Page 34 of Desperate Pucker
I shake my head. “She’s too innocent. She can’t hide the truth to save her life.”
“My Anna Banana has a pure soul, that’s for sure.”
“You’re not going to punish her for drinking when she’s underage, are you? I know you don’t approve, but she did the right thing, Mom. She didn’t try to drive home. She didn’t get a ride with a stranger. She called me.”
She pats my good knee. “Of course I’m not going to punish her. You’re right, she shouldn’t have done it, but I know she learned her lesson. I know she won’t do it again. She’s got a good head on her shoulders.”
“She does.” I nod at Nick. “But that knucklehead.”
She shoves me again.
“Mom, come on. Out of the three of us, Nick’s the biggest troublemaker. Remember when you and Dad caught him smoking cigarettes in the basement, and he lied and said it was a fog machine? And when he used to sneak in past curfew and change the time on the clocks in the living room and kitchen, but forgot that you could tell the time on your cell phones? ”
She lets out a tired chuckle. “Nick’s not as bright as your sister. But he’s a good egg.”
I think about how he punched out a bully picking on Anna in middle school, how he always gets our mom flowers once a month, how he washes our dad’s work truck every time he comes home. As much as my dumbass little brother annoys me, he’s a good person at the core.
The first period ends, and Dad joins us. He shows me the clips he filmed of Nick earlier. It feels good spending this time with my family, especially after the tense morning skating lesson I had with Maddy that ended in us arguing.
“How are your knee and ankle?” Dad asks after he puts his phone back in his pocket.
“A little sore still, but I can tell they’re getting better.”
“How are those lessons with that figure skater going?” he asks.
I grit my teeth. “Fine.”
He and Mom both chuckle.
“She’s kicking your butt, huh?” Dad jokes.
He and Mom laugh again when I don’t say anything.
“Figure skaters are tough,” Mom says. “They have to look all dainty and delicate on the ice, but they’re such powerful skaters. Their stamina and footwork are impressive.”
I look at her, surprised.
“I’ve been reading about figure skaters who work with hockey players to improve their skating. It’s quite something.”
“She’s tough, that’s for sure.” I clear my throat. “We don’t really get along.”
Another chuckle from both of them.
“Is it because she’s as stubborn and hard-headed as you?” Dad teases.
I feel the mildest wave of irritation. I wasn’t expecting my parents to call me out me tonight.
I look at them. “Very funny.”
Mom chuckles. “Looks like you met your match, sweetie.”
“I really did,” I mutter.
Chapter 14
Maddy
Snowflakes fall around me as I walk toward the Bashers arena. I close my eyes for a second, savoring the moment the flakes land on my face, how comforting it feels.
