Page 52 of The Ex Puck Bunny
Instead, I go to the market in town to get some groceries and make myself a boring protein-rich meal—my gains are good so I shouldn’t complain. Plus, being a responsible diabetic willhopefully ward off the inevitable vision impairment my doctor predicted.
I should probably also go to a furniture store. The house is practically empty. If someone were to visit, they’d be concerned about my mental health. Mostly, I hang out at Derek’s just like we’ve always done.
Unfortunately, I haven’t run into Heidi again and have considered messaging her a few times. Okay, every night. I tell myself I’m studying the Lions’ social media content to get ideas for my account, but really I’m just watching her skate, do silly dances with the Ice Kitties, and waiting for her to flash a smile.
Is it stalkerish? That’s not my intention.
Is it creepy? I hope not.
Is it a jealous bid to try to find a video of her and Trey to find out if they looked at each other the way we did while singing karaoke? Yes, yes it is.
Do I see them exchange a lovey-dovey look where they’re flirting with their eyes? Not. Even. Close.
From what I’ve gleaned, their relationship was a flash in the pan. It ended as quickly as it started. But that’s not at all what I should be thinking about while I help Mr. Rice under the hood of the old Dodge.
He says, “I’ve been thinking about a full restoration, but Mimi won’t let me dip into the rainy day fund or the money we’ve been putting aside for a cruise. You’d think, after all these years, we’d be able to take three cruises, but prices keep rising and it’s hard to keep up. We decided if we’re going to do it, we won’t spare any expense on upgrades. We waited this long, so why not go all out on the most exclusive ship with all the inclusives? I’ll take the five-eighth socket. I swear this bolt is seized up.”
“Want me to give it a try?” I offer.
Mr. Rice straightens and gestures forme to have at it.
He’s right, the bolt is tight, but I manage to get it off.
“My, you boys have grown up. I remember when I’d drive you around the farm roads in the back of this pickup and you’d always beg me to go faster.” He shakes his head. “Glad Mimi never found out about that.”
I make a lip-zipping gesture. “The secret is safe with me. I’ll take it to the grave.”
At the mention of secrets, he looks me over and plants his hand on my shoulder. “Son, I know you and your character. I’m certain that you weren’t involved in whatever nonsense got you suspended. But I’m glad to have you back home.”
Our gazes meet for a beat. A sense of relief I didn’t know I’d been looking for sweeps through me. He’s right, but I didn’t realize that I needed to hear it from someone who matters.
My eyes prickle at the corners. I give a quick nod and say, “Sir, thank you. That means a lot.”
He turns back to the Dodge and murmurs, “I know.”
I imagine he and Mimi—Mrs. Rice—knew all about my living situation growing up. I’ve never felt like a charity case. More like a member of the family, so when Mrs. Rice comes out and asks me to stay for dinner, I don’t say no. Never mind Nat’s nutrition plan. There is little better in the world than a home-cooked meal at the Rice family kitchen table.
After Mr. Rice and I get washed up, we set the place settings. It isn’t lost on me that it includes four and a high chair, so I’m guessing this means Heidi or Derek are joining us.
While Mrs. Rice finishes preparing the meal, Mr. Rice shows me his sports den, filled with hockey memorabilia that he’s collected over the years, including photos of me.
He whispers, “Don’t tell anyone I have Generals merch up here.”
I chuckle. “Next time I’m at the Ice Palace, I’ll get you some new stuff.”
“I’d like that.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
As soon as I’m in Cara’s good graces, I’m going to get Mr. and Mrs. Rice VIP tickets. Each team does things slightly differently, but they do offer perks for friends and family. Since this one is all I’ve got, the Rices are in for a nice treat.
From downstairs, comes the sweet giggle of a little girl.
Mr. Rice beams. “Ah, there’s our Bunny.”
He bounds down the stairs as if this is the highlight of his day. Mrs. Rice holds Bunny on her hip and Mr. Rice greets her like only a doting grandpa can. Heidi is nowhere to be seen, but my pulse ticks up a few notches when I catch a whiff of her spring rain and jelly bean scent.
Moments later, Bunny sees me and begs to play Buckaroo, so I do. It’s mostly a bouncing game, and her smile is so much like her mom’s that a wave of nostalgia for something I never let myself want fills me.
