Foolish Games(82)

“It was an awesome game,” Will agreed. At the same time, he could picture Julianne easily entertaining sixteen for dinner with a meal she’d prepared. And it wouldn’t be pizza. His kitchen would end up looking like a war zone, but it would be worth it.

“Jeez, Will, are you gonna wear that shit-eating grin on your face all day?”

Unaware that he was smiling, Will glanced at his friend. “Sorry, I was just thinking about—”

“Whoa!” Gavin held his hands up. “TMI. I really don’t need the details, bro.”

They stood in awkward silence for a moment.

“I’m really happy for you, man.” Gavin finally said. “Everything worked out, and I’m glad. You deserve it.”

Will rubbed the back of his neck. “I wish things had worked out for you and Amanda.”

“They did work out, just not the way everyone thought they would. But she’s happy and that’s all that matters.”

Will eyed his friend, wondering if he would be so magnanimous if Julianne suddenly changed her mind about him. Probably not. He stepped toward to Gavin.

“Connelly, if you’re gonna hug me in the men’s locker room,” Gavin protested, “I’m gonna have to take you down. Which, by the way, I can still do. Come on, you can buy me lunch instead.”

“Fine,” Will laughed. It had been many years since Gavin had bested him, but he’d let that ride for now.

“And a cigar,” Gavin said as they headed out the door. “I never got a cigar when your son was born.”

Another thing Will would have to remedy. He needed to organize a wedding and a proper celebration of Owen’s birth. They headed to Pier Pressure while he contemplated both.

• • •

An hour later, Will walked back to his house. He was eager to see Julianne and get her reaction to the ring he wore. Hell, he was looking forward to the things she’d do to him in appreciation, and him to her. His body hardened in anticipation and he widened his stride.

Damn! As he turned onto the sandy drive, he remembered that his wife had disappeared with his mother and Patricia earlier, a happy Owen in tow. They were going shopping, they’d said, all three of them looking like the cat that had eaten the canary. Will was glad his mother and Julianne were getting along. His own relationship with his mother was often fragile. He loved her, that was irrefutable, but he didn’t understand her choices. Her life could be so much more, yet she was content to remain here in Chances Inlet. Perhaps now she’d venture out more, if nothing else but to visit her grandson during the season.

Rounding the curve, he spotted an unfamiliar car in the driveway. Curious, he picked up his pace but nearly stopped in his tracks when he noticed his agent, Roscoe, sitting on the verandah. Will’s breathing ratcheted up a couple of notches. The two hadn’t spoken in two days, when Roscoe had assured him there wasn’t enough evidence for the Senate committee to subpoena him. With luck, Bountygate would fade away. The fact that his agent hadn’t called but instead was here in person didn’t bode well.

Roscoe looked haggard where he sat in the shade, an empty water bottle in his hands. Will climbed the stairs, his own body now tense.

“Your phone broken?” he asked Roscoe.

“Nope.” Roscoe stood, his suit rumpled from the heat. “This conversation needed to take place in person.”

Will muttered a few choice words under his breath as he entered the key code unlocking the kitchen door. Roscoe followed him in and Will headed directly for the refrigerator and pulled out a bottled water. He handed it to Roscoe, who shook his head.

“Got anything stronger?”

Will’s whole body went on alert. He handed Roscoe a beer while taking a swig of the water for himself.

Roscoe took a long swallow. “Where’s your family?” he asked.

“Out.”

Roscoe nodded before taking another pull on the beer bottle.

Will couldn’t take it anymore. “Do you want to tell me what this is all about, or are you waiting for me to get out the chips and salsa?”

Sliding onto a stool at the island, Roscoe ran a hand through his hair. “According to my sources, you’re going to get served. They’d prefer you be in Baltimore to do it, but they’ll come here if you force it.”

Will gripped the countertop, trying to neutralize his shock. “You told me it was all over.”

“That’s what I was told. But last night, the Senate committee got some new information. They think it’s enough to subpoena you.”

“I don’t understand.” Will’s hands were shaking. They couldn’t force him to testify.