Page 74 of The Sweetest Risk

“No, Mom let me finish. I never get to get a word in edgewise with you. I know that I am an adult and have always been the quiet one in the past. But I am not going to sit around and pretend that I am okay with the fact that no matter what I accomplish with my own career or my aspirations, in your eyes it will never live up to what Brad is doing with his life. Mom, I am one of the best teachers in the district and I am not one for tooting my own horn. When I got recognized for that, you and Dad were too busy to show up to that ceremony. Sure, it wasn’t breaking a record in a pro sport like Bradley did, but it was just as important…to me. And I know that I’ve been talking about opening up a bakery for almost ten years, but it takes time to do it the right way. Opening up any type of restaurant is risky and I want to make sure everything is right and, more importantly, that it feels right to me. Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen ever. This is a giant leap of faith and I don’t want to screw it up. I think I am so scared of screwing up because I know how much of a failure I’d be in your eyes, Mom. I know that if I do fail, you would be so disappointed in me.”

Tears are really making their appearance now. I plow on. “This includes relationships. I understand that you are disappointed that I broke up with Nick. He checked off everything on paper. I know that, deep down, you just want me to find someone to share a life with…like you did with Dad. And in a way, being with Nick reminded me of you and Dad. He never mistreated me. But there was something missing and I felt like I couldn’t really be myself around him. I was content, but I wasn’t head over heels for him. There is a difference, and I deserve tobe head over heels for someone. There was no real spark there. Trust me.”

My mind betrays me and wanders to the one man who ignited that spark in me. “All I want is for you to acknowledge my accomplishments with as much excitement as you do Bradley’s. And Mom, I don’t want you to worry about me being alone. I am surrounded by family and friends and the right man will come along when I least expect him to.”

My mom just stands there and nods. Without saying anything, she drains the pasta in the sink. Just when I think she is going to carry on and make dinner without acknowledging my big speech, she walks around the counter and gives me a hug. “Can I talk now?”

I nod through my staggered breathing. As soon as my mom’s hands touch my back, I break. There was so much I was holding in throughout the years – to finally release it, feels so nice.

My mom then does the same gesture my dad did to me in the living room: she takes my shoulders and looks directly at me. “Brooke, I am so sorry. Do you hear me?”

I nod, tears still covering my face.

She continues, with tears in her own eyes, “Your dad and I are immensely proud of you and what you have accomplished. I might seem harder on you because I know that you will be successful and I don’t want you to give up on your dreams. But I went about it the wrong way and I am sorry. Your brother’s career just took off and it was so easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all. And then he found the love of his life in Jen and I just wanted Nick to be it for you so badly. I don’t want you to be alone because I know that you deserve to be loved by a man who worships the ground you walk on, Brooke.” Then she cradles my face with her hands, just like she used to do when I was a kid and we were having a heart-to-heart. “Honey, I amso proud of you and love you immensely and I promise I will be better at telling you that.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you, too. Thanks for listening and hearing what I have to say.” It is my turn to embrace her. Although this conversation doesn’t solve everything, I know it is a step in the right direction with our relationship.

She pats my back and steps back from me. “I need to check on the meatballs. I can smell when they are done.” I must’ve inherited my spidey sense of knowing my baked goods are done before the timer even goes off. It’s just a feeling.

Mom reaches into the fridge and pulls out a bottle of wine. “Want a glass?”

“Mom, you never have to ask me that question. I’ll get the glasses and pasta bowls out.”

As I am placing the giant pasta bowls out on the table, my mom says as she is grating parmesan cheese, “I have to admit, I wasn’t surprised that Tristan stood up for you like that.”

My heart drops to the bottom of my belly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I think that Tristan is the man who worships the ground you walk on, Brooke.”

Trying to stifle the butterflies in my stomach, I detract by saying, “Did Bradley call and tell you to say that? I swear he never lets up.”

“Bradley didn’t tell me anything. I can see true love when it is right in front of me. Though it was a mortifying moment to be lectured in front of our friends, and I really didn’t appreciate the foul language he used, a part of me was proud of Tristan for showing up for you. A real man shows up for the people they love, Brooke. He showed up for you. I think he’s loved you for ten years.”

“It doesn’t matter now because we aren’t together anymore. He did something that hurt me, Mom. I don’t know if I can givehim a second chance.” I place pot holders on top of the dining room table.

“Brooke, I hate to break it to you, but men are not perfect. Far from it. Even the most loving relationships have their ups and downs and people mess up. It’s human nature. The real question is: did you find what you were looking for with Tristan? Because I really do think that he is the missing piece for you. Sure, he might drive you crazy. But I’ve always loved how he’s challenged you throughout the years. He unleashed a spark in you that I always knew was in there.”

I fiddle with the silverware in my hands. “I’m scared to let him in again, Mom. I didn’t want to fall in love with him, but it happened anyway.”

My mom places her hand on mine. I look into her eyes and she tells me plainly, “I know it did. I think you are perfect for each other. And if you want my opinion: it’s about damn time.”

A laugh escapes me.

“Oh but Brooke,” she adds, “that’s just my two cents. In the end, of course, this isyourlife andyourdecision. I’ll be here for you whatever you decide.”

My dad yells from the living room, “Hey! The news is doing a segment on the Storm! Maybe your brother will be on here to talk about game seven!”

Mom and I hurry in to watch. Part of the segment does feature Bradley talking about the strategy the team needs to implement during the game and how badly he wants the cup. Just when we think it is over, the anchor says, “While we’re on the Storm, we have new footage to share from an Instagram Live that is currently going viral.” The news station cuts to the viral video and my jaw drops when I see who is gracing my parents’ television screen.

33

Game Six of the championship round and we are ruthless out there. I don’t think I’ve skated so hard in my life. I’ve already lost one important thing in my life, probably the most important; I was not about to lose the most coveted trophy in sports. Even though we are playing on the other team’s turf in Colorado, we come away with a necessary victory.

After the game, I shower and put on fresh clothes. When I am leaving the locker room, our social media coordinator, Amy, approaches me.

“Do you have time to do some media, Tristan? It’s for Instagram Live and I am going to record it so we can keep the footage for later.”

“Sure, Amy.” I run my hand through my damp hair and straighten my shoulders.

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