Page 11 of Pucking Tangled
“Okay, uhm…rule number 2,” Owen took the pen back.
2. Kitchen is a shared space. No arguments, no music wars, no naked cooking.
“Could you define naked?” Waylon asked.
“What’s rule number three?”
3. Bathroom use is timed. Shower limit: 15 minutes max.
“Luca, this is for you,” Casey said. “We can’t keepdraining the hot water heater when there are other people here that need to shower.”
“Also, if someone’s crying in there, leave them alone unless you’re bringing snacks or whiskey,” Owen added.
Mia bit her cheek and tried not to laugh. “I’m guessing Waylon does a lot of crying in the bathroom?”
He scratched his nose with his middle finger, just for her.
4. If the door is closed, knock. If it’s locked, don’t ask.
“I’d like to add an addendum. No sneaking in my room to borrow chargers, sweatshirts, or because you need emotional intimacy.”
Two days with the boys and someone already stole one of her chargers. It was only a matter of time before Casey found her stash of sweatshirts she borrowed and “forgot” to give back.
“But what if I’m emotionally naked and need to borrow a hoodie?” Waylon asked.
“Or what if I’m looking formysweatshirt?”
Hm. Maybe Casey already knew she was hoarding them. She couldn’t help it. They were the perfect fit and super comfortable. “If I borrowed it, it’s mine. If I want you to have it back, I’ll return it.” Mia smiled sweetly.
5. No fighting in the house unless it’s Mario Kart or NHL 2K.
“We’ve never fought in the house,” Luca spokeup.
“And we’re not going to start.”
“Is the front lawn off limits too, or do you prefer we duke it out in the backyard,Dad?”
“We need a rule about calling me ‘Dad’.”
6. Laundry is not gendered. Everyone folds their own damn socks.
“And washes their own practice gear,” Mia scrunched up her nose and took the pen.
She was catching on fast. Something told her these house rules were long overdue, and had a lot less to do with her and more to do with five people sharing a space.
“Next.” She wrote:
7. Quiet hours for studying are sacred. Respect them or die.
“Add game days to that too, for good measure,” Luca chimed in.
8. Communal fridge = communal snacks. Just don’t eat Mia’s labeled ice cream.
Waylon snatched the pen from Mia’s hand and added, “Buy enough ice cream for everyone.”
He quickly scribbled rule number 9.
9. Do not enter the detached garage, unless you’re invited.
