Page 84 of The Shots You Take

“Yeah.”

“You should keep it. Maybe Lucy would like it. We can wash it at the house.”

Adam wasn’t sure if a snail shell would win his daughter’s heart, but he kept it anyway. If nothing else, it would be a nice souvenir of this roller coaster of a week.

Chapter Twenty-Three

“I hear the hockey banquet has a celebrity host,” Mom said as she greeted Riley and Adam with hugs.

“Well,” Adam said, “they have me. I hope I don’t embarrass myself too much.”

Riley scoffed. He knew Adam could quack like a duck for the entire banquet and everyone who went would still say it was the most exciting night of their life. He still couldn’t believe Adam was actually going through with it.

“I’m not sure what you’re thinking,” Riley said, “but it’s not a glamorous event.”

“I’ll cancel my tux fitting then,” Adam said with a wink.

Damn Adam and his winks. He could wield those things like a sexy weapon. They always sliced right through Riley.

“Are you going to be there?” Adam asked Mom.

“Yes, of course. I always went with Harv, and I’m sure he’ll be in the room tomorrow night too.”

Riley smiled at that. Dadwouldtell God he couldn’t miss the banquet. Then he imagined Dad’s ghost benevolently haunting the rink and wondered if Dad wouldn’t prefer that to Heaven.

“I’m sure he will be,” Adam agreed, then he laughed. “Now the pressure is really on, if he’s going to be watching.”

Mom patted his arm. “He would be so happy you’re here.” She looked at Riley. “Have you boys been having a nice few days?”

“Uh, yeah,” Riley said awkwardly. “Pretty good.” He thought of one detail that would interest her. “Shep made fish chowder yesterday.”

Mom looked delighted. “Go on! You did not.”

“I did,” Adam said proudly. “It was edible and everything.”

“How’d you thicken it?”

“Crackers,” Riley and Adam said at the same time.

“Good boy. I like a man who can cook. Don’t you, Riley?”

Riley blushed as he remembered how smitten he’d been by the sight of an apron-clad Adam stirring soup in his kitchen. “Sure.”

“Where’s Lindsay?” Adam asked.

“Watching the eggs,” Lindsay called from the kitchen. “Get in here and help, Riley.”

As they went to the kitchen, Adam put his lips close to Riley’s ear and said, “Before we leave, can you show me around the house again? I always loved this place.”

Riley’s heart skipped. “Okay.”

“My god, is that the actual host of the Avery River Minor Hockey End of Season Banquet?” Lindsay teased as they entered the kitchen.

“The one and only,” Adam said.

Lucky, of course, was already in the kitchen because he loved both Lindsay and food. He was sitting at Lindsay’s feet, gazing mournfully at her as she stirred the eggs.

“I’m sorry I’ll be missing it,” Lindsay said, “but I have clients and, you know. Kids.”

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