Page 20 of Breaking the Ice

“Okay,” I announce, “everyone who wants to go to the rink, get your skates!”

Kelly stands up and removes a set of keys from a hook on the wall. “You might as well take my minivan. That way you don’t have to move the baby’s seat.”

“Are you really trusting me with all four boys?” I ask in shock and not a small amount of fear.

“You bet I am. The older three know the routine. Just keep your eye on Tommy. He’s a bit of a wildcard.”

I’m suddenly not so sure I’m up for this trip. Looking down at my youngest nephew, I ask, “Are you going to be good for Uncle Zach?”

He smiles brightly before answering, “No.”

With panic etched across my features, I look at Kelly and practically beg, “Please come with us.”

Instead of agreeing, she says, “I can’t take a bubble bath at the rink.”

“Maybe you can take your bath tonight?”

She shakes her head. “No, thanks.”

“Kelly …” My voice nearly shakes in panic.

Reaching out, she punches my shoulder and says, “You got this, big guy. After all, you grew up with four brothers.”

And just like that, beads of sweat appear on my forehead. I did grow up with four brothers and we were nothing short of terrors on—and off—the ice.

CHAPTER TEN

Ellie

After I hand my mom a pain pill with a glass of water, she grumpily tells me, “This is going to put me right to sleep again.”

I sit down on the couch next to her chair. “Our new tenant is going to give you some turmeric to try for the inflammation. He says it really helps him.”

“Is he eighty?” she jokes.

“Ex hockey player,” I tell her. “He had a game-ending injury in college.”

Mom swallows her pill. “I didn’t think he was coming until tomorrow.”

I give her the low down on Zach showing up early, leaving out the part where I made him wash the windows. “I’m off to the rink for another lesson,” I tell her. “I’ll make supper when I get home.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t bother, I’ll be sleeping.” Pushing the remote on her lift chair, she asks, “Can you help me get into bed before you go?”

A wave of sadness rolls over me as I slowly guide her to the back of the house and tuck her in. The tables have turned in a big way. Being able-bodied sometimes makes me feel like I’m more of a mother than daughter. As I plug my mom’s phone into the charger on the nightstand, I tell her, “Call if you need anything.”

“Got it.” She rolls over and pulls her down comforter over her shoulders. Then she closes her eyes and goes to sleep. What kind of life is this for her? I wish I could talk Mom into letting me get her out more, but she’s so convinced she’s a burden, she won’t let me. The isolation is making her depressed. But then again, I’m sure her inability to get around independently has a lot to do with that as well.

When I walk out the front door, I notice Zach’s SUV is gone. He probably went over to Troy’s house, which is fine by me. In fact, it would be great if he changed his mind about needing quiet and decided to stay there. In this scenario, I would still charge him two months’ rent for all the aggravation he’s caused me. Yet if I’m being honest, I’m not sure it’s been nearly as bad as I’m making it out to be.

As I drive to the rink, I replay scenes from the afternoon in my head. Had I never heard those reports about Zach, I wouldn’t have guessed he was the same guy the media portrays him to be.

Having said that, I’m not so naïve as to blindly trust him. Being Troy’s brother isn’t enough of a reason to accept him at face value.

I’m running a few minutes behind schedule, so by the time I get inside and put my skates on, my entire class has already assembled. I loved skating when I was a kid, and even though I can’t do all the jumps, I’m still a credible instructor for beginners.

“Ellie!” Teah Randolph calls out. “Can I do an axel today?” Her eyes dart to the left.

Following their direction, I see what’s got her so amped up. Troy and Kelly’s oldest is nearby. “Terry Hart, huh?”

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