Page 8 of Skating to Him

“No, not last night. I kept it under control.” I pulled at astring in the blanket. She’d heard the stories of my drunk nights out from Teddy, the bastard. He loved telling all my secrets. “But my buddy got hammered.”And horny.My skin heated. Shit, why was I thinking about that? My mom was on the phone.

“And you took good care of him?” Her voice raised.

“I guess. His buddy took care of him. He lives with one of our wingers. Also gay.” I set the phone on speaker and placed it in my lap. This was going to be a longer conversation, I could tell.

“Oh, are they together?”

“No, they’re just friends. Both from Chicago.” I scratched the back of my head. “But the one guy is originally from Canada. Has the whole accent thing, eh?” I chuckled. Hockey was full of Canucks with accents like Myles. I’d heard it a million times.

“Yeah? Some would sayyouhave an accent too.” She snickered. “But really, how are you getting on down there? Have you met any nice girls or friends outside of hockey?”

Oh, here we go. She was worried about me. I pressed my lips together. “I’ve met some girls, none I’d take home.” I should ask about her health, but how do I do it without making her not want to talk about it? “Mom.”

“Yes, dear.”

“How are you?” I winced. That wasn’t very stealthy.

“I’m fine. Today’s a good day.” Her breath caught. “I went to the grocery store yesterday and didn’t use a scooter.”

“You did?” I swallowed a lump climbing up my throat. Fuck, how many more times would she be able to do that? “What? Did Dad make you?” I forced a sharp laugh. I had to make light of it or risk falling apart.

“No, he did not. I insisted. I think this flare-up is ending. I’ve been less tired. So I’m taking advantage of it while I can.”

I sank my teeth into my lower lip, released it, and blew out a breath. “Yeah? Is that what the doc thinks too?” How long would the remission last this time? The last one was only for a few weeks.

“I don’t need a doctor to tell me when I’m feeling better.” She huffed. “I see him this week. I’m sure he’ll confirm what I already know.” After sucking in a breath, she said, “MS sucks, but I’m not going to let it get me.”

My vision blurred. Except she had the rarest kind, the one only five percent of people with multiple sclerosis had. The one where each flare-up would get worse until she was no longer herself. Fuck. I swiped at the wetness on my lashes and, in a thick voice, said, “Yeah, I’m sure you won’t, Mom.” Maybe there’d be a cure someday…maybe.

“Anyway, enough of that talk. I’m glad to hear you’re making friends out there.”

“Yeah, thanks. These are good guys.” Warmth cradled my heart. I didn’t know what it was about the queer community, but damn, they knew how to make someone feel welcome. Maybe it was because they didn’t judge, and I hated that shit. “Maybe someday I can introduce Teddy to them.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’d like that.” She inhaled deeply. “You know he came around last week and spent time with me. He made me this fantastic salad.” She chuckled. “Aw, that kid is so thoughtful,” she said. “He misses you, you know.”

“I know, but I had to take the chance and come out here, Mom.” I clenched my jaw for a beat. It sucked, but there was no way for me to focus on hockey with Mom’s illness right in my face. I’d never get my stats up. “I’ll only be here this season, and then maybe I’ll get picked up by a team close to home.” I lifted my brows. “You know the guy I’m playing with now has a brother who plays for the Rangers, right?

“He does?” She went silent. “No wonder he plays so well. Must be from a hockey family.”

“Yep, his dad is a juniors coach.” I tapped the edge of my phone and glanced at my book. She knew a little bit about hockey, but Dad was the fan. “How’s Dad?”

“Oh, the usual. He’s got a big case he’s working on, but he’staking care of me too.” She freed a quick laugh. “Don’t you worry.”

“Yeah.” I furrowed my brows. Actually, I had been a little worried, but I also knew I had two brothers back home who’d help Mom when she needed it. “And how are Aaron and Danny?”

“Aaron brought a girl home for dinner two weeks ago. A cheerleader.” She giggled. “She was a very nice girl. Comes from a good family.”

“Figures,” I said under my breath. My brother was a high school heartthrob and the best quarterback in New England. “Good for him.”

“Danny is getting straightAs. He’s decided to study aerospace engineering and work for NASA.”

“Damn, that’s pretty specific.” Nerd all the fucking way. I huffed a chuckle, then gazed at the sunshine lighting the courtyard of my one-bedroom apartment. “And has he decided on a college yet?” The guy was only in tenth grade…

“Yes, MIT. Where else?” She breathed out a long sigh. “Ah well, I’m sure he’ll get a scholarship.”

“I’m sure he will too.” My chest tightened. And Aaron would get one for football, but if I didn’t get an NHL contract…my entire reason for coming out here would be gone. And I’d have missed a good year of Mom’s life. Fuck. I took another look at my book. We’d said enough. “Hey, Mom, I gotta study.” I had brothers to stay ahead of.

“Oh sure, dear. It was nice talking to you.” She blew out a breath. “And don’t you worry about me. I’m feeling better. Things are turning around.”

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