Page 66 of Dreams
“Suffocating here,” Taylor wheezed.
Her mom stepped back with a laugh and looked her over. Surprising Taylor, she slugged her lightly in the shoulder.
“Hey!”
“Taylor Scott, you live not twenty minutes from here, and the only times I’ve seen you in the past few weeks are at hockey games.”
Taylor rubbed her shoulder but dropped her scowl. “Sorry.” She shrugged. “School’s been crazy.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m sure it’sschoolthat’s been keeping you busy.” She winked, but the action just looked awkward on her face. Taylor couldn’t help but laugh.
“Mom!”
“Your father and I do talk, you know.” She took her by the arm. “Come help me with the pies, and you can tell me all about him.”
“Where’s Ev?”
“Napping, so we have some time, just us.”
“Okay.”
They set up at the counter with everything they needed for her mom’s perfect pumpkin pie recipe. It was so familiar that Taylor felt a small twinge of nostalgia, bringing a smile to her face.
“Care to share with the class?” her mom asked.
“What?”
“You’re spacing out on me.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks grew warm. “Sorry.”
“Does it have something to do with Josh Walker?”
“Huh? Mom …”
“I told you,” she laughed. “I know everything.”
“Oh God.” Taylor leaned against the counter and covered her face with her hands.
“Confession time,” her mom said. “I looked him up. I mean, I’ve met him briefly, but I wanted to see his stats.”
“Of course you did.” Taylor couldn’t help but laughing. Priorities.
“Your father seems to think he’s going places in this league.”
“Do you really want to talk about his game?” Taylor looked sideways, sensing an ulterior motive.
“These boys are different.”
“And the truth comes out.” Taylor walked to the sink to wash her hands. “This is that talk.”
“A mother’s obligation.”
“Are you sure it isn’t coming from Dad?”
“No, actually, your father is quite a fan of the kid.”
“Can’t you follow his lead?”
