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“We’re grilling dinner tonight,” Will said, rummaging through his fridge.
“I’m game. Tell me what to do.”
“I’m not sure yet,” he said, setting down steaks, potatoes and an assortment of vegetables on his white and grey granite countertop.
Allie pulled out one of the white bistro chairs and took a seat. She watched from the kitchen island as Will darted around, seasoning steaks and chopping potatoes. He slid the vegetables in her direction.
“Let’s make vegetable kebabs,” he said. “I’ve got skewers soaking somewhere. You cube the veggies.”
“I think I can do that.”
For the last week Allie had enjoyed her vacation at Will’s place in Lake of the Woods. They’d made a brief stop to visit his family in Duluth before setting out to his cottage on the water, his most prized possession and summer home.
“Don’t you get bored here all alone?” Allie asked.
“I’ve always got someone visiting. I have you here for two weeks.”
Allie frowned. “Then I have to go back to St. Paul.”
“But I’ll come see you for a few weeks. Then, before you know it, training camp starts up again.”
Training camp wasn’t for another three months and she’d burned through her holidays. Will promised to make a few extended trips to St. Paul, one that included a two-week hockey camp, but then he’d want to return to his paradise—and how could she blame him?
“You’re okay with my family coming for a couple of days? I know we don’t have a ton of time together, but I don’t see them all that much either,” he said.
“I want to get to know your parents,” she said, taking the skewers from his extended hand. She speared a slice of onion, mushroom, red pepper and zucchini and repeated the pattern until the skewer was full. She sprinkled some salt and other spices and placed them on the plate he’d provided.
“Jason’s coming out too. I’m not sure how I feel about that,” Will said.
“I don’t mind your brother.”
He arched an eyebrow but said nothing. She knew there was a story, but he wasn’t sharing. “There won’t be any booze here while Jason’s around. I figured you wouldn’t care.”
“I totally understand.”
“I already told Jason it would be a dry weekend. He didn’t like that, but I don’t care. Mom mentioned that he’s bringing some girl with him. Don’t bother getting to know her because they don’t stick around for long.”
Allie arranged another skewer and moved to the next. “It’s not my business, but I’m curious. What does your brother do all day?”
“I’m not sure. When he remembers, he goes out to see his kids play hockey and soccer, but much of the day I think he drinks, watches television and sits on his computer reading up on conspiracy theories. Don’t engage him on that kind of stuff,” Will said, throwing Allie a warning glance. “He’s got all sorts of wild theories on mass murders, cover-ups, UFOs, et cetera. It’s bizarre and way out there.”
“Good to know. Why don’t your parents make him get a job? He seems able-bodied.”
“They prefer to coddle him instead. I don’t understand it, but they feel sorry for him, like they caused his collapse. Like they failed him somehow.”
“They take care of him? Financially support him?”
“Pretty much. His ex-wife, Penny, she was smart with their money. She put a ton of it in a living trust that is also controlled by my parents. Thankfully, Penny was smart enough to make sure that she and my parents dole out the money, otherwise, I think Jason would have conned my parents to hand it all over by now.”
“That’s smart of Penny.”
“Marrying her was the only smart thing my brother’s done in a long time.”
“What happens when your parents are gone?”
“He’s on his own. I’ve told them I’m not taking care of Jason. And Penny has her kids to worry about. She doesn’t need to add my brother to the mix again.”
“How does he take care of his kids?”
“He doesn’t. We do,” Will said, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice. “The one good thing is that Graham and Penny set the kids up with trust funds back when Jason was still collecting a huge salary. He doesn’t have access to it, and the good thing is that it will set the kids up for college and maybe some other things.”
Allie rose and gave him a gentle pat on the arm. She could see how much the subject irritated Will. “I see. We should talk about something else, right?”
“That would be nice.”
Allie grabbed a plate and began setting the table. “I talked to Eddie this morning while you were still sleeping. He sent me a million messages last night so I figured I’d better return them.”
“What was the emergency?” Will asked, putting the potatoes in tin foil along with some onions and seasonings.
“He’s shortlisted all the vacancies he created from the end of last season, and he wants me to be there with Tyler during the interviews. I told him I didn’t feel comfortable.”
“Why?”
Allie tried folding the napkins into a fan but they looked more like someone had scrunched them up and stuffed them in a pocket. She discarded those and did some simple folds. “I have one year with the Falcons under my belt. It’s hardly enough time to be on the hiring committee. Especially for a new GM and coaching staff. Eddie’s given Tyler enough money to work with. I think we can finally hire some decent staff. He doesn’t need me tagging along.”
“But it might be interesting to listen in on.”
“I’m also going to look like an idiot sitting there. I’ll leave it to Tyler. He’s more than capable.”
“A coach with a few years’ experience would be nice.”
“Eddie’s also given Tyler some extra money to woo free agents, too,” Allie said, dropping her voice like someone was listening in.
Will wrapped the potatoes snuggly in the tin foil. “A lot of money or just a little?”
Allie fought back the smile trying to form on her lips. “A lot of cash.”
“It’s nice that he’s decided to take the team seriously. The problem is, who will want to play in St. Paul?”
“If you throw the right amount of money someone’s way, they are bound to come around.”
“Might be wishful thinking.”
“Why so cynical all of a sudden?”
Will gave a subtle shrug. “I’m not sure myself, to be honest. I guess I’ve seen how far the team has fallen and I have to ask myself if I’d want to join this team.”
“Fair enough. After the travesty that was last year, I wouldn’t blame anyone. Last place again. But at least we have a first-round draft pick. And that kid, Raleigh, the one we drafted last year, he looks pretty good.”
“He needs another year of junior under his belt. Then if we can get him some decent players, the sky is the limit.”
Allie checked her watch. The Cavallos were expected within the hour. “Do you need me for anything else? I want to get in a shower and change into something nicer.”
“You’re free to go, Miss Stewart.”
She padded down the hall to his bedroom overlooking the lake. She wondered what a place like this cost. Easily a million dollars. Maybe two. His neighbors were celebrities and other sports stars. Eddie once considered a place in Lake of the Woods but chose Muskoka instead. Country living wasn’t for him, and after a year he sold the place at a healthy profit. Allie remembered going out there once or twice as a kid, but her memory of it was spotty at best.
She walked to the window and took in the view. The calm water was interrupted by a passing motorboat. As it faded in the distance, the water lapped up against Will’s dock. She’d spent the day sunning herself and later out on the water on Will’s boat. She’d read and he’d fished. She could spend the summer this way if she didn’t have a job.
She slipped out of her clothes and into the vast tiled shower stall. Three people would have easily fit in it. She had wondered why someone would need such a large shower until Will showed her why. Her body tingled at the memory.
She was rinsing shampoo from her hair when she heard the glass door open.
“Mind if I join you?” Will asked.
“The more the merrier,” she said.
He stepped inside and slid his arms around her waist and grabbed both her butt cheeks, lightly squeezing.
“Why don’t we stay in the bedroom all night?” he said, kissing her lips. “When my family shows up, we won’t answer the door. We’ll leave a note telling them to stay at one of the nearby resorts.”
“That wouldn’t be nice,” she said, running her fingers up and down his toned chest.
“But it would be much more entertaining.”
Before he got too amorous, Allie gave him one last kiss and exited the shower. “We’ve got to get ready. They will be here in an hour.”
She tucked her long chestnut-colored hair in a messy bun, tendrils of hair shaping her face. Although she preferred the natural bronzed glow from all her time in the sun, she put on a little makeup and then pulled on a simple yellow sundress with blue, pink and orange flowers. As she touched up the last of her makeup, Will came up from behind her and put his strong arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“I’m going to come out to St. Paul in July. I’ll stay a few weeks because I don’t think I can stay away until August for the charity golf tournament.”
“But you love it here,” she said, leaning into him.
“But I love spending time with you more.”
Her heart soared. She’d finally found a normal relationship with a man. The only caveat? He played for her uncle’s hockey team and that meant their relationship was forbidden. But as long as they stayed under the radar and away from prying eyes, all would be fine. Or so she hoped. “We’ll have the end of August until April. Don’t give up this place for me.”
“This place isn’t going anywhere.”
She put her hands over his. “You’re a keeper, Cavallo.”
He kissed her cheek and let her go. “I’ll be in the kitchen. I’ve got appetizers to warm up.”
Allie took one last look out at the lake. Two pelicans were floating on the water, minding their own business and taking in the beauty of their surroundings. Allie could get used to life like this.
#
RUTH CAVALLO STARED at Allie for a long time, a smile etched on her face. Allie withered under her gaze. She couldn’t figure out if Will’s stepmom liked her or not. Allie passed the antipasto platter that she’d so thoughtfully prepared. Ruth took a plate, napkin and a selection of olives, Italian meats and a generous helping of hot pickled eggplant.
Allie then thrust the platter in front of Will’s father. He grabbed a plate and napkin, some food, but didn’t make eye contact with Allie. He was too busy discussing the prospects of a garden on one side of Will’s property.
“We can plant tomatoes. It’s not too late. A whole section of them. Beans, too. The other side we can get in some onions and garlic.”
Will took a plate from Allie then scooped up an assortment of food. “And who would look after this garden? I’m in and out of here.”
“I’ll drive up with your mom. It’s not like I have anything better to do.”
“Let’s consider it for next year.”
Allie hit up Jason last. He was sitting on one of the loungers, his attention on his phone. Apparently, his female friend hadn’t made the trip and Jason didn’t seem happy about it. He tapped away and when Allie approached, she startled him. In many ways, he reminded her of her mother. Jumpy from the drugs and alcohol, unable to join or sustain conversations. Darting glances that couldn’t focus on anything for too long. Jason may not have been drunk, but he was high on something. She figured it was prescription pills, but whether they were prescribed, Allie didn’t know.
“Antipasto?” she asked.
“Nah. Not hungry.”
And the loss of appetite. Allie’s mom barely weighed a hundred pounds, and Jason, once robust and in top physical shape, was in serious risk of losing his jeans.
“It’s nice seeing you again,” she said.
“Yeah, you too,” he said, more engrossed in the happenings on his phone.
“Will is happy to have you here.”
He lowered his phone and stared at her with his dead dark brown eyes. “I doubt that.”
Allie doubted it too, but what else could she say? “I think he’s happy to have you all here. You’re his family.”
He rested his phone on one of his knobby knees. “I knew the second I saw you he would chase after you. Guess he caught you.”
Allie couldn’t tell if that was maliciousness in his voice. “We got to know each other before we started dating.”
“I know your situation, and I’m telling you right now that you’re playing with fire. You’ll ruin his life.”
Her mouth opened, but she shut it before he could get any more satisfaction. “I won’t ruin his life.”
Jason grunted. “One way or another, you will.” He got up. “Any beer around here?” he called out, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Not unless you brought it,” Will said without even glancing over. “And I specifically said no booze.”
Jason picked up his phone again and Allie took her cue to move on. She set down the platter and Ruth moved in.
“So, dear, I don’t know much about you other than you’re the owner’s niece.”
Ruth stood a couple of inches shorter than Allie but still managed to intimidate her.
“What would you like to know?” Allie asked.
“Have you ever been married?”
“No.”
“I thought Will mentioned an ex-husband. Or maybe an ex-fiancé?”
Allie hid a smile. Ruth was doing a good job trying to pry information. “That would be a no to both.”
Ruth smiled. “Must have got that all mixed up.”
“Right.”
“No children?” she said, and sipped her iced tea.
“Nope. No dogs or cats either. I lead a boring life.”
Ruth giggled a little. “There is nothing boring about that,” she said, pleased with all Allie’s answers. No skeletons, Allie assumed.
“We’re eating,” Will called out, carrying in a tray of barbecued meat from outside.
They took their seats and the first few minutes were dominated by hockey talk, mostly from Will and his father. Jason spent his time pushing food around his plate but not eating much of it. Just like Allie’s mom. She’d always take more food than she intended to eat, take a few bites then declare that she was full. Eddie would get angry and tell her how much he hated that she wasted so much food, but Molly Stewart would take no heed, and the scene would repeat itself over and over again.
“So, what are you guys going to do when you get found out?” Jason said, half-chewed food flying out of his mouth as he spoke.
Allie recoiled, but tried to recover quickly. He was disgusting and she regretted comparing him to her mother.
“Excuse me?” Will said.
“You heard me. What are you going to do?”
“Who says anyone is going to find out?”
“You can’t keep this quiet forever.”
Will’s dark gaze fell on his brother, but Jason didn’t look at him.
Weasel, Allie thought.
“Yeah, we can keep it quiet. It’s St. Paul. It’s not exactly Hollywood. No one is looking for a scandal. I think we can avoid the paparazzi.”
Jason shrugged. “Whatever.”
Allie could feel the tensions rising at the table. His parents did too, and Sal engaged Will again on the subject of hockey. Allie asked Ruth about her garden and no one else bothered to talk to Jason. As they finished up dinner, Allie did the dishes while Will served dessert. He’d put together a trifle with Allie’s help, if help could be called cutting up fruit. They all enjoyed a cup of coffee before Ruth and Sal called it an early night. Jason went to his room too, leaving Will and Allie alone.
“Want to sit out on the dock and enjoy this evening?” he asked.
“I’m all over it.”
He grasped her hand and they set out down the hill to the dock. Will had set up chairs there and they each took one. Some light dotted the landscape from other cottages, and Allie let out a contented sigh as she listened to the water gently lap up against the dock.
“This is perfection,” she said.
“Yeah, it’s heaven.”
Allie didn’t want to break the serenity of it all, but she couldn’t help herself. “About your brother, he seems so angry.”
Will grunted as he leaned back in his chair and stared up at the sky.
“I didn’t want him here but my parents insisted.”
Allie shifted her chair to face Will better. “What’s going on?”
“Where do I begin? Remember last year? When you met him? He was staying with me, trying to keep out of trouble. Well, trouble found him. We had it out and he stole my Rolex, some cash and a pair of cufflinks.”
“Oh.” Then it dawned on her. “When I gave you cufflinks for Christmas, you seemed a bit weird about it. Is that why?”
“Yeah. For a second I thought you knew, but I remembered that I’d never told you.”
“So he pawned your stuff for drugs?”
“Yup. I was so pissed. I didn’t care about the money and the cufflinks were no big deal, but the watch, that was special.”
“You never got it back?”
“Nope. By the time my dad found where he pawned it, they’d sold it.”
“That’s terrible. I’m sorry, Will.”
He reached out for her hand and she gave it to him. He squeezed it tightly. “It’s no big deal. I’m over it. I just didn’t want him here, but the problem is if they leave him behind, they have no idea what he’s going to do. They need to watch him at all times.”
“It’s like raising a kid all over again.”
“Precisely.”
“We’ll try and enjoy this visit. It will all work out fine.”
“I certainly hope so.”
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The sequel to On the Rebound coming
November 2019.