Page 32 of The Hockey Player and the Tutor
She’s been controlling of me all my life and up until now, I let her. I thought it meant she loved me. That she did it out of concern for my well-being and that’s what mothers do. They protect and love their children.
The thing is, Muriel Davis had a shitty childhood, made even worse when the love of her life—my biological father—left her when she told him she was pregnant.
From that moment on, my mother became a different person and wouldn’t let anyone, especially a man, dictate her life. And in doing so, she ironically controlled mine.
But no more. It ends now.
Since I’ve been back home on the East Coast, my mother has forbidden me to speak with or contact Preston. She didn’t, however, take away my privileges of staying in touch with Maddie and Lola. So I’ve been keeping them apprised of what’s been happening and why I had to leave school, but I haven’t mentioned what I have planned on the day of my birthday.
As for Preston, I just hope he can hold out a little while longer and will forgive me when it’s all said and done.
If he does indeed love me, I hope he’ll hear me out and give me the chance to prove that I love him in return.
* * *
I wake up on my birthday to find a note on the dining room table from my mother. She’s been unexpectedly called away to Japan for the week.
Sayonara, Mother.
Making a few phone calls, one to my attorney and the banker who handles my trust, I pack my bags and leave a note for my mother’s return.
Dear Mother,
I love you and I will always be your daughter.
But you don’t own me. I’m not your employee and I’m not a pet who can be told to sit, stay, and fetch on your whim.
I hope someday we can sort this out and you will see me for what I truly am. An independent woman who can make her own decisions and choices.
I hope you had a good trip and return safely.
With love,
Your daughter, Brinly
As I shut the front door of our house behind me, I throw my bags into the back of an Uber waiting to take me to the train station, where I’ll continue to JFK. I say goodbye to the home I grew up in and give a farewell to the life that never was mine to begin with.
It’s an hour ride to the train depot and another hour into the city and the airport. From there, it’s a five-and-a-half-hour cross-country flight to the West Coast. I have plenty of time to get caught up on the assignments I missed while on my unexpected leave and to review what I’ll say to Preston when I see him again.
When I land back in our small college town in Washington State, Lola and Maddie are at the arrivals gate with birthday balloons and cupcakes in hand.
“Happy birthday, Brin!”
“We’re so glad you’re back, girly!”
I hug them both and smile, tears piercing the corners of my eyes. “It’s good to be home,” I say, knowing it’s the absolute truth.
They are my home and my found family.
ChapterSixteen
Preston
“Get your head out of your ass, Dahl, and play some hockey!” Coach yells from the bench as I fly by toward the blue line.
He’s not wrong. I’ve been playing like shit tonight and my legs feel like tree trunks planted in the earth. They don’t seem to want to move no matter how hard I try and hustle. I’m also being hounded by the Montana line, which is all over me tonight like I’m the only guy out here. Every pass or play I try to make, they shut me down.
I set up the next play, skating fast down the ice, checking out my peripheral where Conrad rushes forward on the right along the boards. On my left is Breckin, who sails around me and then behind the net. I deke my opponent, trying to escape his coverage, and float the perfect pass to Brecks. With a quick flick of his stick, he tips it through the slot past the goalie’s stick and he scores.
