Page 16 of Puck Me at Midnight

Spike

It’s late, the hotel room is too quiet after the game. We lost, and I can’t shake the frustration. I keep replaying my mistakes in my head, wishing I could have done more. But I’ve learned the hard way that sulking never gets me anywhere. I reach for my phone, hoping for a little distraction.

The screen lights up, and I see Emma’s name. A small smile pulls at my lips as I tap open the message. She’s always the first person I turn to when I need to feel grounded. She’s got that effect on me.

I start typing, needing to check in on the boys:

ME:“How are the little guys doing? Everything okay with you and the boys?”

I stretch out on the bed, my eyes closing for a moment as I wait for her response. The silence in the room feels almost suffocating, but I’m hoping Emma’s message will bring me some comfort.

The reply comes in fast:

EM: “They’re good. Sam asked if you’d be home for dinner, and Charlie wanted to know if we could make cookies tonight. They miss you.”

My heart tugs a little at that. I miss them too. I can’t wait to get home. I type back:

ME: “I miss them too. It’s always weird being away from them.”

Another reply pops up, and I can almost hear her voice in my head:

EM: “Nothing too crazy. Just the usual. Sam tried to convince me to let him have ice cream before dinner, and Charlie spilled juice all over the kitchen table. But we managed. The boys are great, though.”

I laugh, picturing it.

ME:Classic Sam. He’s a little negotiator, huh? Hope Charlie didn’t leave too big of a mess.”

EM: “Oh, it was bad.”

ME:“I’ll bet Sam is already plotting his next move.”

EM: “You know it. They both asked when you are getting back. They’re excited to see you.”

My chest tightens, missing them both. I type slowly, letting the words settle.

ME: “I’ll be back soon. But for now, just keep those little guys in line for me. I’m depending on you.”

She responds quickly, and I can tell she’s smiling:

EM: “I think you’re underestimating my ability to keep them in line. But don’t worry, I’ve got it handled.”

ME: “I have no doubt you do. You’re the best at everything you do, Em.”

I send the message, and after a second, I bite my lip, deciding to change the topic of the conversation.

ME: “You know, I’ve been thinking about you. And when I get back… maybe we can make some plans for just us. I’m already picturing it. Just you and me, no distractions.”

I wait for her response, my pulse picking up as I imagine the kind of evening she’s probably thinking about. Her reply is almost immediate, and I can feel the shift in the air between us.

EM: “Oh? What did you have in mind?”

I grin, letting the playfulness in my voice come through as I text back:

ME: “Maybe a nice quiet evening. Just dinner, maybe a movie… but after that, I’m definitely thinking about making sure you know exactly how much I missed you.”

There’s a moment of hesitation, then her message appears:

EM: “That sounds… promising. What do you mean by ‘making sure I know’?”

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