Chapter 4

Imogen

I am having heart palpitations, just seeing Cody has messed with my head and my body. The draw to him is inexplicable, I told you already before he is like a drug and I am so hooked on him, yet I can’t relent. I need everything with this baby business and Luna to be sorted out. I can’t put myself through all the shit that he has coming his way right now and I know Luna from all the games she has attended, the way she hangs around all the hockey guys not to mention her post outs, that she is gunning for Cody and to be hooked up with him.

But seeing him sitting in his car, his tousled dirty-blonde hair, not knowing whether he should smile or not, it has wrenched my heart and now I’m sitting in my car driving to the restaurant welling up. Why can’t I just go to him and tell him it will be alright? I want it to be alright but for some reason I have this stubborn streak inside me that won’t allow it.

I have to focus on my business, I have to make it happen this time. After flopping out in New York because rates went up, my flat mates all moved out and I couldn’t afford the rental there on top of my business unit, I feel like an almighty failure. I also don’t want to make it here in Minnesota just because I’m Cody Brannigan’s girlfriend.

Yeah, I know I’m being a stubborn ass mule. Sometimes I want to slap myself, but I have to make it by myself. The last thing I want is people talking behind my pack or worse still plastering hate shit all over I*******m or other social media platforms that the only reason my business is doing well is because Cody Brannigan is supporting me. It’s important to me to do this. I’ve got my folks behind me and Autumn.

God, I miss her right now. After the Vancouver game she came back here for a few days to spend more time with Cody’s wingman, Callaghan, Calli for short then had to fly back to NYC. I’m over the moon for her getting her VP position within the realty company she works for. If I could I’d fly out to meet her in New York and we could celebrate in style. Only, I can’t. I need every dime I’ve got right now for the business. There’s only so much of my grandpa’s inheritance and it’ll be eaten up way too fast for my liking, if I decide to fly around America just to have some champagne with my bestie. I groan and park my car in front of the restaurant.

So far, we have repainted the wood sign outside above the door in the heritage green I wanted, and the guy who is doing the calligraphy for the signage is coming later today. He said around midday. I’m so excited to see the new name above it. I had so many different choices and have now decided finally, after discussing it with my folks and Autumn, to keep it simple and call it Imogen’s Restaurant Bar & Grill. The gold lettering will look stunning against the heritage green.

I’ve purchased dark green tablecloths and white ones that are small to sit on top of the green ones. With the old beams in place inside they’ll look amazing. Mom agrees and she knows a thing or two about design. Not that she studied it or anything but trust me when I say my mom is addicted to P*******t like I’m addicted to Cody’s eyes and smile.

I try to push thoughts of him away from my mind because my heart still feels like it has had a stake put right through it. Instead, I open my car door and get out and just look at the unit that is now mine. I signed on the dotted line and sent everything back to Isaac the realtor a few days ago. I shake my head because I still can’t believe that Isaac who has lived here forever and was brought up on his daddy’s farm has gone into selling and leasing properties. I never would have figured. Honestly, I thought he’d stick on the farm and help his pop out, but each to their own. Whatever makes him happy but it sure was nice to see a friendly face when I cam to view the property.

I sigh and head towards the front door and place the key into the lock and turn it and the handle at the same time. We’re painting the door in the same green as the sign and dad has found me a vintage brass door handle that he will swap out for me. From the outside my place is going to look so inviting.

Stepping inside, I instantly feel content like someone has wrapped a snugly blanket around me on a crisp day. I hug myself. This is mine, well not strictly speaking mine since I still have to pay the lease, but I do have the option to purchase which I’m hoping to be able to do in a couple of years’ time. That is if I am a success.

Calli and Atlas told me that they would still come to the opening night and Logan who is Cody’s other defenseman is on the list too. I sure would love to have Cody here too but I’m not even sure if he would come with me telling him that I need a three-month break.

The other thought that passes through my mind is that bloody, Luna. What if she turned up and used it as an opportunity to spout on about Cody being her baby’s daddy. Okay, so now I’m thinking maybe having Cody here could end up being a liability.

My stomach wrenches and my gut gnarls and twists. God, I feel sick. All this heartache and missing him and all this shit flying around us right now, is damaging me.

“Hey.” I hear a voice behind me which makes me jump. As I turn, I see it’s my dad.

“Gosh, you gave me a shock. I need to get a bell or something to sound that door.” I say and go over for a hug from him.

“I thought I’d drop by. I was off to get some bits for the deck at home, and meat for the barbeque later from the butchers. Did you need any help today in here?”

“No, I’m good thanks dad. The guy is coming out for the sign. I’m real excited to see the name of my restaurant go up.”

“It’s starting to take shape, Immi, darling. The opening night is going to be amazing, trust me. We’re all so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Daddy.” He hugs me again and kisses the top of my head.

“What do you think I should do about, Cody? I was going to ask if he still wanted to come to the opening but now, I’m just not sure. What if that woman turns up?”

“It’s a tricky one, darling but you have to go with your gut. If you want him here, then ask him. If she turns up well, how about we have some burly guys on hand who can escort her off the premises.”

“I don’t want any hassle though; Daddy and I sure don’t want any bad press.” I sigh as dad releases me. He places his hands on my shoulders.

“Immi, darling. All publicity is good publicity. I think if you want Cody to be here for support then reach out to him. You can let him know it’s just to support you and to be here with Nolan, Atlas, and Callaghan. If the mother of his child turns up, then we’ll deal with it. Is she following him around now or something?” Dad asks, his eyebrows knitted together.

“Yeah, pretty much. I’ve seen her post outs at nearly every game he’s played. I checked I***a this morning and she’s put a ridiculous post out saying she can’t wait to hook up with Cody Brannigan in Winnipeg.” I want to cry and swallow the lump down that has formed in my throat.

Why, oh why did this have to happen? Why didn’t Cody just use a condom instead of believing some girl that she was on the pill? Who knows maybe Luna was on the pill, we all know that unplanned pregnancies can happen and that the pill is only so safe.

“Hey, Kiddo. Don’t over think it. Just go with your heart.”

I nod, dad is right. I should just go with my heart. It’d be good to see Cody here with his guys. Maybe, just maybe I ought to lessen how stubborn I am being. I miss him like I’ve lost an arm.

“Thanks, Dad. You’re the best.”

He gives me another peck on the head. “Right, I best get that meat organized and go home see if your mom needs a hand with anything.”

I watch as dad leaves and move towards the wooden fronted counter that was used for the cash register when this place was the hardware store and put my green handbag on the top. We’re keeping it as it is for our reception area. First, we need to strip the wood back and oil it with some linseed oil to bring out the natural colors and to add that extra bit of warmth to our area.

From my bag I reach for my mobile and shoot Cody a text.

If you’d like to come to the opening in a couple of weeks, it would be good to see you.

I delete it and start again.

Hey, hope you’re doing okay. So, the opening of my restaurant is in a couple of weeks. Would you still like to be her?. Atlas, Calli and Nolan are still on the list.