Page 42 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

Everyone walks off in different directions. I walk around the room and look at some of the pictures on the wall of Mario’s kids when they were little. I didn’t have that kind of childhood. Although I did up until my parents died. I have two full shoeboxes of pictures, which seems kind of sad.

“They’re a nice family,” Abuela says into the dark room, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Yeah, you and Mario seem happy and the family is really nice,” I tell her.

“You don’t need to lie to me, Mack. I know his granddaughters are a handful.” She laughs.

I laugh too.

“You didn’t like Riley?” she says, scrunching her nose.

“No, sorry,” I admit to her.

“Why are you sorry, mijo?” she asks curiously.

“I don’t want to mess anything up for you,” I reply.

“Dear boy, you aren’t messing anything up. Mario and me, we fit. We’re happy in our life here. His kids don’t live close by but they’re important to him, and I understand that,” she explains. “They’re all nice people and having everyone around brings me joy. I never really had much family around.”

“Same,” I say with a crooked grin.

“I know.” She rubs my back. “But you’re young. You can find a nice girl and make yourself a family.”

“I want like five kids. I don’t think many women would be up for that.” I chuckle, although a part of me is serious. I want a big family.

“Well, you should shoot for the stars, Macklin, you’re an amazing man. Any woman would be lucky to have you,” she praises.

Only there is something inside me that doesn’t buy her words. I still feel like I am not good enough. I hate feeling this way, but it’s how I am wired.

“Thanks, Abuela,” I return.

“Have a good night.” She winks.

She turns to walk upstairs. “I’ll be up soon,” I assure since Ruby is sleeping down here.

“Take your time,” she mumbles, throwing me off.

My brows crunch together as I wonder what she means by that, but then I realize I am probably reading too deeply into nothing.

“Hi.” Ruby’s soft voice pulls me from staring at the photos. I turn around and take her in. Her hair is wet and she’s wearing a T-shirt and a pair of short shorts that have little pink dogs on them.

“I’m so sorry, Periwinkle,” I reply, taking a step toward her.

“I didn’t like it but I know you were in an impossible position,” she answers.

Something eases inside me, and I sigh. “Thanks for understanding. It was quite a night.”

“How so?” she asks.

I scrunch my face. “Do you really want the details?”

She nods.

I tell her how pushy Riley was being.

“I don’t like either of them,” Ruby states.

“Well, your brother knows Vicky is with him because he’s going to the NHL. I don’t think his expectations are too high.”

---