Page 71 of The Golden Goalie

“And that’s a problem?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

She doesn’t say anything for a few minutes. “What happened tonight?”

I take a deep breath. “I ran into Gina and Becca at the restaurant.” My mom doesn’t say anything. “You remember them?”

“Yes, I remember them.”

“Yeah, well I haven’t really seen either of them this semester. Our freshman and sophomore years, the three of us were inseparable. Anyway, I ran into them in the bathroom.” My mom still doesn’t say anything. “They’d heard that I was pregnant andfigured the baby was Adams, so they wanted to know what I was doing with Rico.” I shake my head and stare at the floor.

“What is it, Baby?”

“They were so like...proud of me, making a big deal about the fact I’d been with not one hockey player buttwo.” I shake my head and wipe my eyes. “Stupid hormones.” I swallow hard. “It’s just...Rico’s such a nice guy. It’s not like that with him.”

“Of course it’s not, Sweetie.”

“But what if everybody thinks that? What if everybody thinks I’m just playing fast and loose with any hockey player I can get?”

“Is that true?”

I turn to my mom. “No, of course not.”

“Then why does it matter?” I don’t answer right away.

“Because it does,” I protest.

“Does it matter to Rico?” she asks, getting right to the heart of the matter.

“I don’t know, but I don’t want to hurt him or his reputation,” I add softly. It’s quiet for a little bit. “Maybe I shouldn’t be with him, or maybe after the baby but not right now.”

“Don’t you think that’s a choice that he should be able to make?” Mom asks softly.

“Probably, but he’s too nice.”

“Amber.”

“Mom, you don’t get it. He’s a really good guy. Becca and Gina made him sound like...an object.” I shake my head in disgust. “Was I like that when I was with them?” Her silence is telling. I lay back on the bed. “I was such a terrible person.”

“No, you weren’t, my precious girl. But you’ve grown up a lot over the last few month’s; you’ve had to. And Amber, I’m proud of the woman you’re becoming.”

I open my eyes. “Really?” I ask softly.

“Really.” She helps me sit up, and I wrap my arms around her.

“Thanks, Mom. I’m going to do better, I promise.”

“You already are, Dear.” We sit in the quiet for a few minutes before she pats my leg and stands up. “Now, why don’t you call that sweet young man?”

I cringe. “I don’t know.”

“That wasn’t a suggestion, Daughter of mine. Just call him and put him out of his misery.”

“Misery? What misery?”

“Honey, when you wouldn’t talk to him, he looked so upset. Just call him.”

I’m already grabbing my phone. “Thanks, Mom.” I pause. “I love you.”

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