Page 119 of Wild About You
Jack, Ash, Maverick, and a couple of other guys are hanging off to the side.
“Looks like we’re still on homework duty,” I call.
They cheer and then Jack tips his head to me. “I made reservations for all of us. I’ll text you the address. Meet you guys there.”
I take a step closer to my mom. “Can you stay another night or for dinner at least?”
“I have to get back for work,” she says.
“Okay.” Awkward silence fills the space between us for a beat. “Thanks for coming to the game.”
“I’m glad I did.” She smiles. “You still get the same look on your face when you score a goal that you did when you were seven.”
“I do?”
She nods. “On the ice is always where you seemed happiest.”
I don’t know what to say so instead I lean forward and give her a one-arm hug. “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too.”
I step back and lace my fingers with Piper. She squeezes my hand. Mom and Everly hug their goodbyes, and my sister promises to call and check in more regularly. They seem like things are better between them. I hope so. And maybe someday Mom and I will get there, too. I want that, don’t get me wrong, but I know that even if that doesn’t happen, I have family in Piper, Ev, and my teammates.
Mom leaves from the arena and the rest of us head to the restaurant. I get pulled up to the bar with the guys.
“Hell of a game tonight, boys,” Jack says. “Keep that shit up and we’ll be playing hockey in May.”
We lift our glasses and cheers. I’m anxious to talk to Piper so I cut out and stride back to the table. She and Everly are huddled up together. I slow my steps as I get close.
“This is for you,” Piper tells her, and places the gold Gucci bracelet she and I passed back and forth so many times in my sister’s palm. Ev might not know the significance of it, but I do. Piper’s father gave that to her. It was her most favorite possession when she was Everly’s age. Still might be for that matter. I think I fall even more in love with her.
“It’s so pretty.” My sister wraps it around her wrist and Piper helps her clasp it.
Everly sees me hanging back and holds up her arm proudly. “Look what Piper gave me.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I love it so much. Thanks, Pipes.” Everly squeezes her and then gets to her feet. “Grace is waiting outside. Is it okay if I go?”
“Yeah. Home by ten,” I say.
“Midnight?” A mischievous smile tugs up the corners of her mouth.
“Eleven. Final answer.”
“Thanks, Ty.” She hesitates before hugging me again. While she’s in close, she whispers, “Are you going to do it tonight?”
I glance at Piper. “I’m not sure. Waiting for the perfect moment.”
“Ask her,” she demands before pulling away. “Bye, Piper.”
I rub at my chest as she says a quick goodbye to the guys and then rushes for the front doors.
“You’re stressing again already, aren’t you?” Piper comes to me and rests her hand over mine.
I capture it and bring our joined fingers to my lips. “I’m good.”
“Liar.” She presses her body flush to mine. “I have something for you.”
