Page 23 of Heart Taker

When he spotted us, I waved, and though his mouth barely moved in response, his eyes brightened. He started in our direction, moving faster, much to the obvious concern of his nurse, Mandy, who kept urging him to go slow.

“Good afternoon, Silas, Josiah,” Mandy greeted us. “Tobias is fighting fit today. Determined to outwalk me.”

“I can see that,” I replied and looked at my dad with a grin. “You’ll be back on the ice with me and Jo in no time.”

Thessound came out of Dad’s mouth like a whisper, as he tried to say my name. It was faint, but I heard it. I bent over to give him a hug, and my father let go of his walker. His grip wasn’t strong like it used to be, but it still made me happy. Jo leaned over and did the same.

“Let’s sit down out here somewhere,” I suggested. “I’ve got lots of pictures from the game to show you.”

“Silas, why don’t you and Josiah take your father over to the picnic table?” Mandy offered. “I’ll go get his wheelchair in case he needs it coming back.”

“Thanks.” I nodded and glanced over at the nearby table.

It was only another ten steps or so to get there. Nothing for me and Jo, but a marathon for my dad. I stood on one side of him and Jo on the other, making sure Dad was steady enough but not wanting to intervene unless necessary. The determinedlook in my dad’s eyes told me he was going to make it to the table, and he didn’t want help.

Understanding his need for independence, I walked slowly, and looked over at my brother, who smiled knowingly at me in return.

It took us a few minutes to get what should’ve been a few seconds away.

When we reached our destination, I took hold of my dad’s arm to steady him, and Josiah turned the walker around seat first. Once my father was settled at the head of the table, I sat down on one bench with Jo opposite me. I pulled my tablet out of my backpack and began to scroll through the media shots that the school had already posted.

“These aren’t in any particular order,” I started and placed my tablet in front of my family. “Have a look through.”

Josiah began to swipe and tap on the pictures.

“Wow, cool shots. God, that first goal was something. Jace is awesome,” Jo exclaimed. “And here’s one of Axel.”

After a while, my dad reached his right hand out and tapped the screen, then pointed a shaky finger at me.

“You like that one, Pops?” Jo remarked and turned the tablet back to me. “He’s right, it’s a good one. And is that a smile on your face, bro? I’m shook. Who knew you still had teeth?”

“Ha ha.”

“The guy with the black hair, that’s your coach?”

I nodded and swallowed hard. I’d talked about my teammates, but not so much about Coach, except to gripe about extra practice. But that was it. And with Josiah’s immune system being more susceptible during the winter season, I hadn’t allowed him to come to games to meet the team.

“Damien,” I replied. “I mean, Banning. Coach Banning. You’ve heard me talk about him.”

“You usually call him Coach. So, Damien, eh?” Josiah looked at me inquiringly and then back at the photo of me dousing Coach. “He’s pretty hot. For an old guy.”

My dad’s right eyebrow moved. Both of mine hit my hairline.

“What?” Josiah smiled innocently at us. “I only speak the truth. Like I don’t notice attractive people? I’m almost eighteen. Please.”

“Jo—” I started.

I guess it was time for us to have another one of those talks.

“I said, for an old guy.”

“He’s only thirty.”

“Like I said.” Josiah chuckled.

I was going to give him my finger but caught my father’s disapproving gaze.

“Moving on,” I insisted.

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