Page 53 of Puck Me Secretly

“She’s taking the bus now, but I was wondering…”

“Anything. Buy her a new car and send me the bill.”

“She’ll know it’s from you.”

Max drew his hand over his mouth but didn’t speak.

“I thought maybe we could do a work around,” his uncle added.

“Anything.”

“You wire me the money. I’ll tell her that my mechanic friend owes me a favor and I’ll secretly pay the mechanic and get her back on the road.”

“That works. I’ll send you the money tonight.”

“I’ll make it happen.” Uncle Ronny cleared his throat. “So, are they treating you right out there?”

“Absolutely.”

“How about Baxter Nicols? I heard he’s tough on his players.”

“Nah,” Max lied. “He’s been great.”

My mind raced as I listened to his conversation. Why didn’t his Mom want his money? And why did they have to trick her into letting Max help her?

I listened as they joked around before the call ended. My insatiable curiosity about Max drove me to prod. “So, that was your uncle?”

“Yup. My mom’s brother.”

What about Max’s dad?Was he around?

“He sounds like he’s a good guy.”

“He’s the reason I’m here.”

“What do you mean?”

“My mom hates hockey, but he paid for my gear and drove me to my practices.”

Oh wow.

“Well, if he ever comes to a game, be sure to tell me so we can give him the royal treatment.”

“Thanks.”

I wracked my brain, trying to think about how I could ask him more about his mom without coming across as being snoopy.

He turned onto my street. I didn’t want this drive to end. I could never quite get enough of this guy.

He pulled up into the driveway and whistled under his breath as he took in the massive 8,000 square foot Greystone that was more mansion than house.

“Well, this is me,” I announced unnecessarily. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Rory,” his expression was hard to read. “Thanks for helping me out.”

I gave him a tired smile. “Last night wasn’t your fault.”

“I should have kept my cool.”

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