Page 51 of The Love Comeback
I open up the youth hockey webpage for the umpteenth time and check, which only leads to me shaking my head at an empty list. “Not yet. They said they would post the roster this evening. But they didn’t give a specific time…” I give him the best smile I can manage, but honestly, I’m feeling his nerves, too.
“I’m sure it’ll pop up soon,” Kade says as he lands beside Colton and then pats his shoulder. “You can’t let it distract you too much.”
Colton gazes up at him, but even Kade can’t seem to quell the frustration. “My lessons will all be for nothing if I don’t make the team.”
Kade’s dark brows furrow, and he leans against the railing. “If you don’t make the team, then the lessons are evenmoreimportant. I can talk to the director, figure out why you didn’t make the cut, and then we can work harder on developing your skills.”
Colton nods, but I can see how much this is weighing on him.
“You’re going to be okay, regardless of the outcome.” I repeat, telling him the same words I’ve been telling myself all evening.
“I guess I’ll just keep skating for a little while longer,” Colton huffs, pushing off the rail and heading back in the direction of the cones that Kade has set up.
Kade holds my gaze a little longer, just enough to cause me to squirm from the heat in his eyes. Then, Colton calls for him, and he pushes off the railing in the same fashion my son did a minute ago. I try to shake it off, but my heart beats unevenly.
I lean back against the bleacher behind me, the metal digging into my upper back. It’s uncomfortable, but the support allows me to close my eyes for a moment and relax with a couple of deep breaths, doing my best to swallow the nerves about everything. I want this for Colton so badly … but why does it have to be so dangexpensive?
Just take it one step at a time.
My eyes flutter open, and I reach down, once again refreshing the website. This time, the team roster pops up, and the columns are full of names. My heart jumps to my throat, and I brace as I zoom in and start working my way through the list.
I spot Aaron’s name first and smile, knowing that he’s probably elated—and so is Valerie. I continue down that list until I make it to the very last name.
“Colton Whimsy,” I read aloud, a mixture of emotions once again bubbling to the surface.
Just celebrate with him. Worry about therest later.
Keeping my phone clutched in one hand, I stand to my feet and then make my way to the railing. Kade and Colton don’t notice my movement, as they’re working the puck through the maze of cones.
My eyes drop down to Kade’s biceps, curled and taut as he demonstrates to Colton what he wants him to do. My mind flashes back to the parts of high school that only he knows, and it involved those arms being wrapped around me. Goosebumps pop up on my skin, and my stomach shifts from knotted to fluttering. Longing erupts in my chest, and I find the ache that I worked so hard to overcome a decade ago returning like it never left.
Ugh.I clear my throat, hoping to cut through my feelings while also getting Kade and Colton’s attention. They both stop and look at me. Kade instantly reads whatever is on my face and turns to Colton.
“I think Ella has some answers for us.” He keeps his tone even, calm, and basically all the things I’mnotfeeling right now.
“Is it posted?” Colton’s voice takes a shrill edge as he comes speed skating over, his hockey stick still in hand. “Mom, did I make it? Did I?”
“Do you want me to tell you? Or do you want to look for yourself?” I ask, keeping a blank look on my face, just for the sole purpose of not ruining the moment for him.
“Let me look,” Colton breathes out, his voice shaking. He extends his hand, and I hand him my phone. He opens the page,his face shifting to pure concentration as he reads. Finally, his body grows rigid, and a grin sweeps across his face. He turns to Kade. “I made it!”
Kade explodes with excitement, and together we all celebrate the moment, though I spend most of mine internally feeling smaller than ever. I have enough savings to cover the initial payment due at the end of the first practice…
But that’s where my finances end.
I might have to ask for help.
My eyes flicker to Kade, who’s already put his offer to pay on the table. As if he feels my eyes lingering on me, he whips his head around.
He gives me a concerned expression. “Everything okay?”
I nod. “Totally. Everything’s fine.”
It’s all fine…
Chapter Nineteen
Ella
