Page 119 of Play Book

He grunts. “You better believe it. I don’t care what Ally was doing, don’t put your hands on my kid.”

I smile.

His kid.

He probably doesn’t even realize he’s become her dad.

It’s pretty sweet, even though it means less time with me.

But somewhere deep down, I’m afraid it’s only going to get worse.

THIRTY-FIVE

Canyon

I spend the entire flight texting.

Ally.

Colleen.

Marjorie—who still refuses to respond.

Coach Vanek.

The group chat with my teammates.

I’m pissed off.

Frustrated.

Why is everything so God damn difficult?

I know raising kids isn’t easy, but I can’t catch a break no matter what I do.

Coach is pretty understanding considering everything, but we’re heading into the playoffs. This is the first time in over a decade the Phantoms have made the playoffs, and after two back-to-back seasons where we came in dead last, I need to be focused on hockey.

I don’t blame Ally, but my father’s words are nagging at me.

How many more people are going to let this kid down?

Am I going to let her down?

Have I already?

There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the things I need to do.

Getting Ally to and from school, spending time with her, therapy sessions, hockey, travel, spending time with Saylor.

I don’t know how to do it.

Hockey has to be a priority because that’s how I make money and the thing I love most in the world.

But Ally’s just a kid who’s gone through so much in the last few months.

How do I give up on her?

And Saylor.

---