Page 116 of Ice Mechanic

“No worries.” I smile. “Everything’s okay with him?”

“The doctor’s very happy that his appetite improved.”

“That’s a relief. I was concerned that he would never get his appetite back.”

“He’s been eating every bite, three meals a day.” She leans in with a warm smile and says, “Your father claims if he doesn’t eat, Chance McLanely will nag him.”

How far has dad’s sickness progressed that he thinks Chance sincerely cares about what he eats? I want to ask her, but I’m afraid to.

“Thank you for taking such good care of him,” I say politely.

As I head to the lobby, the receptionist catches sight of me.

“Goodbye, April!” she waves. “See you next time!”

“See you too!” I wave back enthusiastically.

The receptionist freezes and keeps her stare on me all the way through the exits.

I bet she thinks I’m acting strangely, but in all truth, this is who I’ve always wanted to be. Someone who smiles at the receptionist. Someone who walks into the nursing home with her head held high, knowing her bills are paid.

Whoever said ‘money doesn’t buy happiness’ has never been in debt from staggering medical bills.

Humming under my breath, I saunter to my truck and climb in.

Just then, my phone lights up.

“Chance, hi.” I let the engine run so the air conditioner can cool me down.

He sounds tired. “Did I catch you at a good time?”

“Yeah, I was just leaving my dad.”

“Did you tell him hi for me?”

“I’m not sure if I should.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re dad’s new obsession. He mentions you all the time.” I check my watch. Chance is on the other side of the country so he’s several hours ahead of me. “Is the game over?”

“It is.” He answers in a strained voice.

“Oh no, did you lose?”

“We won…butI spent most of my time in the sin bin.”

“Really?”

His tone hardens. “It was my first time all season that I got two penalties in a row.”

I sink deeper into my seat. Although I don’t know much about hockey, I’ve heard the sports re-caps praising Chance for avoiding penalty calls. “What happened?”

“Their defender said something about you.”

“What did he say?”

“I’m not repeating it.”

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