Page 105 of Ice Darling
“Only because Gordie asked,” Theilan grumbles, his eyebrows lowered over his eyes.
“Watson?” I look over at our goalie.
“For Gordie.”
Mauve approaches the table. “I’m glad you boys are talking again. I missed seeing the Lucky Strikers pulling the tables together and having a nice time.”
“We’re not a part of the Lucky Strikers anymore,” Theilan grumbles. “Max made sure of that.”
I want to defend Max, but Ibarelygot these guys to agree to join us at the stadium. I’m not jeopardizing that progress.
Theilan pushes to his feet and storms to the door.
Watson follows him.
“See you guys on Sunday!” I call.
The door crashes behind my teammates.
“They remind me of my moody teenagers after I cut off their video game.” Mauve pats my back. “Everything okay?”
“Getting there. I’ll pay at the register.”
As I follow Mauve to the counter, the bell above the door jangles, and April walks in.
Her eyes brighten and dart around me. “Hey, Renthrow. Where’s Gordie?”
“She’s on a playdate with one of her friends.”
At first, when Gordie begged me to go, I was reluctant. What if she had an episode at her friend’s house? What if the other parent made it worse by freaking out rather than being calm and patient with her during her withdrawal?
I called the psychologist to get her opinion, and she assured me that Gordie seeking out other friendships was a good sign. I dropped Gordie off with strict instructions to call methe minuteshe felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
“It’s Friday night, Gordie’s on a playdate, and you’re herealone?”
“Now you sound like my mother,” I grumble, handing my card over to Mauve.
April laughs.
Mauve joins the conversation, her dark eyes twinkling. “I thought you’d be hanging out with the bike-riding mechanic tonight.”
“Delia’s busy with another guy right now,” April says casually.
Somewhere deep inside my body, a bomb explodes. “Who?”
“Chance told me about him. Said he works for the Davenport company?”
“Brennon?”
“Yeah, that was his name. Delia’s mom sent a car, and he was in the backseat. She got in with him and they drove off.”
Her mom sent the car.
Which means her mom is setting up Brennon and Cordelia on a date.
And worst of all? Brennon and Cordelia will be alone tonight.
My jaw locks into place.
