Page 101 of Ice Darling
“What did they discuss?” Mom prods.
I look away.
“Did Max not tell you?”
“No, ma’am.”
Mom studies me, and I hold my breath, hoping she doesn’t insist that I call Max and get more information. That would set my story up in flames.
“Son, I think that ifMaxis really concerned about his female friend pulling away, he should spend less time being hurt and more time figuring out what he said or did to trigger her reaction.”
What I did? But I didn’t do anything except share my story with her. Everyone in town knows I’m divorced. My past was never a secret. That couldn’t have been what caused this.
My shoulders slump. “I’ll, uh, I’ll let Max know, Mom.”
She wiggles her eyebrows. “Speaking of female friends, you and Cordelia seem very close lately. A little birdie told me you even took her out for ice cream.”
Abort mission!I can sense that Mom is on the prowl to set me up again.
“Do you hear that? I think Gordie’s calling for me.” I shuffle away.
“You’re not getting any younger, Viking!”
“I’ll be right back to walk you to your car!” I yell, hurrying up the stairs.
Mom’s chuckles follow me all the way up the stairs and to my daughter’s room.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Brenda: Sasha, I think the kids may need some help. My son is floundering.
Sasha: What do you mean? Jealousy is a wonderful accelerator.
Brenda: I think it had the opposite effect.
Sasha: I don’t understand.
Brenda: Delia is drawing the line with Viking.
Sasha: What?
Brenda: He’s devastated.
Sasha: Oh no.
Brenda: Bringing in another man may have backfired.
Sasha: Do you think Delia is interested in Brennon over Viking?
Brenda: Don’t jump ship now, Sasha. I still believe in these two.
Sasha: I’m not jumping ship, Brenda. I’m just trying to assess the damage.
Brenda: Oh. I got scared for a minute there.
Sasha: I’ve been working with Brennon for a long time. He’s brilliant, but he’s self-serving and arrogant. Cordelia has a very tender heart and he won’t have the patience to care for her as she deserves.
Brenda: Viking has alllll the patience in the world, but that also means he’s slow when some things require urgency.
