Page 13 of Triple Puck Valentines

“I don’t believe that. If they almost killed you why didn’t you call the cops?” His eyes are narrowed, inspecting my face for any lies. He didn’t need to look. I don’t care if he believes me or not.

“I don’t care if you believe me or not. You asked why I left and I told you. Coach Sumners found me and took me to his place. Patched me up. Told me to not call the cops. A lot of the members are on the force. He was afraid something would happen to me. When I turned eighteen I left for college. Worked two jobs and got my education while playing hockey.” I throw my head back, trying to stretch the headache out, I feel coming.

“I need to get back. See how Kat’s doing.”

“Yeah. So, what’s going on with that girl. Her name sounds familiar.” His gaze turns back to the cattle, inspecting them with a practiced eye.

“What’s going on? I’m going to marry her. Already bought the ring.” A smile settles on me, my thoughts center on her.

“Marry her? Is it true you share her with two other guys? How does that work? How can you be sure she’s not after your money?”

“You sure got a lot of questions. Writing a manual on me?” I glare, tired of this so called talk we’re having. Should have known it would turn out this way.

“Why don’t you ask if I’m after her money because let me tell you she has plenty. From her father and from her own singing. She doesn’t need us. We need her. We can’t survive without her.” I push off of the corral, taking a couple steps away.

“I’m tired of this unproductive conversation. Let’s call it a day. We’ll head back to the hotel. This whole trip is a bust. We might head on back tomorrow.” I wave my hand about haphazardly.

“No reason to leave. What about Mama? See this is what I expect from you. Leave. Go. We’ll get on fine without you or your money.”

“Don’t do this. I’ll take her to the doctor today. See what’s going on. Try to get her to take the chemo and get her a housekeeper. Why does she look ninety when she’s only sixty-four?” That’s my big question. She didn’t look like this five years ago. She was vibrant. Not this shell of herself.

“I don’t know what you mean Jeremiah.” He might say that, but he won’t look me in the eye.

“I’m not doing this anymore. I’m going to see Mama. Find out if she got an appointment.”

I turn my back on him, and walk back to the house.

10

KATRINA

Sitting on the sofa waiting for Hutch to return I start to image what that old bitch could do to me if I’m not careful.

I pull my phone out of my bag and punch the button for the first name on contacts. I tap my foot on the floor while the phone rings. Is he practicing? Working out? That has me imaging Jesse lying on the weight bench. Shirtless, wearing tiny shorts. Sweat glistening on his body, “Hello? Kat?”

“Jess. Oh God I’m so glad to hear from you.” I’m almost crying I’m so relieved. I can hear the tears in my voice.

“Kitty Kat what’s wrong? Where’s Hutch?” Echoes come to me from the speaker.

“With his brother I think.” It’s so good to hear from him. It’s been less than twenty-four hours and it feels like years. I need all three of my men together.

“What’s wrong? Come on. Talk to me.”

“What are you doing? I just want to hear your voice.” I wrap my arms around my middle, wondering if I am pregnant. Is it Jesse’s? The only way would be a DNA test. We discussed this one time for “in the future.” We decided we didn’t want to know.

“Come on Kitty Kat. You’re scaring me. Talk to me.” His voice muffles, “it’s Kat. Something’s wrong.”

“I only needed to hear your voice. I miss you and Abel. Can’t wait to come home as be with all three of you.”

“Kat where are you?” Hutch. Finally.

“I’m in the living room.” I know the relief is doing the talking for me, but I don’t care. I’m scared. I can’t tell anyone. Unless his mother drops the sweetness and light motherly act no one will believe me. Especially Hutch, so pretend it is.

“Hutch.” This time Abe’s voice booms from the speaker on the phone.

“Baby, where’s Mama?” He steps into the room, his boots muffled on the frayed carpet.

“Um. Went to take a nap. I wonder if she called the doctor. We’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

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