Page 37 of Moms of Mayhem
I shook with laughter as the chirping began, glad this kid’s barbs were aimed at someone other than me for once. They flew around the ice, playing posts in one-on-one, Jace ducked low, and snapped the puck right into the crossbar.
His hands shot into the air, a loud whoop echoing through the valley as he celebrated. But it was his little hop as he changed directions, pointing his stick at his uncle, that caught my attention.
I whistled, pointing at his skates, and both Ty and Jace turned to look at me.
“That. Right there. Do that again.”
Jace frowned, looking down at his skates, then up at his uncle. “Score? I told you I’d win the long game.”
“No, you cocky dipshit. The hop.”
Ty started skating backward, then grabbed some cones off the top of the net, throwing them out onto the ice. “Transitions?”
“Exactly. He needs some juice.”
Ty nodded, and laid out several drills, intent on making Jace change directions fast, and be explosive off the drop.
Before I knew it, an hour was up, and Jace lay in the snow next to me, chest heaving and cheeks pink from the cold and exertion.
I stood over him, then gently kicked him in the shoulder. Jace frowned, but I could see the excitement in his eyes.
“Find the juice, bud. You’ve got the raw talent, now we just need to dial up the pace to match your skill level. And maybe tamp down the attitude.”
Jace rolled his eyes, and I turned away from him, making my way back up to the house. “Good job, kid. Put your stuff away, then come inside and shower before school. You smell like a trashcan.”
Jace put away his gear, then grabbed his backpack from my truck, headed toward the back door. He disappeared inside, clearly familiar enough to help himself. The door was unlocked, and he didn’t hesitate.
Ty shut the shed door and locked it. “You serious about coaching?” he asked. “What’s this about you staying in town?”
I scratched the back of my neck, the truth sitting heavy in my gut. “Yeah. I think I am. Mom is worse than she’s letting on. Did you know she has Parkinson’s? I only found out a few days ago.”
“Shit, man, I didn’t know. You just found out?”
I nodded slowly. “She never said anything. The doctors told me when they were discussing her discharge to the rehab center. Otherwise, I’d still be clueless.”
Ty exhaled hard, running a hand down his face. “I wondered, but she never confirmed it. If she had, I would’ve told you.”
“She made it sound like she didn’t want anyone worrying. But after the fall, the doctors said she can’t be alone, not right now. And I just... I don’t feel right leaving.”
Ty gave a single, understanding nod. “What about your contract?”
“Coach is trying to keep me out of trouble.” I took Ty’s outstretched hand to help me stand. “Gavin’s working on it too. I might still be screwed, but I’ll deal with that later.”
Ty jerked his chin toward the house. “And the kid?”
“I know Emmy will skin me alive if I screw this up.” I smirked, remembering her threats as my breath fogged in the cold air. “Trust me, I’m aware.”
Ty’s long strides skipped steps as he went up to the back porch, Rowdy right behind him. I did my best to follow at a much slower, safer pace.
“What’s the deal with Meyers?” I asked as we stopped by the back door.
He let out a long sigh. “Ryan Meyers is a piece of shit. Always was, and he just grew up to be even shittier.”
“Did he hit them?” I asked, rage lighting a fire in my chest at the thought of anyone putting hands on Emmy or Jace.
“If he had, I’d be in prison and he’d be dead,” Ty said flatly. “No. But he’s a narcissist. Everything’s always about him. If it isn’t, he finds a way to make it aproblem.”
That tracked with the arrogant loudmouth I’d shared ice time with in Michigan before entering the draft. Couldn’t stand him then either.
