Page 106 of The Hat Trick

“Shit, not you. It’s my dad, he’s just…anyway. How’s the new not job going?”

“It’s good, Audrey connected me with some clients and I’m just trying to do a good job for them. What’s with your dad?”

I throw my arm over my eyes and don’t answer her right away. I don’t want to answer her at all, I’ve never talked about him with anyone other than that little bit I shared with her a little while back. But just like then I find myself wanting to open up to her more than I normally do. I want her to see the truth underneath the fake Matt McQuaid the world sees.

“He’s an asshole and he was giving me shit about the game tonight,” I finally admit.

“How is he giving you shit when you won?” she asks softly.

“He doesn’t understand hockey and has never understood why I have to be so…aggressive when playing I guess,” I tell her. “He wants to show off his son, the professional athlete, but he wants that same son to be the star player who stays out of trouble on and off the ice.”

She waits a beat before responding. “Is that why you do it then? A sort of rebellion?”

I shake my head even though she can’t see it. “No, it’s just who I am. I like hockey, love it really, and sometimes it’s intense, aggressive and that’s just how it is. I’ll never be some golden boy like he wishes I would be. Not like Dumont or Collee.”

“You wouldn’t ever be like them. It’s not who you are, and if he doesn’t accept that then he shouldn’t try to parade you around,” she soothes. “What about your mom?”

I swallow hard before answering. “She died when I was young. I don’t remember much about her.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, you didn’t know. But you’re right about my dad.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty smart like that,” she tries to lighten the mood and it works.

“Yes, you are, Little Bunny.” I’m smiling into my phone and am glad she doesn’t try to push any of the deeper topics anymore. And that alone has me wondering if the foreign feeling in my chest could possibly be something I’ve never had before. Not for any woman before her. And I don’t know how to handle what it could possibly mean.

34

I’ve had several breakdowns over the last couple weeks where I reconsidered quitting my job so hastily. Though, lately it’s been better since I’ve been working on some things for people Audrey knows. I felt weird charging them since I’m building up my own portfolio, but they insisted.

I haven’t seen the guys much lately. They just played their last game before the break yesterday and I couldn’t believe how much Matt shared with me about his dad. It explains him a bit more, and I’m glad he felt comfortable enough to share.

One thing is for sure, though, I miss them. All of them. And I want to see them again. I want tobewith them all again. I never would’ve thought that would be something I’m so desperate to experience again, but it is.

I’m determined to get some work done today and at least send the first website design I’ve made for one of Audrey’s friends over to them, but the way my phone keeps lighting up is distracting me. I haven’t looked to see who it is or what they are saying, but I haven’t had to. I know exactly who it is and what they want.

Finally, I give in and chuckle at what I see in the group chat.

Vince: Come over.

Matt: To my house.

Brent: Are you busy, beautiful?

Vince: Be busy with us.

Brent: Do what you need to do, but we want to see you.

Matt: Collee can speak for himself, drop what you’re doing and come see us.

Vince: Like I said…come over.

I shake my head but find myself smiling thinking about them. I do want to see them. I’m almost done with this, and I have two more web designs for other people to do but I guess I could take a break.

Chandler: Maybe you guys should come here. Whoever is first can have me while I take a break from working.

Vince: Already on my way.

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