Page 89 of Snapping the Ice
“Love you too, M-Mom,” I croaked. Fuck, my emotions were getting the best of me again. I breathed through a knot in my throat. “Bye now.”
“Bye.”
Dropping my phone to my side, I sped to Lucas, my vision hazing and chest squeezing the breath out of me. Where were all these emotions coming from?
“Ezra?” Lucas stepped out of his Jeep as I dove into his open arms. Enveloping me in a tight embrace, he said, “Oh my God, babe. Let it out.” He kissed the side of my hair.
My chest thumped against his with quiet weeping as I buried my face in his neck. All these years, I’d thought I’d lost my mother forever. Turned out, Maddy was right. I’d been tooafraid to believe it. After a minute of Lucas shushing me, I calmed and lifted my head. “Fuck, I’m sorry I lost my shit.”
“It’s okay. I’m here. Talk to me.” With his forehead wrinkled, he swiped the hair from my face.
Tucking my phone into the pocket of my jeans, I said, “My mother apologized for kicking me out. She wants to see me. She wants to mend our relationship.” I held my breath, willing the tears and the ache in my heart to subside. “She’s coming here with my sister.”
“Shit, babe, that’s awesome.” He furrowed his brows, and his gaze bolted on mine. “How do you feel about that? Are you still angry about what happened?”
“I…” Staring into the distance at the fluttering fronds on a palm, I said, “I don’t know. I need more time to contemplate this. I was too shocked.” Mom had said little when I came out. She’d been quiet and let Dad berate me. “My mom didn’t stand up for me. She should have, right?” I focused on him again.
“I guess so, but I’m unfamiliar with your family dynamics. Maybe she was afraid to speak up? Is your dad, uh, well, abusive?” He winced.
“He’s…harsh. He yelled a lot when we grew up. He was never a warm person.” I slumped against Lucas. “She might have been afraid of him.” But was she still?
“That’s something you need to unpack with her. Have you thought more about therapy? Maybe you could see one together?” Cupping my cheek, he swept his thumb across it, wiping away the wetness.
Nodding, I said, “I’ll find someone reasonable to see and set up an appointment.” I exhaled. I had found some coverage with my health plan, after all. And if not, I had the damn money.
“Good. I’ll check with Mason and his friends, too. They must know someone.” He freed me and hooked his arm around my waist. “You all right now?”
“I’m good.” I patted his chest. “Fuck, what a day.” I chuckled. “I have a photo shoot to finish.” The guys should get a discount for helping me out today.
“I’ll be your assistant.” With a smile, he walked with me into the studio, holding my hand.
The band members, some standing with guitars slung over their shoulders, and in a circle, were singing an acoustic rendition of Green Day’sGood Riddance. As we walked in, they all looked at us with faint smiles.
Lucas squeezed my hand, and we stopped and watched. It was perfect.
CHAPTER 19
LUCAS
The next day, after the morning skate and shower, Coach Sullivan stepped into the locker room. “Hopkins? A word?”
“Yeah, sure.” I glanced at Crosby, pushing his legs into his joggers. “Any ideas?” Had I not played well enough? I thought I’d been spot on.
Crosby shrugged. “Hell if I know.”
“Maybe you get ass reamed.” Gagnon barked out a laugh at his stall and slipped his shirt over his head. “But then you like that.” He arched a brow.
“Shut it, Gagnon.” Smiling through a scoff, Evan rolled his eyes.
I pointed at Gagnon. He didn’t have a homophobic bone in his body, as far as I could tell. “Does he? Did you tell?—”
“He figured it out.” Evan sat on the bench and slipped into his sneakers. “Dude, you talk about Ezra all the fucking time.”
Gagnon stepped to us, waggling his brows. “The photo guy is not bad to look at.” He patted my shoulder. “Boys-friend?”
Lifting my chin, I said, “Yes, and it’s boyfriend.” Shakingmy head with a sharp snicker, I dropped my towel and stepped into my team joggers. “So, you don’t care, right, Gagnon?”
“No, maybe I like ass ream too.” He cackled, pushing on my chest. “But don’t know yet.” He smirked. “Maybe.”
