Page 5 of Pucked Up Plans
Over the three years I’ve been at Aspenridge, I’ve gotten to know Kenny well. He’s at every practice and home game, occasionally even traveling with the team to the local away games. As much as I’m loyal to the Nordic rink, I’m building a good rapport with the bigwigs here. You never know when you’re going to need something.
“We’re hosting a onetime clinic the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and we need volunteers.” Before I can even digest the question, he continues. “I’ve seen you with the young kids, how you are with Lennon. It’s only a two-hour commitment and would spruce up any résumé.”
My mind churns with adding one more thing to my plate. I’m already overworked between classes, hockey, and my part-time job at Nordic rink, not to mention Lennon. It may only be a “one-day” commitment, but it could also mean less time with her that day.
My attention diverts to her. She’s sucking down the squeezie I had the forethought to loosen the top of earlier. Lost in her own little world, the idea of giving up what little time I already have with her weighs heavily on my heart.
“Before you say no, just tell me you’ll think about it. It doesn’t interfere with Aspenridge games or practice. I already checked.” Kenny must sense my hesitation. He sweetens the deal, makingit almost impossible to say I won’t at least consider it by adding, “Did I mention volunteers get free ice time?”
Blowing out a breath, my gaze back on Kenny, I agree, “I’ll think about it. It’s about the best I can do.”
His mouth breaks out in a smile. “Thank you for even considering it. I know how full your plate is, but you were the first person who came to mind when the opportunity arose.” His scrutiny drifts to Lennon. “She entertains herself well on the ice.”
“I often wonder what runs through her mind as she skates. I’ve asked her, but she won’t spill her secrets.”
His chuckle resounds around the empty arena. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. She’s going to go places in the rink and in life.”
“Thanks. Taking it one day at a time, learning from my mistakes. With no parent handbook to guide me, all I can do is my best.”
“The best advice I ever got as a parent. Still trying to follow it with my teenagers.” This time, his chuckle is more subdued.
“I try not to think that far. If I don’t acknowledge she’ll ever be a teenager, she’ll stay this little forever, right?”
“If only that were the case. It goes by in the blink of an eye. The days might be long, but the years are short. Cherish them.”
As much as I’ve heard the same advice so many times before, it seems different coming from Kenny. Almost as if he truly means it rather than a platitude.
He stands up, and I follow suit.
“When do you need an answer by?” I ask as we walk back to Lennon, still sitting on the bench.
“Two weeks or so.” As we approach, Lennon turns her head and smiles up at us. “Little lady, make sure you come back soon to skate.”
At the very insinuation of more time on the ice, her eyes twinkle. “I’m free tomorrow, right, Keeley?” She makes a similar face to the one I gave her earlier, except her puppy dog eyes and pouty lips are more adorable.
“We’ll talk about it in the car, Squirt.”
“Her enthusiasm is priceless. Make sure you don’t squash it.” With a pat on Lennon’s head, he walks away, his parting words lingering in the air behind him.
Despite her best efforts at holding it back, a yawn breaks free. “Come on. Let’s go home for a bath. Thank goodness Mimi already fed you dinner.”
I quickly shuck my gear and pack up all our stuff. Shouldering the bag on one arm, she finagles her way into the other.
“Can I sleep with you tonight? I promise not to get out of bed.”
“No.”
“Just this one night. My pillow misses your bed. And your blanket is so much softer than mine.”
The girl’s got a million excuses at bedtime about why she can’t fall asleep or why she needs to sleep in my bed. She has the same blanket, but the five-year-old in her thinks I’ll fall for any and all excuses.
“No.”
“But, Dad.”
Bringing out the “Dad” means business.
“I said no, Lennon Victoria.”
