Page 36 of Lemon Cake

“Dan.”

“You should bring him around next time we all meet up again.”

“I think he’d love that.”

“That’s not one of ours.” Braiden gestured to the jersey. “I assume it’s your old number?”

Swallowing against the lump in her throat, Gemma nodded. “It is.”

“Gemma and I are fighting for the spot as his favourite player right now,” Rider offered.

“Sorry to tell you buddy, but I would definitely choose Gemma over you. She’s much cooler” Braiden laughed.

Rider feigned offence and clutched his invisible pearls. “I didn’t know our friendship meant so little to you.”

They laughed, and Dan returned, holding the pen up to Braiden. “Do you want to sign my jersey too?”

“I would love to.”

“Last one for tonight,” Gina warned as Braiden knelt down. “You and I need to get going.”

Dan sighed. “Why?” he groaned.

“Because it’s way past your bedtime and everyone else wants to go home too.”

“But—”

“No buts!”

Dan’s shoulders slumped and he crossed his arms. “Fine.”

“I assume you will take Gemma home?” Gina asked, looking over at Rider.

“Of course.”

Gemma leaned down, pulling Dan into a hug and stamping a kiss to his cheek. “I’ll see you Monday after school, okay buddy?”

“Okay.” He still didn’t seem impressed.

“Now what do we say to Rider and Laila?”

“Thank you, Rider and Laila.”

“You’re very welcome,” Rider grinned, mussing Dan’s hair.

“Let me show you the way out,” Laila offered.

“That would be nice. I think we would get lost if I were to try to find the exit.” Gina hugged Gemma, then took Dan’s hand in hers. “It was very nice meeting you, Rider.”

“Maybe we can get to chat a little more next time.”

“Oh, definitely!”

Reluctantly, Dan followed his mother out of the locker room, narrowly avoiding causing a fuss—but the look on his face made his feelings on the matter obvious.

“So, what are you two beauties up to now?” Braiden asked.

“Did you hear that? He called me pretty,” Rider teased.

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