Page 252 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
It’s driving me fucking crazy.
We weren’t even a thing, and yet not seeing her, not talking to her…it’s like I’ve lost one of the most essential parts of my life.
“Come on, we made cookies,” Sutton says, wriggling out of my arms before taking my hand and dragging me toward the kitchen.
“Oh wow, these look amazing,” I say, taking in their handiwork.
“Here you go,” Sutton says, proudly handing me the jersey-shaped Polar Bears blue and yellow iced cookie with the number fifty-five written on it.
“Thanks, Peanut.”
“Before the game tomorrow, we’re going to make them for the Bears. I think Casey will love them.”
My breath catches at the sound of her name, successfully inhaling a bit of cookie. I fight the cough, but it’s no use.
“Daddy, are you okay?” Sutton asks with a concerned frown as I attempt not to cough up a lung.
“Uh huh,” I grunt as I take the glass of water Mom is holding out for me. “Your team will love that,” I add once I’m able to speak again.
“Why don’t you go and brush your teeth, sweetie? Your dad will be up in a few minutes.”
“Ow.” Sutton might complain, but she doesn’t hesitate to follow the rules.
“Get your book ready,” I say. “We’re going to finish it tonight, aren’t we?”
“Yep. And they’re going to win the championship,” she shouts before disappearing around the corner.
Mom waits until Sutton’s footsteps fade away before she speaks. “Are you ready to talk about it yet?”
“Mom,” I breathe.
“What? It’s eating at you, and I don’t need to be at practice to know it’s affecting you on the ice.”
I stare at her. “There’s nothing wrong with my game,” I say defensively.
“I know you, Kodie,” she says.
“Great,” I mutter, backing out of the room. Sutton won’t be close to being ready yet, but I need to get away from this.
I’m not ready to talk about her, confess my mistakes, or have Mom look at me with disappointment.
I’m just…
Fucking hell, I’m a mess.
“I’m just gonna…” I thumb over my shoulder before turning my back on her.
I’ve just stepped into the hallway when the doorbell rings.
I pause, not used to hearing the sound. No one ever comes here, and I’m not expecting a delivery.
“I’ll get it. You go and spend time with Sutton,” Mom says, stepping up behind me.
“Just get rid of them,” I mutter before taking the stairs two at a time and leaving her to it.
Sutton is still in her bathroom when I get there. I lower my ass to her bed and arrange her stuffies in the way I know she likes. Anything to attempt to keep my mind from wandering to Casey.
It’s Friday. She’s probably getting ready to go out with Parker.
