Page 107 of Pucked Up Plans
“Can we see Tate soon?”
“She and Aubrey are coming for breakfast tomorrow.”
“Is she your lady friend?”
I’m unprepared for her query. “Where did you hear that?”
“I heard Momma talking on the phone about ‘his new lady friend.’”
Damn, Megan. And she’s always on my ass about how I say inappropriate things in front of our daughter.
“Can we talk about this later? We don’t want to be late to the rink.”
“Gosh, no. Let’s do this.” She hands me her bag and scurries down the hall, leaving me reeling after our conversation.
By the time Lennon and I arrive at the rink, our conversation seems forgotten. From Lennon’s point of view. Her question spirals through my mind on a loop, something I’ll bring up to Megan later.
Kenny greets us by the entrance, a girl around my age standing next to him. His hand out in greeting, his eyes land on Lennon first.
“Lennon, so great to see you. Are you ready to skate?”
“Yep. All set.” She bobs her head, her enthusiasm infectious.
“Great.” He motions to his daughter. She’s pretty in an understated way, although the way her makeup cakes on her face is quite off-putting. Her light brown hair is pulled into a braid, and she’s dressed in leggings and a heavy fleece zip up. “This is Liliana. She’s going to sit with you in the stands or take you on the ice when you’re ready.”
At least I got something right today.
Liliana bends down to Lennon’s level. “Lennon, so great to meet you. My dad told me all the great things about you. I can’t wait to see you skate.”
“Nice to meet you.”
Still crouched by Lennon, Liliana looks my way. “Hey, I’m Liliana.”
“Walsh. Thanks for agreeing to monitor her. If she wants to skate, just tell her where she’s allowed to stay. She’ll behave, right, Squirt?”
“Absolutely.” There’s a little devil in her smile, but I think I can trust her.
I drop Lennon’s bag to the floor. “There are some pancakes for a snack in there. Sorry they’re cold, but Tate made them, so they’re yummy.”
The moment I mention Tate, I regret it.
Lennon spins to me, hands on her hips, nostrils flaring in annoyance. “Tate madeyoupancakes?”
“And for you.” I point to her bag.
“When did you see her?”
“Later, Len. We’ll talk about this later.” Over her head, I mouthSorryto Liliana, who waves it off with a flick of her wrist.
Lennon stomps her foot once, and when I’m about to reprimand her, she turns and stalks away from me.
“I’m sorry,” I start to poor Liliana, caught in the middle of our showdown.
She smiles warmly at me. “We’ll be fine.”
“If you need anything, grab me off the ice. She needs help lacing her skates. There’s also a thermos of water in her bag. Make her drink it even if she refuses, please?”
“Sure thing. Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Kids are my specialty, and this age is right up my alley.”
