Page 84 of Broken Hearts
“Okay, then, Johnny Maverick?”
“Rhett Rauthruss,” I say before she continues guessing.
“Oh, hey, he’s from Minnesota.”
“I know.”
“Right,” she says. “How long have you been dating him? And can he get me a last-minute ticket to the final game? If you’re there, I bet Mom and Dad would let me come.”
“Did you need something or were you just calling to catch up?”
“Both, but I’ll cut to the chase since you have more exciting things to do.” She stops. “The first game is starting soon.”
“Valley doesn’t play until later.”
“You’re not even watching the other teams?” She sighs. “You so do not deserve to be there.”
“Noted. So what did you want to tell me? I’m standing outside of the restaurant where the team is having dinner.”
“Jealous times one thousand,” she mutters. “I was calling because I wanted to see if you were ready for your competition next weekend?”
“Oh.” I expected her news to be something bigger. “Yeah. I’m so ready. I’m disappointed it’s the last one, but I’m adding a double—”
“We’re coming!” She grins and looks around, then leans closer to her screen. “Mom and Dad want to fly down and surprise you. Don’t tell them I told you.”
“Seriously?”
She nods. “Don’t act like you know!”
“I won’t. Thanks for the heads-up.” Our parents are always trying to surprise us. They think it’s the coolest thing, even though both their daughters are very anti-surprise. Especially on the day of a competition. It would be nice to see them, though. “Are you coming with them?”
“Unless they decide to start trusting me to stay home alone.”
“Well, I hate to bet against your budding independence, but it would be good to see you.” I hold up my hands where she can see I’m crossing my fingers. “So, here’s hoping you’re still untrustworthy.”
She laughs. “I should get in the shower before dad puts in a workout DVD and makes me join him. Wish you were here. I miss you.” She sticks out her bottom lip.
“Me too. Love you, Al.”
“Don’t forget—you don’t know anything! They’re going to wait until Friday when we’re getting on the plane to tell you.” She smiles big into the screen.
“I won’t say a word,” I promise.
“Why couldn’t your competition have been a month ago. I won’t even be able to see a hockey game while we’re there.” Her smile gives away her tease.
“Love you too.”
“Call me during the game later. I just want to hear the noise of the game.”
“Yeah, we’ll see.”
“Bye, S.”
Inside the restaurant, the team is easy to find as they take up one entire side. A few other girlfriends and family members have crashed.
There’s an empty chair pulled up next to Rhett’s, but I skip it and sit on his lap so I can hug him. “Hey.”
He chuckles softly. “Hey. Miss me?”
