Page 122 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
“I missed you so much,” she whispers, her voice cracked with emotion.
My chest constricts. I’m the one who’s caused her anguish by being away.
The beginning of the season is always the hardest.
In only a few weeks, it’ll feel normal again. But after having the summer together, being apart hurts.
“I missed you too, Peanut. Have you had fun with Gran?”
“Yes. We made cookies,” she says excitedly. “Do you want one? You should have one,” she says before I have a chance to respond. “You deserve it. Your goal last night was insane. I was on my feet shouting and screaming.”
I chuckle as I let her take my hand and drag me to the kitchen.
“Oh wow, look at these,” I say, taking in the tray of green and white iced cookies.
“They’re Viper cookies. I was going to talk to Coach about getting them made. Fans at the game would love them.”
“I’m sure they would. Is this one mine?” I ask, pointing at one with the number fifty-five on it.
“Yep, that’s all yours. There’s a container over there with one for everyone. Will you take them tomorrow?”
Walking over, I study the container she pointed at, and just like she said, there is a numbered cookie for every member of the team.
“Of course I will. The guys will love them. Good luck cookies. You think we need extra luck tomorrow?” I ask.
She thinks for a moment. “Seattle has been killing it with their exhibition games. Rett has been on fire. I think it’s going to be a tight game.”
I smile at her, appreciating her honesty, but mostly astounded by her.
I always thought I knew my shit as a kid, but I had nothing on this girl.
I’m so fucking proud of her.
“I just need to grab a drink and something to eat and then we can head out.”
“Gran said we couldn’t go skating and that I had to choose something better.”
“Okay, so what did you decide on?”
“The zoo,” she says with a wide smile.
“You got it, Peanut. Get ready to go and we’ll leave in thirty.”
“Okay, Daddy. I’m so glad you’re back, I love you.”
“I love you too,” I call after her just as Mom rounds the corner.
“Hey, sweetie. Welcome home.” She smiles at me, but she looks a little concerned.
“Hey. These are incredible,” I say, pointing at the cookies, hoping it’ll be enough to distract her from the questions in her eyes.
“Yeah, she did a great job. You don’t look like you’ve been sleeping. Is everything okay?”
I love my mother dearly. There is no way I could do what I do without her. But sometimes, I wish she wasn’t so entwined in my life.
“Yeah, everything’s great. Sutton and I are going to the zoo. Are you com?—”
“Nope. You two enjoy the time together. I’ll be here when you get back…in case you want to talk about anything.”
