Page 57 of Sew Matcha in Love
I loved that he understood my humor. Most people didn’t.
One game down, two to go, then over two weeks off. You must be excited to spend all that time with the girls.
Instead of texting me back, my phone rang, signaling an incoming call. I accepted and held the phone up to my ear.
“Hi,” I greeted him. “Everything okay?”
“Hey. Yeah. I just—” He paused.
I waited.
“I had an idea I wanted to run by you. I was going to call you tomorrow, since we’re off, but you’re up, so…”
“Spill,” I demanded. His uncertainty made me curious.
“I was thinking I’d take the girls to the cabin over the off weekends, but then I had another idea, because I want to spend the time with you, too. If you want to spend time with me, er, us.”
“I’d like that a lot,” I said softly. “I have next weekend free, since I finished both gowns. But that’s a long drive from the gala the following weekend.” Had he changed his mind about going?
“We can stay until Tuesday morning, since Monday is a holiday.”
“Right, I forgot about that. More hockey lessons, then?”
“And more ballet lessons. You remember I have a studio in the basement.”
I laughed. “I do. Don’t forget to pack your tutu.”
“Not a chance.”
“You’re a great dad, Zaki.” I smiled to myself, remembering how my own dad would go along with any kind of play I suggested. Mom was more down-to-business. She’d taught me how to take care of myself and find purpose in the things I loved.
My eyes began to burn with the hint of tears to come. I missed them both so much.
“Why so quiet, Wynna-bun?” Zaki’s tone was buttery soft. Concerned but interested.
“I was remembering what it was like to have parents,” I confessed.
“Ah. When was the last time you saw your mom?”
“A little over a year ago, when she came home to get the rest of her stuff and sign the house over to me. She’s had an apartment in Washington, DC, for as long as I can remember and decided to make the move permanent.”
“That must have been hard for you.”
“Not hard. Just sad.” I swiped at my eyes with the end of my sleeve. “I’d been living by myself for years at that point.”
“You’re incredible, Wynnie. You know that, right?”
I chuckled at the awe in his voice. “You’re sweet. I’ve just done what I needed to do. Like you. I couldn’t imagine moving to a new continent when I was fifteen and living with strangers. The very thought of it is terrifying.”
“All I could think about back then was hockey. I just did what I needed to do,” he echoed.
I settled back into my pillows. “You’ve created a wonderful life for yourself and your girls, Zaki. They’re smart, friendly, fun, well-adjusted, and able to navigate redirects with ease. Many adults can’t do that.”
“Yeah. I’m proud of those little sass-tots.”
“Sass-tots?” I giggled. “I’ve never heard that one before.”
“That’s what our housekeeper in England called my sisters. Isla and Amelie take it to another level, though. If Mrs. Litherland ever met them—” He whistled.
