10. Gavin

TEN

GAVIN

PRESENT DAY

Beside me, Henry—because after this much time together, we’re on a first-name basis with one another—leans forward. “Then what happened?”

I shrug. “Nothing. We didn’t speak for a year.” I pause. “Well, that’s not exactly true. She texted me a month after the wedding.”

“What did she say?”

I chuckle. “Hi.”

“Hi?” His voice is dubious.

I glance at him. “That was exactly how I felt. I’d been going out of my mind for this girl, and she sends me the shortest, most casual text.”

Then again, I didn’t have the balls to text her, period.

I pull out the phone and show him the text exchange.

Me: Hey, how is Paris?

Peaches: So good. Your sister is amazing. A little scary when she gets in the zone, but most of the time, she’s great.

I can’t help but grin at my phone. That tracks. Sienna has always been intense. She’s the youngest in the family and the most successful. She’s made a name for herself all on her own. It’s impressive as fuck.

Me: So you’re happy?

I remember watching the dots dance waiting for a response. With every second that passed, my nerves frayed. Would she say yes, she’s happy? That walking away was the right decision? That I did the right thing?

Or would she text that she was miserable? Would she admit to missing me as much as I missed her?

Peaches: I am. This was a good decision for me. I know I was a mess when we met, and I just wanted to let you know I’m doing better now. Not that you probably care, but I wanted you to know that.

I shake my head as I reread that message. The fact that she thought I didn’t care was insane. I’d been thinking about her nonstop, and she was off living her life in Paris. Happy. She probably is again. She’s definitely not sitting on a park bench with a stranger, trying to work out the last two years of her life.

Me: I care. And I’m glad you’re happy.

Peaches: Thanks. I hope you’re doing well.

Henry nods, letting me know he’s finished reading. “Sounds like Paris was a good idea for her. She seemed to grow up a bit.”

He’s not wrong. Millie needed Paris. Maybe she still does.

“When was this again?” he asks.

“Almost two years ago.”

His white brows knit together. “And you’re still talking about her?”

I look over at the jungle gym where Finn is playing with a few other kids. It’s getting close to dinnertime. I should probably get him home soon. “It didn’t end there,” I say, giving Henry my full attention. I’ve had his for the last half hour.

“Okay, then what happened?”

I smile because this is a good memory. A great one actually. “We won the Stanley Cup.”

Henry’s face lights up. He’s clearly a fan. “Ah, so this was just this past June?”

“Yup. Nine months ago.”