Page 56 of Sew Matcha in Love
I joined Arwyn and the dogs in the vestibule. “Sorry, no returns.”
He lifted the lid, revealing the egg-filled nest inside. “Birds are gross. My wife is pregnant. We have a cat. No birds. And where is their mama? Did you kidnap them?”
I laughed. Arwyn looked up at me, and I winked. “They’re not real, Monty. I do have a heart, you know.”
“Then use it more often.” He glanced from me to Arwyn and back to me again. “Good luck on your road trip. I’ll see you both at the gala.”
He spun on his heel and marched back to his truck.
Use my heart.
I wanted to. More than anything.
This road trip could not have come at a worse time.
But—the Olympic break would start when I got back. Since I wasn’t playing—I’d declined, citing child-care issues—we could extend the Valentine weekend at the cabin, if Arwyn was amenable to it. I’d even find a way to bring along all her sewing equipment if she asked.
CHAPTER 19
Arwyn
Zaki’s short road trip to California over the weekend felt longer than usual. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him?
Kami picked up the girls Saturday afternoon for a sleepover. The house was so quiet, even with the dogs. I kept myself busy, taking them for a walk along the creek. I finished both Penny’s gown and mine with the Edge game on for background noise. They won 5-2, and I debated texting Zaki to congratulate him.
By midnight, I was still wired.
Uneasy, even. I hadn’t been alone in the house in weeks.
California was an hour behind, time-wise, and Zaki would be up for a while since it took him hours to come down from the adrenaline high.
My heart overruled my brain, and with the dogs on either side of me for moral support, I sent a message:
Great game tonight. You were amazing anchoring that first PK.
He texted back right away.Thanks. Look at you, talking hockey.
I smiled and tapped out my reply.When I framed it as its own language, it became easier to pick up.
Ha. It really is.The bubble popped up with three dots, indicating he was tapping more words.So, watching hockey by yourself on a Saturday night. You sound like a fan.
I wasn’t alone,I typed with a grin.
Oh no?
Nope. Laffy, Vennie, June, and July were here rooting for y’all, too.
No August?
Nah. He doesn’t like hockey.
How do you know?
Hmm. HowdidI know?
I laughed softly as the answer came to me.Watching players get slammed into the boards reminds him of the time I knocked him over. He’s still recovering emotionally from that.
A trio of laughing emojis was my reward.
