Page 64 of The Drop

“No, to the house; I was planning to have it at home.”

“Oh.” We’ve not had Thanksgiving at home since before Dad died.

“I think it would be good for us; we could talk.” She sounds like she used to before. “We haven’t spoken about all of it, and truthfully, I think it’s time we both do.”

“Um, wow.” I stop pacing and look towards the entrance to the stands where Gunnar’s parents are watching their son play. They said yesterday how important it is to show up for people, and well, my mom’s asking me to show up and talk. “Okay, Mom, I’ll come home.” I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I’ll drive over in the morning.”

“Oh, Brooke, thank you. This makes me so happy.” And she genuinely sounds happy.

We say our goodbyes, and I walk back to my seat as the second period ends.

“You, okay?” Cami asks as I sit down.

“All good.” I nod back, not sure how to tell her about my mom calling just yet; she frowns but lets it go.

“You could have brought back snacks or drinks; the queues are going to be huge now,” Sasha huffs as she storms off to get her snacks.

Cami and I look after her before turning to each other and sticking our tongues out.

“Now, girls,” Mr C tuts at us, and we sheepishly turn towards him and Mrs C; they both stick their tongues out at us and wink, making us laugh.

Guess they aren’t the biggest fans of her either.

“I’ve told you once, Adam Eugene Price, and I will not say it again,” Cami huffs, full of naming him.

“So, you don’t think I’m a good man?” he looks down disappointed, and we all laugh, and she hits him for the first time in the evening.

“I was very sick and hallucinating,” she huffs, turning her nose up and away from him.

We are at the bar after the Wolves have won. Gunnar’s parents headed back to the hotel after one drink. Sasha has surprisingly joined us and stuck to Gunnar’s side like glue since the guys got here.

“Glad you’re feeling better, Cam,” Bear says, nudging her arm. She smiles at him before cupping her hand over her mouth and whispering in his ear, and he laughs as she sits back, smirking.

“What?” Adam asks, looking at them as Gunnar, Grant, and I all groan, knowing he’s walked into whatever trap Cami is playing.

“She said I’m a good man.” Bear smirks at him, and Grant has to grab Adam to restrain him as he tries to jump over his seat.

“I’ll kill him,” Adam grunts, trying to get out of Grant’s grip.

“I’m hardly holding you, bud,” Grant mumbles, using one arm and picking up his beer in his other.

“Let me at him.” Adam flails his arm, trying to get to Bear, and even Cami can’t help but laugh at his antics.

Except for Sasha, she’s texting furiously on her phone, ignoring everyone.

“What time is your meal booked for Thanksgiving?” Grant asks Gunnar who’s looking at his phone, but looks up when Grant talks.

“Uh, I think two?” He looks at Sasha, who ignores him.

“What time do we need to be with your parents, Cam?” Adam asks, settling back into his seat and not giving Sasha a chance to realise she was being included in the conversation.

“Around twelve? We normally play tag football and games before we eat; we will head to the rink after food.”

“You're skating on Thanksgiving?” Gunnar groans, obviously jealous.

“Gosh, it’s not like you don’t skate every other day of the year. Would it kill you to want to spend a day with me?” Sasha scoffs, sliding off her chair and walking towards the bar. We all turn to stare at Gunnar with concerned looks.

“She’s fine,” he says, getting up to go after her. “Not a big skater.”

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