Page 63 of Head Over Skates

The booming PA voice announces, “We have a special treat tonight. Getting a ride on the Zamboni is Cyrus Jablonski, wearing the number eight jersey.”

Cyrus waves to the crowd as they cheer for him.

“Only time will tell if he wears number eight when he grows up just like the Titans’ team captain, Owen Jablonski. And it looks like we have a theme tonight. Our very own Zamboni driver also dons a number eight jersey. Let’s hear it for our unsung heroes. Zaaaaaaaamboni.”

Music blasts over the speakers. Fans who remained in their seats are cheering. Cyrus is waving like he’s in a ticker tape parade. He’s having the time of his life. Emily is focused on her job, but every now and then leans in and laughs at something Cyrus says. The sight is like an arrow to the heart, and it hits me. I am falling for Emily Brooks. I’m falling hard. It should scare me. But it doesn’t. If I could skate out onto the ice right now and make a fool of myself for her in front of the whole crowd and TV cameras, I would. I’m in love. I’m in love!

The restof the game flies by. After the final buzzer, I shower and change as fast as I can. When I meet Leigh outside the dressing rooms where she greets her husband sometimes. She’s there, but Cyrus is not.

“I dropped him off with Emily,” she says when she sees me. “She’s such a lovely girl. Cyrus really likes her.”

“Oh, he’s smitten,” I reply. “How did he do upstairs in the box?”

“He’s just the sweetest boy. He politely asked for permission any time he wanted something off the buffet. He was respectful and well mannered. Aiden and the other boys loved him. We should schedule a playdate some time.”

I tell her I’d have to run it by Shannon but that I’d get back to her. In truth, I’d love to see Shannon making friends with other moms. She works her tail off, is tired all the time, does nothing for herself, and could use a break. It would be great if she had a network she could rely on.

When I find Emily and Cyrus, they’re in the nutrition room, of all places. I like my post game snack, so it works out for me. Cyrus is drinking a smoothie Emily had made for him. He’s chattering a mile a minute in between sips, still hyped up from the experience. I don’t know how that kid can still eat after having chili dogs, sushi, nachos, and ice cream. Where does he put it all?

“There you are,” I say, walking by the table to grab a protein bar. “You weren’t in your usual places and I got a little worried.”

She rolls her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not corrupting him. I just thought I'd keep him company until you came out."

“It would take an awful lot to corrupt Cyrus,” I say, sitting down next to my brother. “Did you have fun, little man?”

“The best! Can I come back next week?”

“We’ll have to see if the planets align,” I say. “But I’m glad you could come tonight. Made my whole year.”

“Me too.” He slurps through his straw noisily, getting to the bottom of the smoothie.

“You all done there, sir?” Emily asks. Cyrus nods and lets her take his cup so she can wash it.

“We hung out at the garage for a little while after the game,” she says, rinsing out the cup before setting it in the dishwasher. “I got some pictures of Cyrus on the Zamboni posing like a ham. I’ll send them to you.”

“Can I come visit Emily tomorrow?” Cyrus asks. He’s rubbing his eyes, fighting off sleep. Maybe he’ll zonk out in the car.

“Tomorrow?” I say. The master of persuasion has upgraded his request from next week for the very next day. Next, he’ll be asking to spend the night in the Blizzard Dome. “Tomorrow’s a school night, bud.”

Emily dries her hands with a towel but doesn’t sit down. “But I’m sure your dad was happy you could come tonight to celebrate his birthday. I can’t think of a better present.”

Cyrus stares at her blankly. “It’s not my dad’s birthday… I don’t think so anyway. I’ve never met my dad.”

Emily’s face drains of color, and I can see exactly the moment it sinks in. She thinks Cyrus is my kid. That’s kind of hilarious, and then it just explodes out of me. Laughter, deep, freeing laughter. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed like this. I can’t help myself. All this time, Emily thought I had a son, and I realize that’s probably a big reason she’s afraid to date me. Oh man. I’m dying.

Emily’s bottom lip starts to tremble. “What’s so funny? Why are you laughing?”

Oh sweet summer child. I think I’d like to tease her about this for the rest of our lives.

But I don’t want to embarrass her in front of the kid, so I slap him on the back and put on my authoritative voice as well as I can through the laughter.

“Do you have to use the bathroom… little brother?” I stress the last two words to drive my point. “There’s one through that door right there.”

I point to a door on the other side of the room. He needs to go anyway, I’m sure of it.

He hops up and gives Emily a hug, then shuffles his feet the whole way to the bathroom. Once he shuts the door behind him, I turn to Emily with a gloating smirk. “Well well, Kitty Cat. Seems my brother is just as in love with you as I am. Whichever one of us will you choose?”

“He’s your brother? Seems like a little detail you could have mentioned.”

---