City of Champions (27 page)

"What are your Christmas plans, Doc?"

The question caught her off guard, but he simply stared at her, waiting for an answer. She said, "I don't have any. Aubrey's leaving, she's decided to go home to Denver."

"And you're just going to stay here by yourself?"

"Usually we would both spend it with Tea and Johnny, but this year she has Griffen. I think they want their privacy."

"Then it's settled, you're staying with me."

"What? You're kidding, right?"

"No, what's so crazy about that? We're busy people. It's going to be hard to find time for each other. As much fun as this was, I do prefer the privacy of my house over fucking you in a room full of other people's coats."

Jenna looked around the room sheepishly.

"But, what about
your
family?" she asked.

"I definitely don't want to screw you with them nearby."

She slapped his chest and laughed a little.

"Stop it. I mean, aren't you going home to Austin to see them?"

"No, they're pretty busy with their own thing, so they told me to stay here. I'm just going to stick around and focus on the last couple games of the season and work on my shoulder. I think it's already showing improvement. Don't you?"

"You've definitely been playing better recently."

"Thank you," he said, leaning forward closely enough that she felt his breaths tickle her ear.

"Okay," Jenna said. "Then maybe we see each other through the New Year? After that…I don't know what will happen."

Jenna heard the crack in her words and prayed he missed it. A wash of panic was rushing through her body at the realization she had no clue what awaited her after the New Year. She felt like her body could be a ticking bomb and it was easier for her to ignore how terrified she was about the future — if even for just that moment.

"Are you okay, Doc? You seem upset."

"What? No," she squeaked out. "I mean, yes, I'm fine, just thinking about the holidays."

"Okay, then," he said with skepticism, invading every word. "Just through the New Year. Why?"

"No particular reason," she said slowly, desperately trying to sound calm. "I just figured we shouldn't push it. You know, let's just see how it goes and take it from there."

"Fine, I guess. But for now, let's try to get you out of here without anyone seeing." He opened the door slowly, scanned the room outside and whispered, "All clear. Come on."

Jenna walked back into the main area of
Viola
trying to look as calm and composed as possible.

Suddenly, she was shocked to hear raised voices — one of them coming from a very upset Tea. Dread sunk into Jenna's stomach as she started to get an idea of why no one had noticed that she and Wyatt had disappeared.

In the middle of the main dining room, Tea and Griffen were in a heated discussion with Carol, the mother of Tea's deceased husband, and his younger brother, Baxter.

"Who are those people?" Wyatt whispered to her.

"The older woman is Carol, the one I told you about. The good-looking blonde guy is Baxter Taylor, Carol's other son. But last I heard he wasn't able to make it to this party. He's been studying in France…"

Tea's voice broke through Jenna's explanation.

"You didn't tell Baxter about me and Griffen? Carol, you can't be serious?"

"Oh, hell. Wyatt, I have to go in there. I'm sorry," Jenna said quickly.

"Okay. I'll be here if you need me…"

Jenna rushed into the room before he could finish his sentence. She found Aubrey on the fringes of the conversation, holding Johnny's hand. She was silent, but her face was red with fury.

"Jenna, there you are," Aubrey blurted at her. "Where'd you run off to anyway? I was looking for you when Baxter burst in here."

"He what? I, um, I called into the hospital to check on one of my patients. Tell me what's going on," she whispered, inwardly cringing at how easily these lies seemed to spill from her lips.

"The FBI wanted to interview Baxter about Jack's death for their preparations for David's trial, so he came home early from Paris. He decided to come straight to this party. He walks in and sees Griffen here, holding Tea's hand and…"

"And he lost it because Carol never told him those two were together?"

"Exactly. He went nuts. Just listen."

Jenna turned her attention back to the scene that had all the partygoers clearly trying to decide between pretending to ignore what was happening or just giving in and completely eavesdropping.

"Carol, please answer me," Tea pleaded, almost in tears. "Why didn't you tell Baxter about me and Griffen? Or at least warn us he didn't know, so
we
could tell him."

"Warn me is right. This is totally messed up," Baxter grunted out, his fists clenched.

Carol placed a hand on Baxter's shoulder, calming him for at least a moment.

"Well, Tea, sweetie, Baxter was in Paris studying. That's so far away," Carol said, with more confidence than Jenna thought the situation warranted.

It was unreal how much this woman was willing to view the world in her own ridiculous prism. Maybe Tea and Griffen could be patient with her, but Jenna was livid.

"Email, phone, carrier pigeon? Christ, Carol!" Griffen burst out in response to Carol’s hemming and hawing.

"Don't talk to her like that," Baxter growled, pushing Griffen's shoulder.

"Bax, you're like a brother to me, too, but I won't hesitate to shut you up if I have to," Griffen responded angrily, his face dangerously close to Baxter's.

"Calm down, you two. I'm sorry Baxter found out this way, but I just couldn't figure out how to tell him. I was worried it would upset him so much. And he was so busy getting admitted to Carnegie Mellon for his business degree, and… Well, I thought there was a chance you guys might break up before he got back."

"Christ, Carol. Why would you think we would break up? Althea and I are engaged!" Griffen said more loudly than anyone expected.

"What the
fu—
" Baxter growled.

"Baxter! Language," Carol exclaimed.

"What the…
heck,
Nicky?"

"He goes by Griffen now," Tea said faintly.

"I don't care."

Jenna understood Baxter's shock. Griffen had been best friends with Carol's son, Jack, growing up, but Griffen's vagabond life after high school meant he'd never met Jack's wife. It was a surprise to everyone when Tea and Griffen's connection was revealed. Either way, the two fell in love so quickly, that even Carol had to accept their relationship.

Unfortunately though, Baxter wasn't present for any of that. All he saw was his dead brother's best friend suddenly in a serious relationship with his widow, without any warning. It was sure to upset even the calmest person. Considering Baxter was a notorious hothead, Jenna was grateful no furniture had been thrown, yet.

Jenna watched with worry as Griffen's jaw clenched and Tea looked completely distressed.

"Don't talk to Althea like that, Bax. She did nothing wrong," Griffen said to him in a rough tone.

"Sorry if I'm not being a gentleman,
Griffen
. Maybe I'm a little off my game, seeing as I'm just finding out you betrayed my brother. I'm kind of thinking I should kick
your
ass."

"Is everything okay?" Wyatt whispered in Jenna's ear, making her jump.

"No, it's
not
okay, Wyatt."

"Fuck right, it's not," Aubrey whispered.

"Auntie Bwey, am I allowed to say that word yet?" Johnny asked, making Jenna and Aubrey's eyes widen. In all the craziness, they'd forgotten he was witnessing all of this mess.

"We need to get Johnny out of here," Jenna said frantically.

"No. I want to stay," Johnny demanded. "Why are Uncle Bax and Gwiff fighting?"

He looked up at Jenna with wide, confused eyes and her heart squeezed in her chest. She loved this little boy like he was her own and always admired his ability to respond to all the changes he'd faced recently. Regardless, him seeing Baxter lose it over Griffen would be a lot for any kid to try to understand.

"It's no big deal, little man. They're just talking loudly," Jenna said lamely. She took Johnny's hand from Aubrey, who immediately headed over to Tea's side.

Jenna started looking around the room frantically for something to distract Johnny.

"How about we check out some of the presents people got you?"

"Here, I'll take him," Wyatt whispered in her ear, as he took Johnny's hand from hers with ease.

"Are you sure?"

"Don't worry. I got this. Your friend needs you."

"Oh, okay," but Jenna had no other words, because she was too lost in the relief of the moment.

It wasn't just nice having someone there for her, it was actually incredible to have this
specific
man stand in front of her and give her peace in a moment that was so disturbing to her.

She couldn't think of a single time in her life when a man had made her life easier. The thought that it was Wyatt McCoy delivering that comfort was downright stunning.

This feeling of happiness I have right now is a tad disconcerting, but not entirely unpleasant,
she thought carefully, trying to pull her feelings into order.

"Besides, Johnny and I are old friends, right, buddy?" Wyatt said smoothly.

"We are!"

Wyatt crouched down to talk to Johnny at his height.

"Have you been practicing the throwing tips I gave you a few weeks ago?"

"I have!" Johnny turned to Jenna. "Auntie Jenna?"

"What?" she stuttered out, completely entranced by Wyatt's kindness to the boy who was so dear to her. "Oh, right, sorry, Johnny. What is it?" Jenna had been staring at Wyatt without even realizing it. He was looking right back at her with an easy smile that rarely graced his face.

"Will everybody be okay if I hang out with Mr. McCoy?" Johnny asked her.

"You are such a good boy, Johnny. We'll be fine." Jenna looked over to Wyatt and quietly said, "Thank you so much. If I don't get over there soon, I'm worried Baxter will get punched."

"Is Griffen like that?"

"Not sure if he is, but Aubrey will cut anybody that makes her friends upset. Tea is beside herself right now — especially after everything Carol put her through since Jack died. I'm worried Aubrey might break Baxter's teeth if he says the wrong thing to Tea right now."

"Then you better head over there. I told you, I've got this."

"Thank you, Wyatt."

"My pleasure." Wyatt leaned toward her like he was going to kiss her cheek, but thought better of it and backed away. Even though she knew secrecy about their physical relationship was the smart idea, it made her feel oddly empty at the lost promise of his touch.

"Bye, Wyatt," she muttered, and rushed to Tea's side, as well. It wasn't a moment too soon, because Aubrey was already yelling at Baxter, her finger wagging in his face.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Aubrey dropped her packed duffel bag and purse beside their apartment door. With a sigh, she turned around to look at Jenna, a frown marring her delicate features.

"What's wrong, Brey? You're going to miss your flight to Denver if you don't get going."

"It just feels weird leaving for Christmas. I mean, we've spent it together every year — you know, with Tea and Johnny, and now…"

"I know. But she's got Griffen this year and it makes sense they want to spend it alone."

"I suppose so. They'll probably have lots of privacy now that Carol will be focused on Baxter."

"That's true. I'm glad everyone was able to wrap up Carol's party without anyone breaking someone's nose…you included, Brey."

"Can you blame me? Baxter's lucky I didn't clock him. I was pissed."

"Me, too, that's for sure."

"And we owe Wyatt one for keeping an eye on Johnny before Tea and Griffen decided to give up and call it a night." Jenna began to study the woven material of her sweater at the mention of Wyatt — anything to avoid eye contact with Brey.

"Yeah, I guess we do," Jenna mumbled.

"Either way, it's all so weird this year — so different all of a sudden."