Page 34 of Unwritten Rules
Talking about Mum never gets easier. I would be lying if I said she’s always on my mind, even after two years of her being gone. I feel her in different ways—her calmness in high-stress situations, her support when I’m riddled with anxiety, or her warmth when sadness consumes me. I don’t need to think about her every second of the day to prove I miss her or to remember her face and voice. She comes to me when I need her most, and to me, that’s far more valuable than lying awake thinking about her. No matter where I am, or what I’m doing, I feel her—watching and loving me from afar.
When the news of her death made its way around Barrenridge, I was inundated with texts and calls from extended family and friends offering their condolences. The most surprising person to reach out to me was Sadie Cooper. We were in the same year group in high school, but never spoke much, unless it was in passing. Her mum passed away just after graduation, so she understood what I was going through at the time.
“It hurts now, Tate, and it might never get easier with time, but rest assured your mum will always be with you, no matter where you go or what you do.”
I needed to hear that more than anything.
It pains me that Mum left this world far too young, long before she was ready. I wish she were here to see me on this new journey and tell me she’s proud. Knowing she won’t get to witness the big moments in my life fills me with a sadness not many people can understand. But even though she’s not herephysically, it doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s standing in the kitchen with Dad and me, a cup of tea in hand and a smile on her face.
“I know,” I manage to choke out. “I wish she was here, you know?”
Dad nods, his face twisted in what I can only assume is grief. “Me too, Tate. But she’s cheering on from the sidelines. Her voice always was the loudest.”
I smile. “Really?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Your mother was my number one supporter. She went to every game, even if we were in a different state. Rain, hail or shine, she wore my jersey with pride, never letting the outcome of the score dampen her shine.”
“She used to tell me lots of stories about you guys growing up.”
Dad raises a brow at me. “Did she tell you the story about the time she nearly got into a punch-up with a fan in the crowd during the grand final of ‘06?”
My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. “No. What happened?”
Dad rolls his tongue in his cheek, folding his arms over his chest. “Well, she told me the wife of one of the Illawarra Sharks was talking shit about me, and in my honour, threatened to beat her ass if she didn’t stop talking.”
“Mum did that?” I all but squeeze out, unable to believe the words coming from his mouth. “Are we talking about the same woman?”
Dad chuckles, the sound airy and filled with memories from decades ago. “She was fierce, your mother. And so incredibly loyal that I almost didn’t feel worthy of her.” He exhales a soft sigh, meeting my gaze. “She was willing to get arrested if it meant standing up for me. What woman does that? But she wasn’t just any normal woman. Your mum was brave, outgoing,supportive and so beautiful it hurt to look at her.” Dad blinks rapidly and shakes his head. “I didn’t deserve her one bit, but she didn’t care. She showed up when I needed her the most, and I wish I had done the same for her.”
“Dad…” I breathe, voice shaky.
“I should’ve been there for her, for you. But I wasn’t.”
“Mum understood why you didn’t stay,” I try to reason, my heart aching seeing the pain splintering across his features. “You were doing everything you could to provide for us.”
“And in the process, I let you both down because I should’ve been more present, more available. But instead, I let my passion get in the way of the two women I care the most about.” Dad exhales a shaky breath and reaches for his coffee, downing the remnants of the drink. He sets the cup down and meets my eyes, tears brimming in his lower lashes. “I can’t take back my actions, Tate, but I promise you that I’m going to do whatever I can to take care of you now. And I know your mother is watching over us, offering her wisdom and support. This time, I’m not going to let her down.”
Tears sting the corner of my eyes, threatening to spill over the edges as I watch my dad round the kitchen island and stop beside me. Warmth radiates from him as he rests a hand on my shoulder, gentle and supportive. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him Mum wouldn’t want him to feel this way, that she loved him more than anything, but the words die on my tongue, hidden behind the lump forming in my throat.
Instead, I stay silent as Dad offers me a tight-lipped smile. “I better get going. But I’ll see you at the game later, okay?”
“Yeah,” I say with a nod, voice tight. “Drive safely.”
Dad pats my shoulder before dropping his hand to my side. “You too, Tate. That Jeep of yours is a death trap.”
Dad wasright about my Jeep being a death trap. In the short twenty-minute drive to the Wolves’ home ground, I was convinced the engine was going to die on me three separate times, and each time I had a mini heart attack. I don’t know what possessed me to take my car, knowing I’m in the market for a new one that won’t potentially give out on me on the side of the road, but here I am, putting my life in the hands of a vehicle that needs to be taken to the wreckers.
Tonight is the first home game with me working for the Wolves. I’m looking forward to seeing how a home crowd fairs against an away crowd, and judging by the sea of black, red and white jerseys filing through the gates, I have no doubt the atmosphere tonight is going to be insane, despite it being a Thursday night.
I step out of my car and lock the door behind me. My gaze sweeps across the group of women sauntering towards the back entrance to the stadium, suitcases rolling behind them. Each of them has their hair curled to perfection, makeup so smooth it looks professionally done and poms poms tucked under their arms. Realisation dawns on me.
Since working for the club, I have yet to meet the cheerleading squad. The previous games I attended were away games, which meant the Wolves’ cheerleaders weren’t needed. But they’re here tonight and ready to cheer on the guys.
I hang back by my car, not wanting to walk in with them. I’m not one to be intimidated by women, but when there are a group of them who are beyond stunning and immenselytalented… Yeah, I’m going to steer clear and fly under the radar. I’m sure they’re lovely women, but the last thing I need is to feel inadequate in their presence.
“I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?”
My heart slams into my throat at the airy voice behind me. Spinning on my heels, my gaze clashes with hazel eyes framed by curled balayage hair. The woman’s features are hidden behind a layer of makeup, but it’s not hard to tell she’s younger than me—her tanned skin flawless and her fashion choice working wonders for her curves. Everything about this woman is stunning, making me feel anything but in my staff polo and black dress pants.
