Page 38 of Ice Darling
“Exactly. Renthrow needs this car to take Gordie to school and to her…” Mrs. Renthrow’s voice suddenly breaks, and she inhales shakily. “Anyway, we need help. Right now. It can’t wait.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek.
The alarm bells in my head are going off again. Mom hasn’t called since the last time she tried to set me up with Renthrow. She probably knows that I’ve got a mouthful to say about her matchmaking attempt.
However, even if thisisattempt number two, I’m a mechanic, and it’s my job to fix broken-down vehicles. I can’t turn down this job.
Maybe I can check on Gordie too.
“Okay,” I agree. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
Chapter Fourteen
Renthrow
Episodes.
That’s what the fancy child psychologist calls them. Those awful moments when Gordie slips away and turns into someone I don’t recognize.
“During those times of withdrawal, it’s best to let her be, Mr. Renthrow.”
“For how long?”
“Until she’s ready.”
“And when will she be ready?”
“When she lets someone in.”
“I need more than that.”
“I’m afraid we can’t force progress.”
“My baby girl is hurting. She’shurting. And…what? I’m just supposed to watch?”
“You’re supposed to wait.”
I hate waiting. It’s why I’m a forward. When I’m on the ice, my eyes are on the opposing team’s net, and I put everything on the line. Doesn’t matter who comes at me. Doesn’t matter how hard it seems. I push through despite the odds.
Holding back goes against the very core of who I am, as a man and as a father.
“Viking.” Mom’s voice sounds like it’s coming from far away. “Viking?”
“Huh?” I startle and catch my reflection in the glass of the upper cupboards. There are bags under my eyes and stubble around my mouth. I haven’t shaved in days, and it shows.
Mom gives me a strange look. “You’re burning the bacon.”
The aroma of burning meat fills my senses.
“Oh.” I swipe the stove knob so the flame dies. “I guess we’re having burgers with extra crispy bacon today.”
Mom tsks. “What were you thinking so deeply about?”
I glance at Gordie who is playing with her tablet.
Mom’s gaze follows me there, and her eyes tremble with sadness.
Afraid she’s going to cry again, I blurt, “Max is announcing the changes to the team tomorrow. Theilan and Watson can tell something’s up, and they asked me if I knew anything.”
