Page 94 of Rewind It Back

“I’m sorry. It’s been a busy week.”

“Good game today,Tesoro. I saw that assist, but I’m still annoyed with you that you didn’t want me to come up to New York. It’s a short flight.”

“The airports are nuts this time of the year.”

“I could’ve driven. Taken the train.”

“Too much sitting. I’ll be in Boston on my next road trip. You and the whole neighborhood are coming to the game, right?”

“Of course we are. I can’t wait. I got these shirts made with your face on it and we’re going to be so loud, you’ll be able to hear us from the ice.”

“I have no doubt about that. See? You didn’t need to come today. You’ll see me play soon.”

She sighs. “At least next year you’ll be living here again, and I can go to every one of your home games.”

I try to keep my voice low because my teammates are starting to filter onto the bus. “Ma, I haven’t signed with Boston yet. That’s not a done deal.”

“Oh, Rio. Come on. We both know it’s going to happen. It’s your childhood dream! Don’t doubt yourself.”

It’s not my ability that I’m doubting.

I swiftly change the subject. “What’s for Sunday dinner?”

“Lasagna and a roast chicken.”

She mentions only two courses, but I know she’s probably whipped up about five.

“Your uncle Mikey has been here all day helping,” she adds.

“You let Uncle Mikey into your kitchen?”

“Oh God, no. But he did take out the trash, so that was nice. Changed a few lightbulbs that I couldn’t reach and tightened that loose stair railing.”

“Ma, I told you I would do all that when I got there.”

“I know, but he offered, so I figured it’d keep you from doing chores for me on your one day in town.”

I make a mental note to thank my dad’s brother when I see him next. With my mom living alone, I get worried about her keeping up that old house all on her own and try to do as much handiwork as I can when I go back to visit.

It’s not necessarily the appeal of fulfilling my childhood dream that has me considering free agency for Boston. It’s my mom being alone in that house and having no one to help her as she’s getting older.

Zee takes the row behind me, leaning forward and crossing his arms on the back of my seat. “Oh, is that—”

I slap a hand over his mouth before he can say Hallie’s name, trying to silently communicate not to say shit about her. “It’s mymother.”

“Oooh,” he draws out, understanding. “Hi, Mrs. D!”

“Hi, Zee!” Pulling my phone away from my ear, I put it on speaker. “Are you going to come see me when you’re in town?”

“Absolutely. Stevie is bummed she won’t get to see you, though.”

“Oh, I miss her. I miss all of you. I need to plan a trip out to Chicago soon.”

“We’d love that.”

A text drops onto the screen and we both look down to see Hallie’s name.

H?:Just checked into the hotel.

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