Page 102 of Snapping the Ice
“Hello, Scott.” Ezra waved into the camera. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve raised two incredible men, both on and off the ice.”
I tapped my head on Ezra’s, my insides warming.
“Why, thank you.” The edge of Dad’s lips curled. “I have to admit, this bisexual thing threw me for a loop, but I can see the love between you.” He shook his head. “Just like Mason and Jett.”
“How much did Mason tell you both?” I eyed him. Knowing my brother, he wouldn’t have held much back.
“Everything.” Dad pursed his lips. “I’m sorry about your family, Ezra.”
“Oh, but my mom is going to PFLAG meetings with my sister. They’re coming to visit in a few weeks.” Ezra’s face lit.
The phone jostled and Mom’s face came into view. “Really? Oh my gosh, I’m so happy for you, honey. You know PFLAG helped knock some sense into Scott when Mason came out to us.” She offered a broad smile.
“I heard that. I’m excited, but also nervous. I haven’t seen my mom since I was eighteen.” He breathed in deeply.
“Ezra, this marks a new chapter for you. If you ever need someone to talk to, you can always call me.” She ticked her head. “And I mean that.”
“Thank you, Jennifer.” Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, he hugged me to his side. “Since I’ve met your son, I have more support than I could ever imagine.”
“Damn right, babe.” I kissed his cheek. It was getting late, and we had shit to do. “Hey, Mom? We should get going.”
“Okay, honey. Stay in touch and we’ll be watching the games,” Mom said.
Dad’s face filled the screen. “And you play well out there. This is your chance. You have no idea how proud I am to see you and Mason finallyplaying together.”
“Oh, I have an idea.” I chuckled. I could only imagine if I had two sons on the same hockey team. “Anyway, talk to you soon. Bye.”
In unison, Mom and Dad waved and said, “Goodbye.”
I ended the call and faced Ezra. “Well? Was it what you thought?” I gauged his reaction.
“It was better. They’re both down to Earth and welcoming.” He pressed a soft kiss on my mouth. “I’m so happy to be a part of your life.”
“I can’t imagine a life without you in it.” Placing my hand on his cheek, I gazed deeply into his brown eyes. The darkness I’d seen in them when we’d met was gone.
CHAPTER 22
EZRA
The day had come when I was meeting my mother for the first time since leaving Alabama behind. She was heading to my apartment with Maddy straight from the airport and I’d made tea sandwiches and a fruit salad.
According to my therapist, it was an appropriate meal for the conversation we needed to have. Not too heavy and not too light.
I’d done extensive forgiveness work, and today would put it to the test. I set a platter holding the sandwiches on my dinette along with plates and the bowl of fruit.
“Hey, babe, I think I see them coming.” Lucas, standing at the window, slid his phone from his jean’s pocket. “I’m letting Stella know, and then she’ll be ready to come over later.”
“Great.” I slid my sweaty palms down the hips of my jeans, my pulse ratcheting. What would Mom look like now? It had been eight long years. I peeked out the window and into the sunny afternoon, the tall trees throwing shade over the swimming pool.
Maddy strolled along the walkway, chatting excitedly withMom, her brown hair peppered with gray streaks, a long sweater hugging her thin frame and black leggings underneath.
With a deep inhale, I flung the door open and stepped into the entry.
Maddy’s brown eyes sparkled, and her smile grew. Her brown hair was in a high ponytail and fell around her shoulders. She must have grown it out. She wore a light sweatshirt and yoga pants. “Ezra?” She clapped her hands over her chest.
“Hey, Maddy.” With my heart drumming against my ribcage, I stepped toward them.
Maddy ran at me, threw her arms around my waist, and gave me a fierce hug. “Oh my God, it’s been too long.” She buried her face in my neck. “You look so good, Ezra. Better in person.” She freed me, holding my shoulders and trailing her gaze over me. “My God…”
