“Hey, relax, Dad,” Gavin teased. “He’s doing good.”

“I know. He’s got it all together. I keep reminding myself that every day.”

Gavin knew what Mick wasn’t saying. “And he’s not drinking.”

“God, no. Not like I was in college, anyway. He knows I’ll kick his ass from Texas back to Missouri if he does.”

“I think he understands how important this is. And what you went through with your alcoholism and how it almost cost you your shot in the NFL. Like you said, he’s a smart kid.”

“Yeah, he is.”

“So quit worrying and let’s figure out who’s going to kick Philadelphia’s ass on Sunday.”

Mick grinned and they stared at the board for a while. After that, they wandered out to find the others. Mick went back to playing blackjack with Garrett, while Gavin, Eddie, Victor, and Ty hit the poker tables.

Gavin wondered how Liz was doing with the women. Knowing her, she was probably showing them all a great time in Jamaica.

His woman knew how to party. He knew she had it well handled.

Still, she was on his mind, so when he took his next break he grabbed his phone and sent her a text, figuring she likely wouldn’t see it until tomorrow.

I miss you. How’s it going?

Surprisingly, she sent back a reply within a few minutes.

Everyone’s drunk except me. And maybe Tara. And I miss you, too. I’m having fun with the girls, but Jamaica would be a lot more romantic if you were here.

He smiled and sent her another. Yeah, fun here with the guys, but can’t touch them like I can you.

She replied back with. God, I hope not. People will talk.

He laughed and typed off one more text. Have fun. Call me tomorrow. I love you.

I love you, too, Gavin.

Chapter Six

“No one told me I’d have to fly home with a hangover today. This is awful.”

Jenna sat on the edge of the sofa, bent over with her hands covering her face.

Liz was curled up on the chair across from her, oh-so-happy not to have partaken in the debauchery of drink last night. She’d suffered many a hangover and she was glad to have escaped it this time.

Alicia came out of the bedroom and leaned against the doorway. “Can we stay another day? Because I feel like I’m going to die.”

Liz fought the urge to laugh. Alicia’s hair kind of resembled Einstein’s at the moment.

“Did you sleep on your face last night?”

Alicia dragged her hair back. “I don’t even remember getting back to the hotel last night.”

Savannah pushed her way past Alicia, and, if possible, looked even worse. She didn’t make eye contact, just stared straight ahead. “I. Need. Coffee.”

“It’s over there.” Liz hooked her thumb toward the cart. “There’s also orange juice, tomato juice, and some pastries.”

“Gag,” Jenna said from her spot on the sofa.

“You should eat something,” Liz said. “And tomato juice will help.”