Page 17 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
“Why?”
She gasps. “I’m right, aren’t I? I knew it!”
“Laney, It’s not a date. Just dinner with an old friend.”
“He or she?”
I hesitate at first. “She.”
“An old flame from your past?” Excitement fills her voice.
“Maybe.”
She squeals. “About time.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Your email—when do you need it?”
“Oh, that. Not until the end of the week. Just needs a digital signature.”
“I’ll take care of it. No problem.”
“Thank you! Now go back to your date.”
“Not a date.” But I think she already hung up.
Once inside, I return to my seat. Rebecca sets her phone aside, appearing uncomfortable. “Someone you’re seeing?”
Seeing her discomfort over a possible romantic entanglement sends an odd streak of satisfaction through me. “My niece. She needs something signed for college.”
“Oh.” She slides her hands from the table to her lap. “I was so sorry to hear about your sister.”
I never knew what to say to people when they said that after her death, and I still don’t, so I simply nod.
Hesitating, she blinks, appearing nervous. “I called.”
“I know.”
Lips pursed, she straightens in her seat. “But you didn’t call me back.”
“I know.” I take a deep breath. “I didn’tknow how to juggle more than playing hockey and taking care of a five-year-old.”
Her eyes widen. “You raised her?”
Running my finger through the moisture on the side of my glass, I nod again.
“I never saw anything in the news.”
“Because I made sure Laney was never in it.”
Her gaze softens, and she smiles. “She’s so lucky to have you.”
“And I her.”
An awkwardness settles between us.
Rebecca glances at her watch. “It’s getting late. And I have an early morning, as you know.”
Is she being honest or pushing me away again? “Would you mind if I sat in the interview with Gabe?”
