she’s gonna put me to work in the shop, and I won’t mind. I’ll be with her.