Rescuing the Player

Chapter 1

Hayes

The scent of garlic, tomato sauce, and hot oil hits me like a punch as I push open the door to Seraphina's, our regular hangout downtown. It's got that upscale vibe, with its dark wood paneling, booth seating, and heavy maroon drapes, kind of like stepping into an old-school gentlemen's club.

My brother Andrew is the reason we started coming here. He's all into that historical stuff, and this place definitely has that old-world charm he loves, much like his home. His home office is practically a museum, filled with books, antique furniture and exposed brick.

Skipping the crowded dining area with its fancy tablecloths and linen napkins, I head straight for the bar. It's a bit quieter here, with dimmer lights and background music that's not too obnoxious.

I glance around the bar, spotting a mix of familiar faces and strangers, all dressed up to some degree. But even among them, I feel a bit out of place in my tuxedo. As the Chief Information Officer at Cartwright & Sons, suits are my go-to, but tonight's outfit is a bit much.

I nod to a couple of regulars as I snag a seat at the end of the bar, shrugging out of my jacket and draping it over the back of the chair. The air conditioning is cranked up, and the cool breeze feels good on my heated skin.

"Hey, Hayes," Sara, the bartender, says as she eyes me curiously. "How's it going? I thought you'd be at the wedding?"

I sigh. Maybe this was a bad idea.

Preston, my younger brother, just tied the knot, which was a bit of a surprise for everyone. He used to be quite the bachelor, much like me, until he met Valerie. The media labeled him a playboy, and they weren't completely wrong. I sure as hell never thought he'd be the first one of us to settle down. My money would've been on Andrew, and clearly I would've lost.

Preston and Valerie's love story wasn't exactly a fairytale. When Valerie first walked into Preston's office, it was far from love at first sight. If anything, it was more like instant loathing. But somehow, she managed to break through his defenses, and before we knew it, he was head over heels for her.

Now, as of a few hours ago, my soon-to-be thirty-year-old brother is not only a husband but also a stepfather. It's kind of a mind fuck. I'd never imagined him with kids. At least not for many years.

I feel Sara watching me and realize I need to respond to her question.

"Hey, yeah, I was there."

She looks down at the watch on her wrist. "It ended kind of early, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess..."

I swipe my hand across my forehead, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness creeping in. The wedding party should be wrapping up over at the country club, but I left early. I cut out right after the cake cutting ceremony. No goodbyes, just a quick exit.

It's not like me to be brooding like this; typically, I'm the laid-back, easygoing brother, leaving Easton as the quiet, reserved one. But lately, things have been changing.

There's been an onslaught of unexpected news and surprises, and I'm struggling to wrap my head around it all. Tonight, amidst all the happiness and celebration, I just can't seem to muster up the energy to join in.

I know I should start preparing for what lies ahead. That time is slipping away, but I just can't yet. Not tonight.

Sara takes pity on me. "Want your usual?" she asks with a soft smile instead of quizzing me about the wedding details like I expected.

I nod, instead of giving her an actual answer, knowing I probably shouldn't have another drink, but feeling like I need one. Hell, I probably shouldn't even be at the bar to begin with. I've already had quite a few tonight and I've drunk more than I should've over the last few months. Ever since that awful night.