Page 72 of Pucked Up Plans
Even more flustered now, I turn around and leave her standing there. Thinking better of my demand, I call out, “Unless that’s weird and uncomfortable in front of Aubrey. If so, use the money to buy yourself a treat, and I’ll pick them up the next time I’m shopping.” I’m careful not to use the wordcondomas I shout to her.
I say nothing else. With a smirk, I get into the truck. Before I drive away, I send her a text.
Close your jaw. And for real. Buy yourself something with the cash. I’ll get the condoms
My eyes stay glued to her, watching her actions from the rearview mirror. She pulls her phone from her pocket, reads the text, and looks up. She mouths, “Soon,” then immediately climbs into her car.
Starting up the engine, I mumble, “Soon isn’tsoonenough.”
Lennon bursts through the door at home. “Mimi, going skating. You got the pizza bagels ready yet?”
Mom’s on the couch, reading a book. Abandoning it, her attention lands on us. “I planned dinner for later since you had a big lunch. You can eat after you skate.”
“Hmm. Good plan. I’m not hungry right now.” She disappears from the room, no doubt going to get her stuff ready.
I slump down in the chair next to the couch.
“How was it?”
“Fine.” The stress from the week catches up with me, and exhaustion tries to claim me.
“Did you talk to the other parents?”
“Tate. Maybe a few more. I don’t really have anything in common with them. You should see the house of the family who hosted. They have money to burn.”
I don’t mean to sound judgmental or envious, but my tone conveys exactly that. Luckily, Mom focuses on the first part of the sentence.
“How’s Tate doing? She has somewhere to spend the holiday? Didn’t you tell me she’s new to town?”
No one can accuse Millie Keeley of not paying attention.
“Yes and yes. Her aunt lives here, so she’s going there.” Kinda wishing I didn’t tell Lennon we could go skating tonight. I’d rather shower and have a movie night. Especially since I have a game tomorrow.
“Okay good. Because they’d be welcome here.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it, and she would too.”
“What time will you be home tonight?”
“I got the ice until seven. She’ll want every minute, so as soon as we get off and changed, we’ll be home.”
“She is her father’s daughter. One day you’ll believe me.”
She’s been telling me that for years, pretty much since Lennon could talk and demanded skates. Possibly even before with something other than skating.
“Keeley, I’m ready.” Lennon’s voice in my ear startles me. It’s not so much loud but near.
My closed eyes open, and I sit up in the chair. I glare pointedly at my mother. “If I ever tried to call you or Dad by your first or last name, I wouldn’t be here to tell this tale.”
She smirks in return. “Boy, that’s all on you. Maybe you shouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”
I can’t even argue with her because she’s right.
“Let me grab my stuff.”
Lennon’s bag is packed and ready to go. I try to make it easy for her. As soon as we get home, she empties it. Once the stuff is washed, the bag gets packed again, ready for next time.
“Give Mimi kisses and tell me all about the party while Daddy gets ready.” Warmth spreads through me as Lennon hops up on the couch next to Ma. Lennon’s lucky to have such a giving, loving, and kind grandmother, someone who will make sure her father doesn’t screw her up too much.
