The Langfield Brothers: Box Set

34. Lennox

THIRTY-FOUR

LENNOX

You can do anything you set your mind to. You just need to be pushed and supported. I think there was a time in your life when you believed it. When you would look at something the rest of the world might pass by and find joy. Find beauty in the unexpected. Now you just keep walking. You’re too young to be this jaded. Too young to not believe in yourself. Instead of running away, take a moment to really sit and think. What do you want to do with your life? If you could have everything—if you could do anything—what would it be?

I keep my promise to Ava. The party is a huge success. The guys helped us set up, but then they disappeared to their secret underground bar. I’m making it my mission to score an invite. Sara and Hannah have been there, and they swear it’s nothing to go crazy about, but the secretive nature of it and the exclusivity have me chomping at the bit.

“Look at how happy she is,” Sara squeals beside me.

She’s right. Josie is sitting between Melina and Ava, wearing the brightest smile. Millie came through and got in touch with Melina, who, from what I’ve seen today, is down to earth for a pop star. She showed up equipped with two bodyguards who are hovering on the outskirts of our party, on high alert. Fortunately, she’s incognito, wearing a blond wig over her dark brown hair. She’s even more gorgeous in person.

Millie, who’s bouncing Vivi on her lap, nudges my shoulder. “This is an absolutely gorgeous setup. I can’t wait to see what you do for my wedding.”

My boss is on the other side of the table, talking to Josie’s nurse, Maria. When I told her Melina Rodriguez had agreed to attend, she suggested she come to help out.

She’s probably never worked a child’s birthday party, but I wasn’t going to argue, and when she arrived, she seemed genuinely impressed by the setup. A low, long table has been set up on the grass in the shade of a nearby copse of trees. Sequined pillows in varying shades of pink line it on either side, serving as comfy seating for guests. The place settings are light pink and the cutlery is gold. The cake Aiden and I picked has been cut, and Josie and her crew are digging in, enjoying themselves.

And then there are the three crystal bowls that line the table which are filled with water and pink floating peonies which Aiden dropped off right before the party was set to start. God, just the sight of them sends me into a tizzy. There hasn’t been a day since Aiden moved in that I haven’t received my ‘good night’ flower.

The carousel is to our right. There’s just something whimsical about the colorful horses on the old-fashioned ride set in the middle of a park in Boston. It’s unexpected.

Find beauty in the unexpected…

My grandmother’s words whirl around in my head like patterns in a kaleidoscope until suddenly, they stop and form the most perfect picture. Aiden and me on that carousel. A pink wedding dress beside a striking tuxedo. A bouquet of peonies in my hands. Each of us growing a little older year after year as we return to this spot to celebrate our anniversary.

Little hockey players who look just like him.

Kids. My kids. Our kids.

That image steals all the breath from my lungs. I’ve never thought about children. Not in any serious way.

I’ve always sworn that I wouldn’t have kids, because once again, it’s what’s expected of me.

Marry a man my father approves of, give him a few heirs to choose from…

I shudder at the thought.

Nope. No kids for me. My father’s controlling enough with me. I’d never put that on another person, let alone my own child.

“Len,” Sara says, her voice raised like maybe it’s not the first time she’s called my name.

I pull in a deep breath, relishing the way my lungs burn. “Sorry, yeah?”

“Maria has to get Josie back to the hospital so she can meet her mom. Why don’t we get one more picture in front of the carousel together?”

Ava is standing beside her, doing all she can to put on a brave face. She’s doing a terrible job. Her green eyes glisten, and just as a tear falls, she slides her sunglasses on.

After half a dozen pictures—including a goofy pose, one where we all smile nicely, and then a couple where we’re probably all a bit somber, knowing it’s the final one and that this is our last Sunday with Josie for a while—we say our goodbyes.

Fortunately, my boss approaches and signals that she’d like to have a word, distracting me from the tearful farewells. I give Josie a big hug and remind her that pink is always the answer, then I head back to the table so I can oversee clean-up.

She walks beside me, her heels sinking into the soft ground. Even as they do, she manages to remain completely at ease. I wore flats for that exact reason. Had I worn heels, I surely would have twisted my ankle, taken out the table, and landed squarely on the cake.

“It was a good event. What’s the status on Seven?”

My stomach sinks. Right. Ryder’s band. “Ryder asked to meet again this week to go over it further.”

She furrows her brows. “Is he giving you the runaround?”

I shake my head. The last thing I want is for her to think I can’t handle this. “He was preoccupied when we met last week”—with my breasts, though I don’t tell her that—“Probably because of the record deals they’re considering.”

Her expression smooths out, instantly sending a wave of relief through me. Aiden won’t be happy, but there’s no avoiding meeting with Ryder again. I need him to say yes to this wedding gig.

“Just let me know if you don’t think they’re interested so I have time to come up with a plan B. This bride is”—cringing, she scans the park, then angles in closer—“very demanding.”

“As she should be. We’re the best, right?” I say brightly.

With a nod, Serena turns and heads off toward the street, apparently heading out. I, on the other hand, stare at the mess of a table like the answer to my problem is hidden somewhere in the cut-up cake.

“Were you talking about Ryder Sinclair?”

I jump, surprised by the proximity of the voice. Spinning, I slap a hand to my chest and come face to face with Melina. “Sorry,” I breathe. “You scared me.”

She doesn’t smile. Nor does she apologize. “Were you?”

“Um, yeah.” I swallow past the lump suddenly lodged in my throat. “My boss wants Seven to perform at a wedding, and if not them, then another big talent. I think he’s jerking me around, though. He probably doesn’t want to do the wedding, but rather than say that, he keeps stringing me along, inviting me out for drinks and dinner to “discuss,” then conveniently veering the conversation off topic. My boyfriend isn’t happy,” I add, grimacing, because it’s true, and also, I should mention Aiden, right? For the sake of our fake relationship?

Or maybe I just like referring to him as my boyfriend.

Ugh. I have issues.

Without hesitation, Melina pulls out her phone. “When’s the wedding?”

“August eighteenth, why?”

She slides a finger across her phone screen, then taps away. When she finally looks up at me, she’s wearing a soft smile. “I’m free. I’ll do it. Send me details, and I’ll make it happen.”

Disbelief leaves me staring at her, speechless.

“Does she have her heart set on Seven?” Melina asks, tilting her head and frowning.

“What?” I straighten, forcing air into my lungs. “No. I don’t think she’s even heard of them. Her parents mentioned them, but they’re open to other options.”

“Listen, the band performed at my birthday party last year—Lake’s surprise.” She smiles at the mention of her best friend. “And while I’ve never interacted with Ryder outside of that event, I know his type, and I’ve heard stories. I’ve dealt with plenty of men like him in the industry. Stringing you along until they get what they want.” She screws up her face in disgust. “I’ll do the event. You can do dinner with Ryder if you want. Or skip it. But at least you won’t owe him anything.”

It takes more effort than it should not to pump my fist in the air and scream girl power, but I manage. Though there’s no stopping me when I grab Mel by the shoulders and pull her in for a big hug.

Her bodyguards immediately shift closer, though they settle when they see she’s hugging me back.

“Thank you so freaking much.”

Mel shrugs like it’s no big deal, and I decide in that moment that I’m going to buy every single one of her albums for all my friends and the entire hockey team.