Page 6 of Centering Kaos

He sat a little straighter and a proud smile tugged at his lips. “PS 5.”

“Wow. Your mom found you a PS 5?” I’d been trying to get one for my nieces and nephews for a while, but the damn things were sold out everywhere. The only way to get one was through a scalper who bought them at retail and resold them at hiked up prices. During my hockey days, I’d invested well and could comfortably live out the rest of my life without ever working again. I had the dough, but I refused to buy from scalpers out of principle. Those fuckers were ruining the entire system, making it so only the rich had access to new tech.

“Nope. Not Mom. My dad got it for me. He works for a software company, and he can get anything.”

And I’d bet he paid a pretty penny for it, too. Emily and Naomi hadn’t told me much about Dylan’s situation. I knew he and his mom had moved out about seven months ago, and that his dad had physically abused his mom a few times. The man was apparently trying to buy his son’s love with expensive game consoles and sounded like a real piece of shit to me.

“What’s your favorite team to play?” I asked.

“The Canucks,” Dylan replied without hesitation.

“Ah. They have some standup guys.”

His eyes widened. “You really know them?”

I shrugged. “Not some of the newer guys, but the older fellas, yeah.”

Now I had his full attention, so I spent the rest of the time dropping names and sharing stories, shamelessly earning the kid’s respect through the players I’d had the privilege of getting to know. By the time the ladies emerged from their appointment, I was well on my way to winning him over. It had been at least a half hour since he’d taken a stab at me, and he actually seemed disappointed when his mom appeared and asked if he was ready to leave.

I might have started out as an uncool babysitter, but hell if I didn’t redeem myself.

Dylan looked at me and hesitated like he wasn’t sure about the protocol for our goodbye. I had no such reservations and held out a hand for him to shake, man to man.

“It was good to hang out with you, my man,” I said.

“You too, Kaos.” Dylan’s handshake was firm, and his smile seemed genuine. He’d been a hard nut to crack, but I always did enjoy a good challenge.

His mom’s pensive stare drew my attention. Tina was a natural beauty with light brown hair, big hazel eyes, and plump lips. She was only about five and a half feet tall, but she had the kind of curves that made a man want to grab a handful and hold on tight. Dressed casually with minimal makeup, she had an intriguing girl-next-door look about her. If I met her in a bar, I’d try my damnedest to take her home. Knowing she came with a hell of a lot of baggage didn’t dim her appeal one bit, but she was a mom, and that kept my ass in line and my tone respectful.

“You’ve got a good kid here,” I said, standing.

Her eyebrows rose in question as she looked from me to Dylan like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. When she realized I had nothing more to say, her guard dropped, and she smiled. She had a nice smile. It raised her cheeks and added life to her tired eyes, taking her from pretty to stunning. “Thank you.”

Dylan looked up at me and opened his mouth as if to say something, but instead, he looked away. The kid wanted something but didn’t know how to ask. The hour I’d spent with him made me think about a motivational poster I’d seen hanging on the office wall of the administrator for the Sharks & Parks program.‘Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.’I didn’t know if the Josh Shipp quote held water, but I was willing to give it a try.

Dylan wasn’t a bad kid.

Sure, he was a bit of a bully and kind of a smartass, but I liked him. He reminded me of myself at that age. My parents would get a kick out of him for sure. Especially since they didn’t have to raise him.

When I’d acted like a little shit, my coaches, teachers, and family cared enough to knock some sense into me, but who did Dylan have? A dad who beat the shit out of his mom and tried to buy his love?

Making a split-second decision I’d probably regret later, I turned to face Dylan. “You know, if you ever want to learn how to play hockey, I’ll teach you.”

His gaze shot up to meet mine. “Really?” He searched my face, and I got the impression he was waiting for some kind of condition or requirement.

I only had one. “As long as it's okay with your mom.”

“Can I, Mom?” Dylan asked, his tone hopeful.

Tina frowned. “That’s probably not a good idea.” To me, she added, “Dylan has been having some behavioral issues, and we don’t really have the money—”

I held up a hand, cutting her off. “No charge.” I didn’t need the money, and there was no way in hell I’d accept payment from a single mom.

She stiffened and distrust clouded her eyes. “Thanks, but I don’t think so.”

“But Mo-om,” Dylan whined.

“Come on. We need to get going.”

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