Page 243 of Playing the Pucking Game
61
PARKER
Irace into my room with trembling legs, my cell ringing again.
Whoever it is, whatever it is, it can’t be good.
Dread sits heavy in my stomach, eradicating any previous good feelings I had from my moment with Linc in the kitchen.
Fear floods through my veins the second I see Mom’s name on my screen.
I snatch it from my nightstand, swipe to connect the call, and press it to my ear.
“Mom?” I all but cry.
“Hey, sweetie,” she sings.
I frown.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh?” she asks in confusion. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“Then why are you blowing up my cell like someone has died?” I ask, collapsing on the bed in relief.
“I just wanted to talk to you. I know it’s your day off, and you haven’t responded to any of my messages or voice mails, so…” She trails off, hurt evident in her tone.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling like a chastised child. “Life has just been chaotic.”
“I know, sweetie. Between you and Rett, I can barely get a reply these days.”
Sadness wraps around me. I don’t want to distance myself from my parents, but unfortunately, I have a life now. A busy one that distracts me from touching base with them as often as possible. It also doesn’t help that I never know what time zone or country they’re in.
“I’m so incredibly proud of you both. And I can’t wait to see you. Give you both a big squeeze.”
A smile curls at my lips—not just at the thought of a hug from her, but also the image that pops into my head of my not-quite-five-foot mom hugging my giant of a big brother. It’s like a kitten trying to hug a bear.
“I know. I miss you guys too.”
I saw them briefly for the holidays, but no sooner had they arrived home than they set off again.
“Well, lucky for you, we arrived home a few hours ago.”
“What?”
“Parker, do you not even read the messages or listen to the voice mails I leave you?”
Guilt descends.
“It’s been a hectic few days, Mom.”
“I’m sure it has,” she deadpans. “So can I assume you know nothing of the table I have reserved for tonight?”
“Uh…”
She chuckles down the line.
“Seven at Papa’s Steak House.”
