Page 23 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
Since when did my baby sister start seeing herself as so small?
“Kayla, you also designed a successful catering business that practically runs itself. That’s quite a feat.”
“I know.” She hesitates. “The hockey bug never bit me like it did you, much to Dad’s chagrin.”
“Not true. Dad was proud of you and your catering business. He was glad you didn’t feel pressured to follow in my footsteps. Or his.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“So I’m not a bad mom for wishing my daughter wanted to shadow me at my job instead?”
“No, not at all. I’d be surprised if you felt otherwise.” I lean forward and set my wine glass on the coffee table. “Kayla, you’re an amazing mother. Did you ever consider that Quinn is exerting her independence because you taught her to?”
“I suppose.”
“She sees her mom running a business and wants to figure out her place in the world.”
She snickers. “Since when did you become the wise, motherly type?”
I shrug to myself. “I don’t think I’d call it that. More like hands-on experience managing temperamental male toddlers.”
She giggles. “I do hope you’re not referring to Zach.”
“No, my GM.” I fill her in with theentire story, including how Jack tried to sabotage me. “Zach offered to talk to him.”
“What did you say?”
I roll my eyes. “No. That I’d handle it myself.”
“See? You just made my point.”
“And what point would that be?”
“You operate like a mother, like a matriarch.”
I cringe at the word. “Why? Because I’m the same age as the mothers of the younger players on my team?”
“No. Because you always know what a situation needs. You observe and figure out what’s needed. And then you manage it. What do you think moms do all day?”
A knock comes from my front door. “I never thought of it that way. Listen, someone’s at my door. Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Want me to stay on the phone while you answer it?” She sounds half serious.
“Why?”
“In case there’s a psycho on the other side.”
With a soft laugh, I pad to my front door. “I’ll use my peephole.”
“I’m staying on the phone. Don’t hang up.”
“Now you’re just being nosy.” I check to see who’s there.
“Maybe. Who is it?”
I can’t answer my sister because I stopped breathing. Why is he here at this hour?
