Page 12 of Delayed Penalty

Realizing how badly this could screw up my chances at a Cup with the Serpents?Wince.

Realizing what an ass I am for not putting Flora first?Wince.

I know I should think of her first, I really do, but it’s been twenty-five years of just me. It’s a hard adjustment to make. This whole situation came out of nowhere, and even though I wish they would, things aren’t going to change instantly. I need to accept that.

“Sorry, man. I can’t…” Fox shakes his head. “I can’t imagine how rough it’s been. If one of my siblings was going through this crap or put me through hell like this… Well, I’d wring their necks, that’s for sure. I don’t know how you’re doing it.”

“I’ve got no choice.”

“You did have a choice. I know it, and you know it, too. But you made the right one and she’s lucky to have you. I know it’s going to be a big adjustment considering…” He trails off, sliding his eyes toward me in a telling way.

I chuckle. “Considering I’m a fucking mess myself?”

I can’t even count the times I’ve thought,Am I really the best person to take her in?To anyone on the outside, the answer is a resounding no. I can hardly take care ofmyself. Before Flora came into my life, I was barely coasting by. Sure, there was always hockey to keep me a semi-functioning adult, but does that path usually involve trashing hotel rooms and partying all night, showing up late to practice and arriving barely—and I meanbarely—sober enough to participate? Because that was me.

But I’m also Flora’s uncle and her only semi-stable living relative. She needs me. The last thing I was going to do is let her go to my parents, who love a bottle of booze more than they’ve ever loved me. I don’t want that life for her, so I guess it’s up to me, whether I like it or not.

Fox points at me. “You said it, not me.” He laughs at himself. “But, hey, she’s still alive, right? Fed and clothed and all that. Count that as a win.”

I’m lucky if I get five hours of sleep a night. Not to mention the fact that I’ve fed her donuts for breakfast at least four days this week, and for the other three, I made scrambled eggs. She picked shells out for two of those days. And I know without a doubt if it wasn’t for my housekeeper, I’d have shrunken her laundry by now. If that’s a win, it’s a piss-poor example of one. I’m hanging on by a thread, and it’s not even regular season yet.

“Any luck with finding a nanny?” Fox asks.

“I…I haven’t looked yet.” I cringe the second the words leave me.

He stops pedaling. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

I say nothing, which says plenty.

“Dude.” My teammate shakes his head. “What the hell are you waiting for?”

“A miracle?”

“You’re not kidding. That’s a big ask on such short notice. The regular season is…”

“Just a few weeks away? Yeah, I know.”

He’s right. I know he is. If I’m struggling now, I’m going to be really fucked here before too long, especially if I don’t find someone to take care of her while I’m on the road. Sure, the coaches and staff are being cool about her being here now, but when things are in full swing, there’s no way she’s going to be able to hang around.

“I don’t even know what I’m looking for,” I confess. “I’ve never had to deal with this shit before. Until a few months ago, my biggest worry was not waking up my one-night stand when I snuck out of their place in the wee hours of the morning. Now it’s…” I shake my head.

“Sucks, dude, but that’s life. As far as what to look for: someone with CPR training and the ability to keep a child alive would be a good start, plus someone Flora likes.”

“Wait, amIsupposed to know CPR?”

“I mean, it would be ideal.” Fox grimaces like he’s sorry he even brought it up. “Want me to ask around? See if I can help find someone?”

“Who are you going to know around here? I thought all your family is down south.”

“That…is an excellent point.” We both laugh. “I don’t know. Maybe Lawson will know someone?”

“Know who?” Lawson strides back into the room and hops onto the bike like he was here the whole time. “Good news! I was right about my girlfriend. She doesn’t want kids either. No little life ruiners for me.”

“They aren’t life ruiners,” Fox argues. “Some people argue they make life better.”

“And good for those people. However, I don’t want kids, so don’t make me have kids, ya feel?” Lawson tells him in a serious tone, which is unusual to witness. He’s typically the biggest joker around, but I guess even he has his lines.

“I feel,” our goalie says, effectively dropping the subject.

---