Page 87 of The Golden Goalie

“This what?” I can’t help but ask.

“This childish behavior.”

I stare at her as the hurt I have no right to feel, rushes to the surface. “I gotta go, Mom. I love you,” I choke out before heading out the door. My day is a wreck before I ever get to the library. I fail a test I forgot was scheduled for today, my battery in my car died and I had to have help getting it jumped. Because of that, I’m now late to work.

I head inside feeling like a bear on the warpath. “You look rather flustered today,” Mrs. Randolph points out, oh so helpfully.

“I haven't had the best day,” I admit. “But I’m ready to work hard.”

Mrs. Randolph scoffs. “Like that was ever a worry.” I glance over at her. “You’re the best student I’ve ever had work for me in this library, and I’ve been here a long time.”

“Really?”

“Oh, don’t get mushy about it; or I’ll change my mind.”

I bite back a smile. “Thank you, I needed that today.”

I get to work on the project I’ve been working on. As part of my class and work in library science, I have to plan a huge community day to support and celebrate the library. Any time I have free time lately, that’s what I work on. It's quiet for a while when Mrs. Randolph disappears for a time.

“Excuse me,” somebody says, catching my attention. I look up to see a striking woman maybe a few years older than me. She looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t seem to place her.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

She leans forward and gives me a onceover. “Hmm. You’re her.”

I blink. “Excuse me?”

“I thought you would be so much more somehow. It’s sort of a disappointment, frankly.”

I'm flabbergasted at her words. “What are you going on about?”

“I’m talking about meeting the woman who seems to be dating not one but two professional hockey players.”

My mouth goes dry. “Listen...”

“I had to read online,” she continues right along. “On social media of all places that my baby brother was dating a girl.” A wave of surprise rolls over me. Instantly, I see the likeness to her brother. “Of course he couldn’t call his only sister to tell her; I had to see it online. And then, like a week later, that same girl is dating another guy. From another team. So, tell me, how does it feel to rip out hearts and stomp all over them, Heartbreaker?”

If I wasn’t so frustrated, I would shake her hand and call her my new best friend. Sadly, that’s not going to happen. “Listen, you should really stay out of something that has nothing to do with you.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you miss the part where I said that Rico is my younger brother?”

I take a weary breath. ”No, I caught that part loud and clear.”

“And?” She raises her eyebrows.

“I’m pretty sure Rico doesn’t need you to fight his battles for him. Does he even know you’re here right now?” I return her stare. “From the look on your face, I’m going to take that as a no.”

She shakes her head. “I’m worried about him. He’s always made super wise decisions up until now,” she says pointedly.

“Rico’s an amazing person, and he’s plenty wise. He has nothing to do with any of this, so just leave him be.” My words come out harsher than I intend them to.

She studies my face. “You don’t happen to know where he is right now, do you? He didn’t answer my four phone calls and six text messages.”

I wince. “Well, in his defense, he kind of had this dropped on him, and he’s gone for a series of away games...which you would know if you watched any of his games.”

She stares at me, and I prepare myself for whatever she’s going to say to me next. But she surprises me. “Hmmm. You’re not what I expected.”

I arch an eyebrow. “With you, I can’t tell whether that’s a compliment or a threat.”

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