Page 120 of The Only Goal

“In the closet, behind Mommy’s coats.”

“That’s a good spot.”

“It’s quieter here,” he whispers.

“Yeah. If I was in your house, I’d probably hide there too. Do you think there’d be room for me?”

There’s a little pause, and then he lets out a confused laugh. “You’re too big.”

“I can squish down pretty little if I have to.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Hey, I’m a goalie, dude. I’m super flexible.”

Kai lets out another soft laugh, and I start to feel better. Keeping him calm and distracting him is one small thing I can do.

“Does Mommy know you have her phone?”

“No. I took it off the charger.”

“Okay.”

“I’m supposed to be in bed.”

“I’m sure she won’t be mad if she catches you. She’ll understand.”

Kai goes quiet again, and I wait him out, not wanting to be the one to end the call. I’m still kind of touched that he called me and wonder why he chose my number when his mom’s phone is probably filled with better options.

“Baxter?”

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

“Do you want me?” The question is soft and surprising.

I’m not exactly sure what he means, but I respond the only way I can. “Of course. You’re my little buddy.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, for sure. I love hanging out with you. When you’re not around, I don’t have anyone to help me paint or watch me coach hockey. I don’t get to teach you how to skate anymore, and that makes me real sad. I miss you.”

He sucks in a breath and starts to cry. “I miss you too.”

“Kai! Where are you!” Tammy’s voice is laced with panic, but all I can hear are Kai’s heart-wrenching tears.

And then the line goes dead.

My knees give out as I listen to the dial tone, and I slump onto the floor, a helpless wreck.

CHAPTER 56

TAMMY

I hear his tears before I see him.

Rushing into the walk-in closet, I flick on the lights, the hangers screeching against the railing as I push my coats aside in a rush.

“Hey.” I drop to my knees beside him, taking in his tear-streaked face and heaving chest. He’s doing these little hiccupping sobs as he clutches my phone. “What’s up, kiddo? Why are you hiding in here? Why have you got my phone?”

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